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 6 No. 5 | February 2, 2024

Notes from the Editor:


I avoided tracking down Punxatawney Phil on Groundhog's Day, just in case he was bringing a chilly forecast for the next six weeks. I'm a little tired (already!) of wearing a hoodie over a sweatshirt over a long-sleeve T-shirt and footies with my Crocs sandals. I'm ready to get back in the pool!


The great news for this weekend is the long list of must-do things. Tops on my list so far, subject to juggling and rearranging: Gardenfest! and Vero Beach Art Club's Art Trail. Opera buffs have Vero Beach Opera, jazz lovers have the Treasure Coast Jazz Society, classical fans can listen to the Space Coast Symphony AND Brevard Symphony's POPS concert! Then there's Old Heart and A Midsummer Night's Dream at Vero Beach Theatre Guild, ELC's Mangroves, Moonlight, and Mambo! AND the Garlic Festival in Wellington.


And don't forget the First Fridays!


This Arts Blast offers news of plenty of things to do but there are far more that we can't fit in. Make the Arts Blast calendar at willimiller.com a frequent stop.


Willi

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you're responsible for promoting an arts-related event, send in details using the format at the end of this email. There's no charge for basic calendar listings but your advertising flyer that includes a link to your website will do more to catch readers' attention. Email for advertising information in Arts Blast and Arts Blast on the Air.


Please support small, local businesses. Arts Blast is one of them, so if you have an event coming up, or something artsy to sell or teach, consider advertising it in Arts Blast and/or Arts Blast on the Air!


Click to Subscribe to Arts Blast


Some St. John webcam links, just for the beauty of it.

Arts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller

January 31, 2024 -Rusty Young and Marty Paris discuss the Live From Vero Beach Music Series via MusicWorksConcerts.com... and Leah Blythe-LoPresti, David LoPresti and Dominique Tynes tell us about the 2024 Art Trail Fine Art Show presented by Vero Beach Art Club.


Note: Arts Blast on the Air podcast is now available on more sites — SpreakerSpotifyiHeartRadioDeezerPodcast AddictPodchaser; and JioSaavn — and there's even an Alexa skill! "Alexa, play the latest Arts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller."

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.

In This Issue



  • Message to Students from Ballet Vero Beach
  • Gardenfest!
  • Riverside Theatre "Morning After Grace"
  • Vero Beach Theatre Guild
  • Brevard Symphony / Indian River "Rhapsody in Blue"
  • Vero Beach Opera
  • Brevard Watercolor Society
  • Indian River State College "Rhinoceros"
  • Live from Vero Beach "The Cowsills"
  • Central Brevard Art Association
  • Norton Museum
  • Atlantic Classical Orchestra at Elliot
  • Community Church Lenten and Poetry
  • Aida the Musical at IR Charter HS
  • AGO Organ Recital
  • Car Show at Edison & Ford




And More ...!


Scroll down for a load of entries from the Arts Blast online calendar.

Friday Fest - TONIGHT!

February 2 Weather permitting


Fort Pierce City Marina Square - 5:30 - 8:30 pm

FREE Admission

FREE Parking - Parking Garage

NO PETS OR COOLERS

MUSIC, Arts & Crafts,

Children's Activities

Commercial & Non Profit Vendors

Music by THE OLD HIPPIES

Gardenfest!

It's finally here and your wagon should be ready to go to Riverside Park this weekend for Gardenfest! Make your list. Pack some plastic bags for your car, singles for tipping the young folks who help you with your selections, and hand wipes, of course. (Bananas, herbs, maybe a short, bushy palm tree, some colorful perennials, one of Clay Millare's gorgeious exotic plants are on my list.)


Do yourself, your pet, and other shoppers a big favor and leave your pooch at home.

One of the vendors with Gardenfest! from the very beginning is Clay's Tropical Garden in Valkaria. Owner Clay Millare took a short break from getting ready to hit the road to Vero beach to tell me a little about his Valkaria Gardens.


As sometimes happens, this business was rooted in a hobby that got out of hand and then pulled in Clay's family — his wife and sister — to make it grow. They have two locations, Clay said, "First location three acres, second location five acres. It's my passion." His garden is filled with exotic plants, mainly tropical. His vision is to be different from everyone else, he said.


To do that, he travels the tropical world to collect specimens: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Sril Lanka, Puerto Rico, Peru, Taiwan, Malaysia. "As long as you have an import permit from the agriculture department, you can bring in most varieties."

Even after all these years as a Gardenfest vendor, Clay says it's still hard to decide which plants to take, so they select a variety of customers' and their own favorites. "Customers' favorites change year after year. You never know what they'll be looking for."


According to Clay, plants can hear, so "I learned to never say my favorite. They are all my favorites." What he will say within their hearing range is, "Plants I recommend this year are the clerodendron light bulb, bromeliad Tala, desert rose imported direct from Thailand." The first picture below is the first plant on his list.


It's a lot of work to be in Gardenfest! but it's worthwhile, Clay said. "We enjoy the process of setting up — it's all fun and meeting new plant lovers. Come say hi if you're coming to the show!"

Photo 1: Clay Millare; Photo 2: A Gardenfest shopper's garden

'clerodendron light bulb'

bromeliad Neoregelia ‘inferno’

bromelias tillandsia ‘cyanea’


Art Trail 2024!

The Art Trail in Vero Beach is a unique combination of a treasure hunt and studio tour, featuring more than 15 locations on the online map. You can create your own self-paced tour of the work locations and see their workspaces. Get the map on the VBAC website.


Get ready to embark on a fun-filled artistic journey with the Art Trail!

February 3 & 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This is a rain or shine event!

www.verobeachartclub.org/art-trail

Indian River Charter High School with Lincoln Park Academy Presents Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida


From Indian River Charter HS:


Indian River Charter High School (IRCHS) announced its collaborative production of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, featuring students from Lincoln Park Academy (LPA) in Fort Pierce. The show runs from February 7th to the 10th, with nightly performances at 7:00 p.m.


Entirely student-driven, the production is helmed by the skilled technical theatre students of IRCHS, with standout performers from both schools' musical theatre departments taking center stage. The show is directed by Fednike Nozistene of IRCHS and Savannah Forbus of LPA.


Aida, recipient of four 2000 Tony Awards, unfolds the compelling love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess torn from her homeland; Amneris, an Egyptian princess; and Radames, the soldier ensnared in their affections. The production promises an immersive experience, spotlighting the remarkable abilities of the IRCHS and LPA students.

Tickets are available at irchs.org.



IRCHS Students Samara Lewis (12) as Aida and Nathan Suniphon (12) as Radames - photo by Amelia Strazzulla

A message for graduating seniors and recent high school graduates:

It’s time to apply to Ballet Vero Beach’s Fellowship Initiative for Dancers! 

This two-year fellowship is reinventing how young artists enter the field by providing dancers the opportunity to gain professional dance experience while obtaining their degree (paid for by the company) and receiving ancillary teaching training. 

Spaces for the Fellowship are limited so you’re encouraged to apply today! 

To learn more and to fill out an application visit our website at www.balletverobeach.com or click the fellowship link in our bio. 



 Ballet Vero Beach dancers @elliemariehennequin and @francocuberoacosta prepare to take the stage in a recent performance

From BVB CEO/Artistic Director Adam Schnell:

'Tis the season. Nope, not that season! It is once again advocacy season in the state of Florida. The Florida House and Senate have released their preliminary budget recommendations, and, as always, it is time to respond.


Did you know that the nonprofit sector (which includes arts organizations) in Florida represents 5 to 6% of the overall economy? That is equal with either manufacturing or construction. Take your pick.


Did you also know that for every dollar the state grants to arts organizations $9 return to the state in the form of revenue. Where else can you get that type of return on investment?


Currently the thing to do is to email our representatives and let them know you support fully funding all grant requests submitted by the Division of Arts and Culture.


Many of us know Representative Brackett and Senator Grall personally. Ask them what Indian River County would be without our arts organizations. Encourage them to steadfastly support the arts in our area. And, while you are at it, let them know what else you would like them to support (or not). We elected them. They represent us.


To make things easy, here is a link to email Representative Brackett: Email Representative Brackett


And here is one for Senator Grall: Email Senator Grall


All my best, and thanks in advance for your help!

Adam Schnell

Artistic Director/CEO

Riverside Theatre presents


Morning After Grace

 

Through February 18

 

When Grace dies unexpectedly, her husband, Angus, discovers facets of her life he was totally unaware of. With the help of Abigail, a very new acquaintance, he finds himself experiencing things he hasn’t in a long time. Enter Ollie, a neighbor and former baseball player, who brings some shocking insights.  With comical revelations, this unlikely trio tackle love, loss and coming to terms with growing old.

Meet our Newest Sponsor — Welcome to Arts Blast, Cynthia Callander!

Poetry & Organ Series at Community Church



  • February 15 - Jane C. Miller
  • February 22 - Sean Sexton
  • February 29 - Carol Lynne Knight

at 11 a.m.

Looking Ahead with the TCCAGO:


Jason Roberts Organ Recital

Thursday February 8, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church Vero Beach

 

Mark Herman Organ Recital

Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church of Fort Pierce

 

Christiann Teeuwsen Recital & Workshop

March 2024 Date/Time TBA

Hosted by Ray Adams

 

TCCAGO Member Recital

Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

St. Andrews Episcopal Church of Fort Pierce.

Annual Black History Month

Celebration


February 3 @ 1 p.m.


The concert is Free

But If you would like to make a donation ,,,


Rev. Dr. Crystal Bujol has prepared another wonderful presentation with the focus on the importance of Black Music and the African American experience. Gifford Youth Orchestra students will be performing piano, vocal, and string compositions ranging from Classical to African American Spirituals and popular contemporary tunes. Special guest speakers will offer stories and insights into the messages behind the lyrics and the significance these composers on our nation's history and all of us. 


Luncheon Reception Follows


Gifford Community Center

4855 43rd Ave., Gifford, FL


Save the Date for an Elegant Evening 

Gifford Youth Orchestra's

Annual Benefit Gala on February 12, 5:30 pm Quail Valley River Club, Vero Beach

Hilarious Comedy opens this week

at the McAlpin Theatre, IRSC Fort Pierce!


Rhinoceros February 1 – 4


What happens when one man dares to think for himself?


Everyone turns into rhinoceroses!


Stampede to the McAlpin Theatre and experience the hysterics on stage. Set in a quaint French town, where everyone starts turning into rhinoceroses, but no one seems to understand why or care, this hilarious 1959 absurdist comedy is a ridiculous satire of the dangers of mob mentality. 

From The Bass:

ART OUTSIDE ANNUAL PICNIC POSTPONED 

NEW DATE: SUN | APRIL 7 | 3 - 6 PM

Stormy Weather Alert! The inaugural Art Outside Annual Picnic is postponed due to anticipated inclement weather. Save the official date of The Bass' 60th Anniversary, for the rescheduled picnic celebration!

"Celebrating 100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue"

Brevard Symphony Orchestra - Christopher Confessore, Conductor

Acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Biegel joins the BSO for an unforgettable celebration of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” premiered 100 years ago. This concert also features arrangements of classic Gershwin melodies “Embraceable You,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Strike Up the Band,” along with the Central Florida Premiere of “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue,” a newly-composed work by acclaimed composer Peter Boyer that pays tribute to the iconic Gershwin sound. February 3, 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the King Center in Melbourne; February 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Community Church of Vero Beach.

Jeffrey Biegel, Pianist

Each February, about 10,000 fifth grade students in Brevard and Indian River counties attend one of BSO’s 6 free concerts designed specifically for elementary school students.


These concerts take place February 6-8, 2024 at the King Center in Melbourne. This year's theme is "Around the World with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra", a nod to how music is the international language. For many, this will be the first time these students will attend a symphony concert. Together, we can foster a love of music that will stay with them throughout their lives.


For more information of this BSO concert series and possible support, go to ww.brevardsymphony.com

The Cowsills - Live!

Back in the 1960’s and early 1970’s four brothers who wanted to be The Beatles formed a band called The Cowsills. Today, The Cowsills are recognized as one of the pioneers of the family band genre and as an influential force in pop culture. Their legacy lives on through their music, their fans, and their surviving members. They will appear on The Emerson Center stage on Thursday evening, February 8, at 7 p.m.


The Cowsills started playing school dances and churches around their home in Newport, RI.  Eventually as their harmonic sound was perfected, they expanded their offerings and played together in many locales. Early recordings were released on Mercury records and soon the rest of the family joined the band, Mom, Barbara and younger siblings Susan and Paul.  They were then signed to MGM records where they began their climb to the top. They appeared as guests on many television shows and even hosting their own TV special.  They imitated The Beatles, recorded the song Hair and inspired the Partridge Family TV Show.


Today the surviving Cowsills continue to make music, sometimes individually and sometimes together, and their harmonies are still as infectious and bright as ever.  They released a new album called Rhythm of the World, in September, 2022.  Audiences will be pleased to hear their old hits including: “The Rain The Park and Other Things,” “Pennies,” “La Rue Du Soleil,” “Thinkin’ About The Other Side,” “Dreams of Linda,” “River Blue,” and “Getting Into That Sunny, Sunny, Feelin’ Again,” among many others.


For tickets: www.MusicWorksConcerts.com or  (800) 595-4849



The Emerson Center is on the campus of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, 1590 27th Ave.  

Paul Cowsill took time to email a Q&A with Arts Blast for this issue:


Arts Blast: You'll be doing more than just singing at The Emerson. There's an award presentation!


Paul: We were completely surprised. Especially when they asked to do it at our show in Vero beach at the Emerson. We are honored and humbled by being inducted into the New England music hall of fame. Being from Newport Rhode island makes this induction all the more special. And that we get to do the ceremony during our concert at the Emerson makes it all the more fun.

Arts Blast: What was the age range of the group at the height of The Cowsills popularity?


Paul: The ages ranged from our little sister Susan, who was 7, to our mom, who was always 29 and holding. Probably in her 30's. Ages went 7,10,12, 14, 16 and 18. And then Mom.


Arts Blast: How did touring and recording with your siblings and mother affect your home and school life?


Paul:Touring was great fun for us kids. We loved it. The siblings were always close and we remain best friends to this day.


Arts Blast: How did your schoolmates handle your fame?


Paul: We went to professional schools, where everyone was in the business, so not much harassment from the other kids. We never worried about what other kids said about us.


Arts Blast: Have you, Bob, and Susan carried on performing together all these years


Paul: We have been doing this for 58 years. There have been moments like raising our kids, the military that took us out for a bit. But this is what we do. This is what we love to do. So we will go as long as our audience wants to go. And They have not stop coming to the shows.


Arts Blast: How much time do you spend on the road these days and where are you when you aren’t touring?


Paul: We do about 100 shows a year. So we are working all year.

Photo, L-R: Paul, Susan, Bob

February 2-4


At Vero Beach Theatre Guild

2020 San Juan Ave.

Vero Beach

Winter Art Show & Sale

Central Brevard Art Association


February 8 & 9 9am-5pm

February 10 from 10am-4pm


Cape Canaveral Public Library

201 Polk Ave., Cape Canaveral

43rd Asbury Short Film Concert Asbury Shorts USA – Tenth Anniversary at VBMA!


Asbury Shorts USA is New York City’s longest running short film exhibition and touring show. Since 1981, short film “concerts” have been presented at venues across the US, Canada, Great Britain, and Germany. The mission is to screen world-renowned, festival award-winning short films in theaters, art museums, and performing art centers. The VBMA is thrilled to present Asbury Shorts’ 43nd Short Film Concert at the VBMA for the tenth consecutive year. The program will feature a fast-paced and highly entertaining line up of the best in short film Comedy, Drama, and Action. The two-hour showcase includes Oscar Nominees, US film festival “Best in Show” winners, and international honorees past and present. The program is hosted by Asbury Shorts Founder/Director Doug LeClaire.

Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 1:30pm or 7pm

Individual Seats: $25

Space is limited; pre-registration required.

Best of Broadway & Opera


February 3 @ 7pm

Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center


The Best of Broadway & Opera includes music from Turandot, Westside Story, La Traviata, Sunday in the Park with George, I Pagliacci, and more!


The concert features soprano Chelsea Lehnea, tenor Joshua Wheeler, bass-baritone Andrew Allan Hiers, mezzo-soprano Gabrielle Beteag and the Vero Beach Opera Chorus. 

Annual Antique Ford Car Show

Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Go back to the days where you enjoyed your favorite pastimes at our Annual Antique Ford Car Show tomorrow! Classic car owners will exhibit cars on the Ford lawn as a tribute to Henry Ford, the pioneer of the automobile industry. Along with the car show, there will be music, food trucks and visitors can tour the gardens, museum, laboratory and see the historic homes.


The family event is free for Edison Ford members and $25 for non-members, which includes a self-guided tour of the entire site. Admission tickets may be purchase online or at the ticket counter (advance ticketing not required).



Splash! 2024, Brevard’s largest watercolor show, presented by the Brevard Watercolor Society (BWS), will be held on Saturday, February 17th and Sunday, February 18th from 10am to 4pm at the Azan Shriner Center, 1591 West Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne. It features original watercolors by BWS members (all local artists), a juried art show and other awards, a student exhibition, an artist's marketplace where you can shop for unique works of art, raffles, and silent auction. The full slate of demonstrations includes a 5-artist "paint-around" on Saturday.


Splash is a wonderful chance to see (and acquire) watercolor paintings and other items from local artists. Admission and parking are free, so come visit the show and browse the Marketplace.

Brevard Watercolor Society is dedicated to promoting the beauty of watercolor painting and enriching the quality of life in our community through workshops, education, and exhibitions.


BWS membership includes opportunities for learning through demonstration: interactive monthly mini workshops and discounted 3-day workshops; being part of our annual “Splash” show; attending plein air outings, art events and trips; and enjoying the camaraderie and friendship of other artists.


BWS was established in 1995; it is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, sponsored in part by the Brevard Board of County Commissioners, through the Brevard Cultural Alliance, Inc.

Photos:

BWS President Teri Mahnken at the 2023 Flora and Fauna Show

Splash! 2023 "Paint-around" - 5 artists, 5 paintings

Splash! 2023 First Prize Winner - Yellow Boat by Therese Ferguson

First Presbyterian Winter Art Reception and Show

 

The public is invited to an opening reception for the annual Winter Art Show at The Galleries of First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard. The show runs through March 31 and will showcase three standout artists, Evelyna Helmer, Maciek von Ato and Bertelle Brooking, as their work is displayed in galleries throughout the church campus. Refreshments will be served. The show runs through March 31.


For more information about the Show, visit www.FirstPresVero.org or call (772) 562-9088.   

Step into the world of music, history, and resilience with the Violins and Hope exhibition, presented by Community One Initiative and The Community Church of Vero Beach Viner Series for the Visual Arts. This captivating showcase is a striking visual representation of the inspiring story of Violins of Hope—instruments used by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust that were restored and uplifted by renowned Israeli violinmaker, Amnon Weinstein. The show will be in the Narthex Gallery at Community Church through April 1 2024. Gallery Hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To view the gallery, please call 772-562-3633. 

Angel Oak - South Carolina

A Night of Art

Celebrating the Beauty of Florida


Doretha Hair Truesdell - Painted Landscapes

Jack Shelton - Wood Turning

Anita Prentice - Mosaics 


Artist Reception February 8, 5-7:30 p.m.

A second peek February 9, 11:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m.


MAIN STREET FORT PIERCE

122 AE Backus Avenue, Fort Pierce,

(772) 466-3880, or 

events@mainstreetfortpierce.org

Photo: Anita Prentice with one of her benches

Lunar New Year Community Day


February 10

Noon to 7pm

Norton Museum of Art


Join the Norton to celebrate Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon! Kick off the day with traditional Shadow Puppet Show with Chinese Theater Works, enjoy dance and music with Jinlu Arts, Storytime with Monica Ladd, and dragon and lion dances with Lee Koon Hung Kung Fu. Learn more about our Chinese Collection with Spotlight Tours with our docents and get creative with multiple art activities. The day concludes with a lecture by Claire Chu and a fireworks display on the Intracoastal. Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach

Atlantic Classical Orchestra




From the ACO:

The Masterworks celebrates the impact of one of America’s greatest exports: Jazz. It swept across the Atlantic during the roaring '20s and was the perfect soundtrack to a freewheeling, carefree decade. Paris became the European epicenter of le jazz hot, and composers flocked there eager to see and hear the hottest musical trend. Four masterpieces attest to the influence of Jazz: From Milhaud’s quirky, jaunty score conceived as a soundtrack for a Chaplin comedy; Ravel’s virtuoso, glittering Piano Concerto; the colorful, evocative Jazz Suite by Martinu; and Gershwin’s wide-eyed Parisian musical impression—complete with honking taxi horns.

February 8, 7:30 p.m. - Community Church of Vero Beach

February 9. 4 & 8 p.m. - The Lyric Theatre of Stuart


-----------------------------


Sunday Concert Series At the Elliot Museum

  

CHAMBER II SERIES

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 at 3 p.m.

 

INTIMATE PORTRAITS

Strings Program

 

Music of Viennese master Franz Schubert and Czech master Bohuslav Martinů anchor this all-strings program. Schubert’s gift of melody and his distinctive harmonic sensibility have made him a favorite for almost two centuries. Martinů’s music is everchanging, diverse, novel, and engaging. His Madrigals, written for our own Maestro Amado’s grandmother, is a show-stopping virtuoso work showcasing just how dynamic two string instruments can be.

 

www.atlanticclassicalorchestra.com

The American Association of University Women of Vero Beach presents a Book Review Breakfast on Monday, February 5 from 9:30 to 11:30am in the Richardson Center of Indian River State College, 6511 College Lane, Vero Beach.


Lenora Ritchie, Vice President, Carter Global Consulting, will review The Librarian of Burned Books, by Brianna Labuskes.


February 10 & 11


A hometown celebration of the arts since 1988! ArtsFest Stuart is a two-day outdoor arts festival held in Memorial Park and along East Ocean Blvd. in historic Downtown Stuart to celebrate the arts - music, visual, literary, culinary, dance, children’s activities and more! 

Congratulations to all the artists in the 2024 Arts By the Sea, one of the Vero Beach Art Club's most prestigious events, held every year at Vero Beach Museum of Art.

From A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery:



Fast Forward: The Original Florida Highwaymen on the Way to Fame marks the 50th anniversary of the painters’ induction into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. Fast Forward is on view through March 3 at 500 N. Indian River Drive in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce.


After more than fifty years in becoming an overnight success, the 26 landscape artists now known as The Original Highwaymen were inducted in 2004 into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.


*Fast Forward presents an exhibition of more than 50 rarely or never-before-seen paintings assembled from 10 private collections from around the state, including works by Harold Newton (1934-1994), Alfred Hair (1941-1970), Livingston Roberts (1942-2004), R.A. “Roy” McLendon (b.1932), Sam Newton (b. 1948), Mary Ann Carroll (1940-2019), Willie Daniels (1950-2021), and more.


A.E. BACKUS MUSEUM & GALLERY

500 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce

(772) 465-0630 www.BackusMuseum.org

Titusville Playhouse


BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical

January 12 – February 11


From the string of pop classics Carole King wrote for the biggest acts in music, to her own life-changing, chart-busting success with Tapestry, BEAUTIFUL takes you back to where it all began–and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring over two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Loving’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman,” this crowd-pleasing international phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and the story you’ll never forget.

Coming Up on the Arts Blast Calendar


Events listed are for the next few weeks. For a complete listing of future events, (click here or go to: willimiller.com/arts-blast-calendar)

Indian River County


EVENTS:

Feb 2 – First Friday Gallery Stroll


​Feb. 2-4 - A Midsummer Night's Dream at Vero Beach Theatre Guild


Feb. 2-4 - Old Heart at Vero Beach Theatre Guild​


Feb. 3, 6-9 p.m. - Mangroves, Moonlight, and Mambo! at ELC


Feb. 3-4 - Gardenfest! Riverside Park - Garden Club of IRC


Feb. 3-4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -Vero Beach Art Club's Art Trail


Feb. 3, 7 p.m. - Vero Beach Opera - Best of Broadway & Opera at VBHS Performing Arts Center


Feb. 3, 11:30 lunch, 12:30 performance- Wycliffe Gordon & Friends - Treasure Coast Jazz Society at Oak Harbor Club


Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. - Brevard Symphony POPS at Community Church of Vero Beach for Indian River Symphonic Assoc with Jeffrey Biegel


Feb. 4, 3 p.m. - Come Spy with Us - Space Coast SO at AMC Indian River 24


Feb. 5 – Ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. – Distinguished Lecturer Series at Riverside Theatre


Feb. 6, 7 p.m. - Emerson E-Series - A Glimpse of Florida Wilderness Before TV, Condominiums and A/C - George Blythe


Feb. 8 - The Cowsills at The Emerson Center - LIVE! from Vero Beach


Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. - Atlantic Classical Orchestra Masterworks II/Terence Wilson at Community Church of Vero Beach


Feb. 10, 1:30 OR 7 p.m. - 43rd Asbury Short Film Concert Asbury Shorts USA at Vero Beach Museum of Art - limited seating


​Feb. 11, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 14th Annual motor car exhibition at McKee Botanical Gardens

Feb. 11, 4 p.m. - Con Brio String Quartet at First Pre Vero Beach. Classical music for a Sunday afternoon. Free


Feb. 13-March 12 - Film Studies at Vero Beach Museum of Art: Picture This! Humanity Through a Camera Lens


Feb. 13 -  Emerson E-Series - The Plastics Problem - Jim Masterson & Sue Flak


Feb. 15, 11 a.m. - Poetry & Organ Series with poet Jane C. Miller at Community Church of Vero Beach


Feb. 15 - Jefferson Starship at The Emerson Center - LIVE! from Vero Beach


Feb. 15 & 17  - Little Wonders free toddler nature class at ELC. Pre-registration required. Dolphins, Manatees, & Fish


Feb. 16-18 - Into the Woods - VBHS


Feb. 17, 10 a.m - 3 p.m. -The Sebastian River Art Club Art by the River


Feb. 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Art in the Park - Vero Beach Art Club in Humiston Park, Ocean Drive


Feb. 18, 3 p.m. - Seven Monster Pianos Concert at Christ by the Sea UMC.


ONGOING:


Through Feb. 7 - Cultural Council of IRC - Life and Still Life solo exhibit - Judy Burgarella at IRC Courthouse


Through Feb. 18 – Morning After Grace at Riverside Theatre


Through Feb. 28 - VIVA FOCA! Friends of Contemporary Art Exhibit at Environmental Learning Center


Through March 6 - Big, Bold & Abstract at IRC Intergenerational Rec Center


Through April 24 - Cultural Council of IRC - All Around the Town - Vero Beach City Hall


​Through April 28 - A Tropical Flock of Avian Avatars by The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson & Andy Moerlein - at McKee Botanical Garden

St. Lucie County


EVENTS:

Feb. 1-4 - Rhinoceros at IRSC McAlpin Fine Arts Center


Feb. 3, 8 p.m. - Terry Fator at Sunrise Theatre


​Feb. 7, 7 p.m. - A Musical Salute to Broadway and the Movies! at IRSC McAlpin Fine Arts Center


Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. – Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror at Sunrise Theatre


Feb. 9-18 - Love Letters at Treasure Coast Theatre PSL


Feb. 9, 8 p.m. – Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band at Sunrise Theatre


Feb. 10, 8 p.m. – Piff The Magic Dragon at Sunrise Theatre


Feb. 10, 8 p.m. – Comedy Corner at Sunrise Theatre


Feb. 16-18 - Highwaymen Celebration Weekend - at A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery - Free


Feb. 17-18 – Uriel Natero – Pianist at Pineapple Playhouse


Feb 17, 8 p.m. - Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd at Sunrise Theatre


ONGOING:



Through March 3 - Fast Forward: The Original Florida Highwaymen on the Way to Fame at A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery - OPENING RECEPTION JAN. 19 6-8 P.M.

Martin County

Feb. 3, 7 p.m. - Dar Williams at Lyric


Feb. 5, 7 p.m. – Sincerely, Sondheim at Lyric


Feb. 8, 7 p.m. – Rhinestone Cowgirls at Lyric


Feb. 9, 4 &8 p.m. - Atlantic Classical Orchestra Masterworks II/Terence Wilson at the Lyric Theatre


Feb. 9-11 – Rock the 80s at Barn Theatre


Feb. 10, 7 p.m. – Eric Gales at Lyric


Feb. 14, 7 p.m. - The Jersey Tenors at Lyric


Feb. 15, 7 p.m. - An Evening with Del McCoury Band at Lyric


Feb. 16, 7 p.m. - Brand New Day – Sting & The Police Tribute at Lyric


ONGOING:


Every Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m. - Rock'n Riverwalk​, 300 St. Lucie Ave, Stuart


Every Sunday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Market on Main, Flagler Park, Stuart


Fridays, 2 p.m. - Guided Nature Walks at Jonathan Dickinson State Park


Thursdays, 6-9:30 p.m. - Jammin’ Jensen on Jensen Beach Boulevard


Tuesdays at The Elliott: Tim Kyle Carpenter's Open Jam Session


Tuesdays - 4-7 p.m. - Cruising at the Beach – Elliott Museum 



Through Feb. 28 Martin Artisans Guild Kaleidoscope at The Artisans Boutique, Stuart


Through Feb. 29 - 33rd Annual All Florida Juried Art Show at MartinArts

Brevard County


EVENTS:

Feb. 3, 3 p.m. - Come Spy with Us - Space Coast SO at AMC Avenue 16, Melbourne


Feb. 3, 2 & 7 p.m. – Brevard Symphony Orchestra – 100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue at King Center


Feb. 3, 8 p.m. – Eric Darius at King Center


​Feb. 4, 3:30 p.m. - Ditchfield Family Singers: From the Heart at Riverside Presbyterian Church, Coco Beach.


Feb. 6-8 - Brevard SO's 5th Grade Concerts - Around the World with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra


Feb. 8-10 - Central Brevard Art Association's Winter Art Show & Sale


Feb. 9, 6 - 11 p.m. - Somewhere in Time Gala at Green Gables


Feb. 13-14 – The Simon & Garfunkel Story at King Center


Feb. 14-18 – Sincerely Yours, A Valentines Special Event at Heneger Center


Feb. 16-17 - Quilt Show 2024 - The Artistry of Quilts - Seaside Piecemakers at Melbourne Auditorium


Feb. 17 - Whiskey in the District - Eau Gallie Arts District


Feb. 17-18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Splash of Watercolor 2024 - Brevard Watercolor Society


Feb. 17, 3-6 p.m. - Sip & Shop Downtown Melbourne - Melbourne Mainstreet


Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. - An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katherine McPhee at King Center


ONGOING


Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. - Art Night at Strawbridge Art League


Through Feb. 4 – The Marvelous Wonderettes at Titusville Playhouse


Through Feb. 11 – The Sound of Music at Heneger Center


Through Feb. 11 – Oklahoma at Cocoa Village Playhouse


Through Feb. 18 – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Titusville Playhouse


Through Feb. 25 – The Minutes at Melbourne Civic Theatre


Palm Beach County


EVENTS:

Feb. 2 - Always Olivia: Olivia Newton John at Maltz Jupiter Theatre


Feb. 2-4 – Forbidden Broadway at Kravis


Feb. 2-18, The Cancellation of Lauren Fein at Palm Beach Dramaworks


Feb. 3 - British Legends at Maltz Jupiter Theatre


Feb. 3 - Maltz Jupiter Theatre Gala


Feb 3-4 – Miami City Ballet at Kravis


Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. – Palm Beach Symphony with Santiago Rodriguez at Kravis


Feb. 7, 8 p.m. – Michael Feinstein in Big Band Blast


Feb. 9-10 – Preacher Larson at Kravis


Feb. 9, 8 p.m. – A Bronx Tale: One Man Show w/ Chazz Palmentari at Kravis


Feb. 10-11 – Adam Pascal at Kravis


Feb. 10, 8 p.m. – Prairie Home Companion at Kravis


Feb. 11-25 - Plaza Suite  at Maltz Jupiter Theatre


Feb. 12 – Evolution: Motown at Kravis


Feb. 14, 8 p.m. – Ballet Hispanico: Doňa Perón at Kravis


Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. – Curtis on Tour at Kravis


Feb. 15, 7 p.m. - Black Barbie: A Documentary at Kravis


Feb. 15, 8 p.m. - Diana Krall at Kravis


Feb. 16, 7 p.m. - David Foster & Katherine McPhee at Kravis


Feb. 17- 18 - Detroit Symphony Orchestra at Kravis


Feb. 18, 8 p.m. - Bianca Del Rio – Dead Inside Comedy Tour at Kravis


ONGOING:



Fridays and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. - Garden Sculpture Tours at the Norton


Thursdays 6-9 p.m. - Clematis by Night


Every Friday, 5-10 p.m. - ART AFTER DARK at the Norton


Beyond the Treasure Coast



EVENTS:

Feb. 2-4 - Everglades Seafood Festival - Everglades City


Feb. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Annual Antique Ford Car Show at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.


Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. – The Simon and Garfunkle Story at Van Wezel


Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. – Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band at Van Wezel


Feb. 8-18 - The Women Who Mapped the Stars at Planetarium/Calusa Nature Center for Alliance for the Arts


Feb. 9-11, Sarasota Symphony at Van Wezel


Feb. 14 - An Intimate Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee at Van Wezel


ONGOING:



Every Saturday 1 p.m. - Saturday Exhibition Highlight Tours at Rollins Museum of Art, Winter Park


Live carillon concerts Thursday - Sunday, 1 & 3 p.m. - Bok Tower Gardens. 




Through Feb. 14 - 3D Game Art and Animation class at Alliance for the Arts Fort Myers


​​Through Feb. 14, 2 p.m. - Eleven Defining Days in Collier County - Second Tuesday Lectures at Collier Museum at Government Center


​Through April 14 -The Nature of Art at MFA St. Pete

VOLUNTEERS

Ballet Vero Beach is looking for energetic and outgoing individuals to help us promote the art of dance as a universal language in our community and beyond.

VOLUNTEER TO ASSIST IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

GUEST SERVICES

BOUTIQUE SALES

SPECIAL EVENTS

ADMIN SUPPORT

PUBLICITY

Ballet Vero Beach Volunteers receive FREE tickets, merchandise, and the opportunity to attend volunteer thank you events.

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!

 ‌ 

Click to Subscribe to Arts Blast


To opt out of receiving Arts Blast, "unsubscribe" at the end of the page.

______________

If you have an arts-related event coming up, scroll down for information on submitting it for a free basic listing. Limited advertising is available. PLEASE use that format!



Event schedules can change, often at almost the last minute. Verify, double check, and then do it again before you head out the door. And when you do go out, take a mask. Without one, you risk being turned away.


To Submit Calendar Information for ARTS BLAST!

Information is to be received in an email at least one week before publication.


Use this format for Calendar entries:

Who (organization)

What (Event)

When (dates, time)

Where (Name of venue, address)

Why (a brief description of the purpose)

Web/Facebook address

Contact for public use (for tickets, questions, etc.)

Then add a short, descriptive release if available.

Send only one photo, with caption, unless more are requested.

Media contact with email for Arts Blast followup (not for publication)


Copyright ©2019-2023 Willi Miller's ARTS BLAST!, all rights reserved.