New Ongoing Events

The Vero Beach Museum of Art is showing new works by the Indian River Photo Club through January 3rd. This annual juried exhibition features photographs in the categories of People, Flora, Fauna, Still Life, Scapes, Special Techniques and Open.

Main Street Studios, 2036 14th Avenue in Vero Beach welcomes the newest resident artist, Bill Gimbel. An award winning artist, Bill is constantly inspired by the wonder and natural beauty of the area while his inventive nature and inquisitive mind often leads his art down an experimental path. In addition to his acrylic paintings, he enjoys working with oils, pastel, graphite, pen and ink and sculpture as well. He joins Barbara Sharp (Painting) and Sharon Wilson (Fine jewelry).

Thursday, December 17

On Thursday, December 17, the music departments of Vero Beach High School and Indian River Charter High School will join together in presenting a concert featuring 150 plus singers and a 75 piece orchestra to celebrate the holiday season. The featured selections will be “Magnificat” by John Rutter, “Home Alone Carols” by John Williams, and “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson. The concert will be at Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Street, and will begin at 7 pm. Tickets may be purchased through the Community Church Box Office for $20.00 each. For more information, contact Gary Miller @ 567-6600 extension 225.

Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society’s Holiday Ring A Ding Ding featuring the FDO Big Band will be held on Thursday, December 17th from 6:30 to 9 pm. The event will be held at Endless Summer Winery, 4200 Johnston Road in Fort Pierce. Admission is $15 for FPJ&BS members, and $17 for non members.

Friday & Saturday 18 & 19

Riverside Childrens Theatre presents The Nutcracker: In Swingtime with performances December 18th through 20th. Now in its sixth year, this jazzy offering is a fresh interpretation of the holiday classic set to a swinging score by Duke Ellington. This Nutcracker has become a Vero Beach tradition. For tickets, $12 adults, $6 children, visit RiversideTheatre.com.

Riverside Theatre presents Comedy Zone –Winter Nights on Friday & Saturday, December 18th & 19th. Comedians are Ken Evans and Carmen Morales with shows at 7:30 and 9:30 pm. Free outdoor concerts feature Live Bait on Friday and Big Coque on Saturday at In the Loop beginning at 6:30 pm. For Comedy Zone tickets, visit RiversideTheatre.com
Saturday & Sunday 19 & 20

Two performances of George Frideric Handel’s inspiring oratorio “Messiah” will be presented by the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach, 2206 16th Avenue, as a Christmas gift to the treasure coast community on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 beginning at 7 p.m. “Messiah” will be performed by four professional soloists, instrumentalists of the Messiah Chamber Orchestra and a 100-voice chorus consisting of the church’s sanctuary choir, other local choir members and singers of the Treasure Coast Chorale. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. There is no charge to attend, however, a free-will offering will be accepted. For more information call the church at 772-567-4341 or go to http://www.treasurecoastchorale.org.

Saturday, December 19

The Sebastian River Art Club’s Art By the River will be held in Riverview Park at US 1 and 512 East in Sebastian on Saturday, December 19th from 10 am to 4 pm. (Rain date is Sunday, December 20th). Also on view is the artwork of over 50 members of the Club at the gallery located at 1245 Main Street. The gallery is open to the public Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm. “Little Treasures”, miniature paintings are available for sale for $10 – $25. Proceeds are donated to the Ecumenical Council Food Bank.

Sunday December 20

A surfing incident has left poor Santa with amnesia. What will happen to Christmas? Join the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department’s Aerial Antics Youth Circus performers as they tumble, dance and fly through the air while helping Santa regain his memory! “Santa Who?” will be held at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center Sunday, December 20th at 2pm and 6 pm. Tickets are on sale now at Leisure Square, the Vero Beach Community Center and Riverside Racquet Complex for $7 adults and $6 children and seniors. For more information, please contact the Recreation Department at 567-2144 or visit the recreation page at http://www.covb.org.

Image: Aerial Antics kids

Highlights next week

Travel

February 28th to March 3rd, travel to the Gulf Coast and New Orleans with Goodtime Getaways. Learn about the fascinating history of Biloxi aboard a trolley tour. Visit the Beauvoir, home of Jefferson Davis and find adventure aboard a shrimp excursion, followed by a Southern-style dockside shrimp boil. If you’re feeling lucky, hit the casinos at the luxurious Beau Rivage Resort. Of course, the trip would not be complete without an exciting day in New Orleans, eating beignets and soaking up the Cajun culture. Call 888-569-6068 or visit the web site: GoodtimeGetaways.com for more information.