arts & entertainment

Local vocalist and dedicated husband, Patrick J. Stella, will present So This is Love, a recital to honor his wife and their 50-year marriageon Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 2:00pm. The concert will take place in the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach. Admission is free to the community.

As the son of a professional vocalist, Pat Stella is no stranger to performing. He grew up singing with his father, joined choir in high school and eventually took to performing as a vocalist in nightclubs around Chicagoland. While in college, he toured with a 23-piece jazz band until he was drafted for the Vietnam War. After his deployment, he returned home in 1973 and married the love of his life, Sheila. Pat had to give up performing at this point due to conflicts with touring and the desire to start a family. Through the years, Pat and Sheila built a successful company in Nashville, TN, eventually selling it in 2014 and retiring to Vero Beach in 2020. Patrick and Stella will be celebrating 50 years of marriage together in May 2023.

The recital program chosen by Stella will tell a story of he and his wife’s relationship through song. Dedicating this recital to his wife, it is his gift to her to show his love and appreciation for 50 years of her continual love and support. In a world where long-lasting marriages seem to be a thing of the past, this recital is a refreshing and heartwarming reminder that love and marriage can still endure the test of time. Please join the Stellas in celebrating their Golden Anniversary by attending this beautiful tribute to their life together. Song selections include: Beware my Foolish Heart, That’s All, Wind Beneath my Wings, The Way You Look Tonight, Stand By Me, and more. Accompaniment will be provided by professional studio musicians on drums and bass, as well as Dr. Jacob Craig on piano.

For more information, contact Ginger Lagemann, Music and Arts Administrator, at (772) 562-9088 or ginger@firstpresvero.org.