arts & entertainment

Brass concerts are not just for Christmas! While often heard during the Yuletide season, the full and majestic sound of music made with brass instruments has filled the air for centuries. And now, brass lovers can get an earful with a free afternoon performance by the Gainesville Brass Quintet, who will make a tour stop in Vero Beach on Sunday, March 10. Their 4:00 PM concert will be hosted by the church long known for its musical outreach, First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard. Since 1985, the Gainesville Brass Quintet has performed the best in light classics, in addition to quintet literature from the Baroque through the modern eras. Not surprisingly, the March 10 concert repertoire will span the centuries, with works from Gabrielli to John Philip Sousa. The audience will hear North Florida’s premier brass group perform the “Navy Hymn,” “Catwalk Blues,” “Salsa” and a variety of selections to be announced. The Gainesville Brass Quintet is led by founding member and trumpet player, Joseph Jamerson. Admission is free. For more information, call (772) 562-9088.       

Dr. Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, is more than ready to welcome back the talented group from Gainesville.

“The audience is always enthusiastic when we host the Gainesville Brass Quintet,” said Dr. Craig. “This is the fifth time they will be performing for us. Each concert has been better than the last, filled with energy, precision and the pure sound that is uniquely brass.” 

The Gainesville Brass Quintet concert is just one of many events sponsored or hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, known for its musical and artistic outreach to the Central Florida community. For a list of upcoming events or for more information about First Presbyterian of Vero Beach, visit www.FirstPresVero.org.

ABOUT THE GAINESVILLE BRASS QUINTET— Committed to musical excellence since 1985, the Gainesville Brass Quintet performs the best in light classics, pop, swing, musicals, and for the purist, serious quintet literature from the Baroque through the modern eras. As North Florida’s premier brass quintet, the GBQ performs for ceremonies, patriotic celebrations, weddings, church services, public concerts, educational concerts, and any other occasion where the glorious sound of brass helps make the event a most memorable one. More information about the group, including individual player bios, may be found at their website, www.gainesvillebrassquintet.com.

ABOUT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH– First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, founded in 1958, is a congregation of about 800 members with a vision for mission and ministry to represent the heart of the Reformed Tradition. The church serves Indian River County and beyond, covering worship and service to meet the needs of the community. It is located at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach, Florida. For more information about First Presbyterian services or upcoming music or art-related events, contact the office at (772) 562-9088 or visit www.FirstPresVero.org. Under the guidance of Dr. Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts, the music department consists of a chancel choir, hand bell ensemble, and a comprehensive youth music program with wind ensemble, choir, and orchestra. The church also houses The Galleries at First Pres, a collection of spaces throughout the campus dedicated to a rotating collection of curated art. In addition, First Presbyterian is the home of the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums, PRIMO School of Performing Arts, and the Vero Beach Choral Society. For more information, visit www.FirstPresVero.org.