6 minute read
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
IN THE
SPOTLIGHT
Indian River County has much to see and discover; Fellsmere is a rural wonderland; Sebastian is known as a charming, walkable riverfront; Vero Beach continues to build its reputation as a renaissance city.
Culture seekers will encounter off-Broadway productions, historic and contemporary museums, ballet and opera performances. Fans flock to Vero Beach for cultural experiences like snowbirds come to soak up the sun. A few miles from the oceanfront is an artist enclave known as the Vero Beach Art Village. It’s a haven for visitors who seek to “hobnob” with local artists, as they create works of affordable art right before your eyes.
THEATRE REVIEWS
Riverside Theatre is celebrating 45 years of producing quality works from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatres with an emphasis on high production values. The theater, known as Florida's largest professional theatre, has produced show-stopping hits such as My Fair Lady, Legally Blonde, Evita, and others featuring casts recruited right from the Broadway stages of the Big Apple. Theater goers can also take in contemporary dramas, comedies, and seasonal shows, in addition to the lavish musicals. 2022 promises to return with a splash when the theatre presents highly acclaimed Broadway musicals, including the uplifting and Electrifying “Billy Elliot,” “I Love You You’re Perfect, Now Change,” “Carousel." Vero is especially excited to welcome “On Your Feet,” the musical story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Riverside also offers very special events like their Distinguished Lecturer Series, a forerunner in the presentation of relevant topics focused on national and global affairs and presented by distinguished experts who bring with them unique insight. 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach.
For more than 60 years, Vero Beach Theatre Guild, Inc., has set the stage for great community theatre and electrifying locals and visitors alike. New this season is an expanded show schedule with monthly performances. The Guild has also supplemented its monthly offerings with the Apron series, which includes four staged readings in front of the “grape drape.” The 2021 season will feature the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” a delightful romantic comedy “Almost Maine,” and the Divine Musical Comedy “Sister Act,” to name a few. In addition, a larger 5,000-square foot rehearsal hall, a green rooftop terrace for alfresco activities, and a new space for educational programs such as workshops and adult and children’s classes keep this theater modern and relevant. 2020 San Juan Avenue, Vero Beach.
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE.
Traditional ballet and interpretive dance series are the heart and soul of Ballet Vero Beach. This dedicated troupe continues to promote the art of dance as a universal language with the following performances on tap for 2021: “Ballet: Bold and Beautiful,” “Composer’s Notebook: The Music of Antonio Vivaldi,” and “Chamber Music: Sweeping Dance.” The ballet has a charitable element, too. The ballet company provides educational enrichment and free performance tickets to local organizations whose constituents might not ordinarily have access to their programming.
3705 16th Street, Vero Beach.
The Vero Beach Opera enriches our community's cultural lives through fully-staged, professional opera productions, concerts, and international vocal competitions of the highest quality. They promote increased awareness and a deeper appreciation of opera to expanding and diverse audiences of all ages. For more than three decades, Vero Beach has enjoyed these passionate, professional performances for more than three decades. Get tickets in advance as their shows always sell out, and continue to build a strong following with a delight-filled season including “La Boheme” and “Broadway Meets Opera Concert.” Notably, the Rising Stars Opera Festival returns to Vero Beach in late March 2021. This acclaimed competition will bring singers from around the world along with distinguished judges, famous in the opera world. 1701 16th Street, Vero Beach
MUSEUMS: HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY
Did you know Indian River County, Florida, is the top producing citrus area in the United States? Learn how it all began at the Indian River Citrus Museum. Visitors access historical artifacts and photography, fun memorabilia, and historical insight into the region’s growth. Don’t miss the Heritage Center, right next door, offering free admission and helpful volunteers eager to answer questions about the area’s history.
2140 14th Avenue, Vero Beach.
Learn how it all began for Mel Fisher, a man with a passion for treasure hunting. His quest finally paid off on July 20, 1985, when he and his team discovered $450 million in treasure. Today, guests to the Mel Fisher Museum will learn about the treasures and shipwrecks that lie beneath the shallow waters along the Treasure Coast. The Spanish wreck sits a mere 100 yards off Wabasso Beach making it easy access for divers and snorkelers alike. 1322 U.S. 1, Sebastian.
Another exciting stop for travelers who seek treasurefilled stories is the McLarty Treasure Museum, a national historic landmark. Here treasure seekers are enticed to learn more about the fleet of Spanish treasure ships that sank off the coast of Vero Beach. More than 1,500 survivors struggled to shore, setting up camps from Sebastian to Fort Pierce. The museum resides on the site of the survivors’ camp. Guests can view displays of golden coins, weapons, and tools salvaged from the fleet. A gift shop is available. 13180 North AIA, Vero Beach.
The Vero Beach Museum of Art is the most significant cultural arts facility of its kind on Florida's Treasure Coast. The museum is admired and appreciated by residents and tourists alike. This nationally accredited art museum offers something for all ages and interests, from five galleries featuring national and international exhibitions to sculpture parks with large-scale works from its permanent collection. Families with children can enjoy the interactive Art Zone space, take a tour with a trained docent, shop the store, or take a break in The Museum Cafe. This hands-on cultural and educational experience is one of the true "gems" of the Treasure Coast. Please visit vbmuseum.org for opening hours. 3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach. 772-231-0707. Admission fees apply. Members are free. The last Saturday of each month is FREE admission.
@robystowe
@studioellasea
LEGENDARY
This famous story began in the 1960s when local east coast galleries turned away colorful oil paintings depicting Florida landscapes. But, that didn't stop 26 black artists, known as “The Highwaymen.” The lone “Highwaywomen” took to her car, selling their art at roadside stops for a mere 25 to 35 dollars. These vivid landscape paintings attracted visitors and locals traveling along Florida’s highways. Patrons often chose a favorite while the work was still wet. Today, these same paintings sell for thousands of dollars and are exhibited in museums nationwide. The Highwaymen Gallery, located in Vero Beach, helps future generations remember this legendary band of entrepreneurial African American artists while capturing the rugged natural beauty of Florida’s landscapes. You may even catch Ray McLendon, who continues in the footsteps of his father, Roy McLendon, painting and preserving this culturally significant art. McLendon can sometimes be found at his Florida Highwaymen Landscape Art Gallery,
135 14th Avenue, downtown Vero Beach.
OUT AND ABOUT
Just a few miles west of the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre is the historic, revitalized Downtown Arts District of Vero Beach. The district is rich with unique eateries, boutique stores, street festivals, and an unusually high number of art galleries that feature the work of luminary local artists. Every Friday evening of each month, the Downtown Arts District allows visitors a peek inside art enclaves, welcoming guests with opens doors. Art lovers from around the region meander about the area looking for unique gifts or special treasures. Don’t miss Flametree Clay Art Gallery, showcasing beautiful handmade bowls, vases, sculptures, and ornaments, many under $100. In addition to Flametree, a variety of 14th Avenue art studios include the Artist’s Guild Gallery, Main Street, Vero Beach Gallery, and the “must-see” Highwaymen Gallery.
