The 65th annual Under the Oaks Fine Arts and Crafts Show takes place this weekend in Riverside Park. Hosted by the Vero Beach Art Club, the juried show involves more than 220 artists and craftspeople who come to town from all over the country to show and sell their works. Rows of white tents line the oak-shaded paths of the city’s premier park, treating visitors to works in a wide range of media. Riverside offers plenty of parking to accommodate the 80,000+ visitors expected to attend the three-day event. Show entry, parking and shuttle service from the parking lot (with handicap access) are all free, and there will be plenty of food and beverages available. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While you’re in the neighborhood, why not stroll a few paces west and visit the nearby Vero Beach Museum of Art? Current exhibits: “The View out of His Window (and in his Mind’s Eye),” photographs by Jeffery Becton; Larry Kagan, “Object/Shadow”; and Deborah Butterfield, “Horses.” Gallery hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In a presentation certain to sizzle with color, rhythm and compelling melodies, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the music of Spain Friday at the Community Church in Vero Beach, appropriately entitled “BSOlé.” The concert will open with selections from what many consider the most popular opera ever written, certainly with some of the most exciting and unforgettable music – Bizet’s “Carmen.” Sure to be exciting as well is the guest musician, Pablo Villegas, internationally acclaimed guitar virtuoso, in his BSO debut. Villegas will be showcased in Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, which BSO Maestro Christopher Confessore describes as “a work whose gorgeous slow movement has been covered by countless artists including Miles Davis, Chick Corea and Deep Purple.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
This weekend marks the opening of the Indian River County Firefighters Fair, at the fairgrounds on 58th Avenue. Things get started at 5 p.m. Friday. Along with 4-H youth activities in the livestock pavilion, there is live music and shows including a Firefighter Training Show where kids are the firefighters. Saturday, the gates open at 1 p.m. Entertainment includes the Dixie Wranglers – the 4-H Club Dancers; the swine show; a baked goods auction; and the Vero Beach Recreation Department Aerial Antics. Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday’s work and school, darn it), but it’s still a jam-packed schedule. Just a taste: The livestock pavilion is where a lot of action is. There’s the Rabbit and Cavy Show (am I the only one who doesn’t know what a cavy is?), and the Breedstock Show (these are probably the most well-groomed livestock you’ll ever see). Of course, there’ll be lots of fair food and all sorts of rides, from kiddie stuff to Aaaggghhhh! And that’s just the weekend. The fair continues through next Sunday.
An Eagles tribute band plays at the Emerson Center Friday as part of the Live From Vero Beach series. The Long Run features six musicians on multiple instruments. They take the stage at 7 p.m.
