Franz Lehar’s much beloved, evergreen operetta “The Merry Widow” waltzes into the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center this Sunday, updated for the 21st century, but still sparkling with its original, delightful mix of farce, romance and that always popular ingredient – jealousy. Presented by the Space Coast Symphony Pit Orchestra in collaboration with Light Opera Orlando, today’s Merry Widow takes place in the Silicon Valley of 2005. Possessed of great charm and the considerable wealth inherited from her husband, Hanna finds herself pursued by all sorts of interesting individuals, most with dollar signs in their eyes. Hanna, however, only wants Daniel, a former suitor and current, firmly dedicated playboy. Throughout the tale, Lehar’s unforgettable score is light and wonderful. Curtain is at 3 p.m. General admission is $20; those 18 and under or with a student ID are admitted free of charge.
It doesn’t have to be a full moon, any phase will do, for the next music-centric Howl at the Moon opportunity, on its way this Friday and Saturday at what has become a real weekend hotspot: Riverside Theatre. Who knew? This 
weekend’s Riverside’s Summer Nights schedule includes Howl at the Moon’s Dueling Piano shows inside, on the Waxlax stage (complete with dance floor and cabaret style seating), at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; and outside, Live in the Loop, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., where a popular area band and lots of really good foodstuffs and beverages will keep you musically and gastronomically happy. This weekend’s piano combatants are Miami native Ken Gustafson, who started playing accordion at the tender age of 5. He toured Europe with the renowned American Boys Choir and started tickling the ivories professionally at only 15. He’s performed with such big names as Shakira, Ben E King, Sam and Dave, and Connie Francis; Orlando resident John Kenney has been making music for two decades, 12 years as a dueling pianist. He’s traveled the country, playing in venues ranging from night clubs to churches, and currently plays at Walt Disney World Resort. As always, there’s no set play list – you get to decide. Outside, you’ll always find it hoppin’, with food, beverages and wall-to-wall (tree-to-tree) live music: Friday night it’ll be “The Copper Tones,” playing a variety of classic rock tunes; and Saturday, “Soul Jam” brings their jam-rock sound.
Virtually any Saturday night can be enhanced with some live music, a little bit of breeze off the water, your feet in the sand and, if you’re so inclined, something with rum in it. The Sandbar at Capt. Hiram’s, right on the river in Sebastian, fills the bill. Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., Frankie Lessard entertains. With a keen sense of what his audience wants, Lessard plays his guitar and sings, with a repertoire that includes hits, from classics to current. Saturday night’s tunes will be provided by Panama, a fun-loving party band from the middle of the state, bringing new and classic rock faves, funk, disco and, they tell us, “so much more.” Yep, Capt. Hiram’s also has food.
