Organizers had been more than a little anxious one day earlier, but it was people and not rain which flooded onto the broad expanse of the Windsor Polo Field Sunday afternoon for the 25th Anniversary May Pops Silver Celebration to benefit the Indian River Medical Center Foundation.
More than 1,300 ticketholders relished picture-perfect weather under a cloudless blue sky to hear a delightful concert and spend a memorable afternoon at what for many has become an annual family tradition.
More VIPs than ever before enjoyed front-of-the-house seats at the northern end of the field, where lines of cabanas set in military precision dotted the lawn in front of the stage, each filled with elegant sponsor tables.
“We’re looking more like Palm Beach than Palm Beach,” said Bob McCabe of the stylish layout and beautifully attired guests.
To the south, on the other side of a low white picket fence, general admission concert-goers spread out on the lawn, accompanied by picnic baskets, coolers, lawn chairs and plenty of prancing children.
“Dick loved being outside; he loved everything having to do with nature and he loved music,” said perennial presenting sponsor Helen Post, speaking of her adored husband Richard Post, who passed away last November. Esteemed equally for philanthropy and panache, he was also well known for his jaunty bow ties and ever-ready smile.
“He thought it was such a great idea to have a concert outside. It was one of his favorite evenings in Vero Beach. Dick loved to dance and loved to see all the children dancing. That’s why we always felt that children under 12 should be admitted free; it’s such a great opportunity for a family.”
Helen said Dick was so fond of the event, he would say, “Put us down for next year,” almost as soon as the conductor lowered his baton.
“I just feel his spirit is with me; he was the one who said he’d never miss it,” said Helen. “He is in my heart.”
Joe Faria, Executive Chef of Quail Valley Club and his talented associates once again outdid themselves, providing an elegant buffet that included artisan open-faced sandwiches, carved-to-order strip loin, scallion rice pancakes, banana fritters, salads, soups and flatbreads, and a sumptuous selection of desserts. Free ice cream was provided for all, even those on the other side of the picket fence, compliments of Windsor Properties.
Glistening ice sculptures held floral arrangements at each of the stations in the VIP tent, but the pièce de résistance was giant bow tie ice sculpture that Chef Faria carved in honor of Dick Post.
“Mrs. Post came up to me and said, ‘you got me teary eyed,’” said Chef Faria, whose staff members were all wearing silver bow ties.
In fact, bow ties were embraced by many of the guests; done at the suggestion of the IRMC Foundation as a surprise for Helen Post.
“I have no idea who thought of it, but I’m touched,” said she said, after seeing the colorful assortment of bow ties.
“It was the foundation’s idea,” Hamish Osborne disclosed. “We discussed it at a number of foundation meetings and thought it would be a good tribute to Dick.”
The wonderful Brevard Symphony Orchestra, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, returned to the stage led by principal conductor and music director Maestro Christopher Confessore.
In classic Pops fashion, the BSO delighted the crowd with beloved tunes from Broadway productions and Hollywood movies. The orchestra was joined for the first time by a duo of celebrated vocalists, each making a return appearance to May Pops. Broadway personality Debbie Gravitte, a Tony Award winner, and Doug LaBrecque, called “one of the most prolific concert performers of his generation,” entertained with a variety of superb show-stoppers.
The true highlight came as a surprise to the audience after intermission, when the baton was passed to Helen Post, who conducted a rousing rendition of The Stars and Stripes Forever, to an appreciative, flag-waving crowd.