VERO BEACH — The Emerson Center proudly announces the 2016 Celebrated Speakers Series which commemorates their 10th anniversary year. Audiences are expected to laugh, learn and grow through each of the four distinguished speakers on board next year.
The speaker series launches with two great Americans who survived an unthinkable ordeal. On Saturday, Jan. 16, join Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly as they recount the miraculous details about Congresswoman Gifford’s would-be assassin attack and Kelly’s celebrated career as an Astronaut and a U.S. Navy Captain. The husband-and-wife team will share stories that will amaze, inspire others to be their best, and reaffirm what courage is all about. Individually and collectively, they exemplify leadership, the importance of teamwork, and courage under pressure.
Marcia Coyle, lawyer and distinguished Chief Washington Correspondent for the National Law Journal, follows on Saturday, Feb. 6. Coyle will probe the inner workings of the Supreme Court and where the power lies within the third branch of government. She will reveal the fault lines of the Roberts Court, the Court that now sits at the center of a constitutional maelstrom, while forecasting the Court’s future.
It’s time to laugh again thanks to the return of our favorite humorist and author Dave Barry on Saturday, Feb. 27. Barry is back, by popular demand, to share his humorous insights after appearing on the Emerson Center stage in 2007. This Pulitzer Prize winning author and inspiration for the international observance of “Talk like a Pirate Day,” has made a living by plumbing the highs and lows of life in South Florida. His style of social commentary is delivered with a dash of satire sure to appeal to our discriminating patrons.
Completing this diversified and exciting series is Michael Tougias on Saturday, March 19. Tougias, a prolific author, dedicated researcher and captivating storyteller, brings us close to man’s struggle to survive while he chronicles human adversity and ultimate triumph. Audiences will hear fascinating survival stories that will challenge their comprehension. One of his recent books, “The Finest Hours,” is being made into a movie by the Disney Corporation to be released near the time of his Vero Beach visit. Tougias has had features on ABC’s 20/20, Fox & Friends and several other well-known television shows.
The 2016 Subscription Series prices are $275 and the VIP price will be $550 for the 4 p.m. show only. The 2016 Subscription Series prices will be $255 at 6:30 p.m. with the VIP price $510 at the same time period. The VIP reception will take place from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Call the Emerson Center box office now at (772) 778-5249 for tickets or visit The Emerson Center itself. Subscriptions will be available online after April 15, 2015 at www.TheEmersonCenter.org. For best seating, new subscribers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as seats will be assigned in the order requests are received. Remaining single tickets will go on sale Dec. 1, 2015
The Emerson Center is conveniently located on the campus of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, on the SE corner of 16th Street and 27th Avenue. It has more than 300 parking spaces, an auditorium that seats more than 800 people in comfortable padded seating, a raised stage that offers everyone unrestricted views, and professional state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Ask about the elevator to the 2nd floor balcony and the seating for the physically challenged.