Leslie Stahl, one of the country’s best-known television journalists, will be at the Vero Beach Book Center Monday at 3 p.m. for a meet-and-greet book signing for “Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting,” about how becoming a grandmother changes a woman’s life. Although Stahl has been affiliated with CBS News since 1972, and has reported for CBS’ “60 Minutes” since 1991, she says the most vivid and transformative experience of her life was not covering the White House, interviewing heads of state, or researching stories at “60 Minutes.” It was becoming a grandmother. As a journalist, she wanted to understand the unexpected and intense joy she felt as a new grandmother, so she called upon her investigative skills to learn how and why grandparenting transforms a woman’s life. She interviewed friends like Whoopi Goldberg, colleagues like Diane Sawyer and grandfathers like Tom Brokaw, as well as scientists, doctors, anthropologists and psychiatrists. Throughout the book, Stahl shares stories about her life with granddaughters Jordan and Chloe; how her relationship with her daughter, Taylor, has changed; and how being a grandfather has affected her husband, Aaron.
For a totally fun musical night out, try Riverside Theatre’s Howl at the Moon Experience – Dueling Pianos, this Friday and Saturday. This weekend’s Howl features dueling pianist/entertainers Ken Gustafson and Katie Pinder Brown. The Howl at the Moon touring show is unique because every Howl weekend is different; there is no set playlist. You, the audience helps, gets to help pick the songs to create a one-of-a-kind music party experience. These talented pianists can come up with pretty much any song you request, sometimes with comic flair. Howl at the Moon takes place on the Waxlax stage with a dance floor and cabaret style seating. Should you get hungry, no worries: You can get a full meal or just nibbles or sweets. And there are two full bars. Shows are 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets: $16-$22. All tables are reserved.
Hobey Ford’s Golden Rod Puppet Show “Animalia” is a puppet show like you’ve never seen before, and it’s coming to Saint Edward’s School Wednesday. “Animalia” is a ballet of realistic puppet animal creatures, certain to charm children and adults equally. Ford is a Kennedy Center Partner in Education teaching artistan and award-winning performer. He is a two-time winner of puppetry’s highest honor, the UNIMA Citation of Excellence, and the recipient of three Jim Henson Foundation grants, among many other accolades. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $5. Proceeds benefit the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.
It should be a warm(ish) night with cool music at the Vero Beach Museum of Art Concerts in the Park this Thursday. In the Museum’s beautiful sculpture garden, you can enjoy the jazz stylings of Dave Mundy & Soulfege. About 200 music lovers typically attend this popular series, which takes place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets: $10 and $12.
The phenomenal Russian pianist Sergey Belyavskiy, who brought the Emerson Center audience to its feet during his 2016 visit, will return to Vero Beach next Friday for an encore performance. Emerson Center Executive Director Amy Gallo said Belyavskiy’s finale last year, Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue,” sparked a thunderous, lengthy standing ovation. “We all remember it so well. At that moment, we knew that Sergey would be invited back.” From a musical family, the 23-year-old Russian musical luminary began learning piano at age 5 and performed his fist recital at 12. He has toured internationally and is currently studying at Moscow State Conservatory. Happily, Belyavskiy has promised a reprise performance of “Rhapsody in Blue.” The program begins at 7 p.m. Tickets: $25 to $50, available at the Emerson Center’s box office.
“Composer,” a major exhibition of works by British painter and President of the Royal Academy Christopher Le Brun, will continue through May 12 at The Gallery at Windsor, so a wider audience will have the opportunity to enjoy this “experience of light and color,” as the artist describes it. “Composer” is open to the public by appointment at The Gallery at Windsor.
