The closest we’ll get to a white Christmas here on Florida’s Treasure Coast will likely be the Treasure Coast Chorale’s free concert, “There’s No Business Like Snow Business,” this Saturday (not the usual, Sunday) at First Baptist Church. The 60-voice chorale, under the baton of Director Dr. Michael Carter, will chill us out with a program of snow-centric songs that celebrate the winter phenomenon in all its crystal glory. Rumor has it there might even be a few snowflakes drifting through the air and perhaps even a snowball or two. Look forward to enjoying renditions of Elvis’ “Blue Christmas”; a pair of tunes from Disney’s wildly popular animated film “Frozen” – “Do You Wanna Make A Snowman” and “Let it Go”; Leroy Anderson’s iconic 1948 hit “Sleigh Ride”; medleys that will conjure snowy winters and white holidays; solos; and small-group numbers. After all those snowy, hum-able tunes, you should be in the mood to join in the traditional sing-along. Featured musicians include pianist Judy Carter, vocalist Glenn Orndorff, guitarist Dave Mundy, drummer Richie Mola and Vero’s favorite “oldies” trio, “The Dolls.” The snow begins to fall (metaphorically) at 7 p.m. A tip: doors open at 6 p.m. Arrive on the early side to grab a good seat.
Clear a spot on your calendar. One of Vero’s favorite Christmas traditions is the Festival of Trees, which has grown over the years into an absolutely must-see holiday season family event, and it’s taking place at Riverside Theatre this very weekend. Sugar & Spice is the theme and, if you’ve attended in the past, you know that numerous incredibly creative folks grab the annual theme “ball” and run with it, coming up with some of the most gorgeous, fancy, funny, elegant, amazing evergreens you’ve ever laid eyes on. There’ll be the Festival Forest, Santa’s Village, Christmas Shoppe, Ice Skating Rink and Grand Festival Hall, all trimmed, decked and festooned – a visual holiday feast. This festive fest benefits Riverside Children’s Theatre. Friday at 6 p.m. is the Gala Preview Party, $175; the Festival is open to the public Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., adults, $10; under 12, $5. Breakfast with Santa Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m.: adults, $22; under 12, $18, which includes festival admission.
Perhaps you feel joy and excitement, as I do, in watching young performers – musicians, vocalists, actors – hone their craft and see their talents bloom. Our high school performing arts departments nurture creativity on stage, off stage and back stage, and this season they continue to delight us with their performances. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, for example, “Little Women, the Musical” will be presented by the young thespians of the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Department, in the PAC auditorium. The show is from the beloved book by Louisa May Alcott, based on her own life, and tells the classic story of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March and their adventures coming of age during the Civil War. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. In years to come, we’ll be able to say “I knew her/him when …”
