Celebrate August’s last hurrah to the rumbling of four-stroke engines and the undoubtedly rousing music of the All-American Space Coast Harley Davidson Band this Friday: It’s Downtown Friday “Bike Night” in Vero Beach. Arrive on your Harley, street bike, scooter, trike or bicycle, park along 21st Street, and join the crowd along 14th Avenue in Historic Downtown Vero. If there was a dress code – which there isn’t – it’d lean toward black leather vests and do-rags. Music is always the anchor here, and the burly biker band will most certainly keep the tunes high-energy all evening. There’ll be plenty of food, beverages, even shopping, and this popular monthly street party is always free and always family – and pooch – friendly. Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 772-643-6782.
In the very same location next Friday, Sept. 7, you can spend a pleasant, leisurely evening soaking in the vibe and exploring the galleries of Vero’s vibrant arts district: It’s the First Friday Gallery Stroll, along 14th Avenue between 19th Street and 23rd Street, sponsored by Main Street Vero Beach. Gallery owners and artists will welcome you with refreshments and pleasant conversation. Wander through the galleries at your leisure: You’ll discover wonderful, diverse works from many of the area’s gifted artists. Be sure to include the reception for September’s featured artist, Yoko Saccenti, in the Main Street Vero Beach office, where his work will be displayed all month. Gallery Stroll hours: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 772-643-6782.
There’s going to be “A Totally Awesome ’80s Party” this Friday and Saturday at Riverside Theatre. The endlessly popular Howl at the Moon Experience is an opportunity to revisit that unforgettable decade via the high-energy Dueling Pianos Show. Amy Lyn Keith and Ken Gustafson face off across the 88s with songs from the ’80s that you get to pick. Come dressed for the era and you could win one of the “rad” prizes. You can choose tickets for either the 7:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. seating, then just hang out as long as you want. The Howl at the Moon part comes from you. Feel free to sing along, dance or, hey, even howl. It’s your weekend. As always (well, almost every weekend, rain or shine) starting at 6:15 p.m., you can “hang out, rock out or chill out” at the free Live on the Loop outdoor concert, where there’s also lots of food and a full bar. Bringing the Loop music Friday will be the Bobby Owen Band playing classic rock; then Saturday, Doubleback takes the stage with ’80s pop rock. Howl time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. o avoid disappointment, it’s wise to get tickets in advance. Sellouts are common. These shows are for 18 and up. Tickets: $12-$22. 772-231-6990.
If you like your TGIF with a lot of music, energy and a tropical vibe, shoot up to Capt. Hiram’s Sand Bar this Friday and par-tay. The irrepressible Greg and Brian will be stirring up the sand starting at 3:30 p.m. Sip a cool rum drink; relax in the shade of the tiki bar; and watch the birds and boats on the lagoon. Then, at 7:30 p.m., the day cools down and the music heats up as the Spazmatics take the stage with, they promise, “all the awesome sounds, styles, and way-cool dance steps from the 1980s decade we’d love to forget.”
And then … No Blue Monday this week. Does Capt. Hiram’s ever have a Monday for you. It’s the “Puddle of Mudd Resurrection Tour 2018” coming Sept. 3. Formed in 1991, this rather notorious American rock band, says Wikipedia, has sold more than 7 million albums. But what’s with that name, you might well ask. According to Wes Scantlin (lead vocals/rhythm guitar; official band bad boy; and the only remaining original band member), the name was inspired by the band practicing next to the Missouri river levee, which frequently broke and flooded the band’s practice space. Show openers include Shallow Side, Tantric, the Veer Union and Saliva. Sebastian will be rockin’ out on Monday, for sure. Needless to say, it’s a “no kids” show, admitting only 16 and up, and anyone under 18 will need to be with a parent or guardian. Doors open: 6 p.m. Show time rain or shine: 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 772-388-8588.
