This has been quite a month already, and we’re not even halfway through it. What better time to escape the world, even if just for a couple hours. And there’s no place more fun than Riverside Theatre’s “Comedy Zone.” And it’s not just the stand-up show, which always features two comedians. It’s the whole experience, from pre-show cover band concert, to picnic-style dinner and even a drinky-poo or two. This weekend, the Comedy Zone presents to its stage Jim Holder and Andy Huggins. A funny and affable guy, Holder has been on the comedy circuit for 18 years and has performed with the “Texas Outlaw Comics,” which featured the late great Sam Kinison. He’s opened for Tim Allen, Bob Saget, Rita Rudner and even Dionne Warwick. Don’t be surprised if you become part of his good-natured kidding. Huggins is a real veteran of the stand-up world. He’s written for Jay Leno and Billy Crystal’s gig on the Academy Awards. He took his “senior comedian” act onto the stage with “America’s Got Talent.” A disarming comedian, Huggins will get you laughing at some naughty subjects seen through the lens of age. You can find clips of both these comedians on YouTube.com. In addition to the Comedy Zone acts, Riverside presents Minglewood, which covers music by the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and more on Friday. Then, it’s the Real Deal, which covers the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Kinks, Creedence and more. Admission to the Live in the Loop music is free, but you need a ticket in order for staffers to maintain social distancing. Comedy Zone begins 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $18. Extra charges for menu items, of course. Patrons must wear masks until they are seated. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Dr., Vero Beach. For more information, visit RiversideTheatre.com or call 772-231-6990.
For something beautiful, inspiring and a bit tamer, consider Sunday’s opening reception for the Fall Art Installment at the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. The featured local artists include Jemal Hayes, Suze Lavender and Maciek von Ato, all of whom will be at the reception and available for a socially distanced meet-and-greet. Born and raised in Vero Beach, Hayes studied graphic design at Indian River State College and now runs Mr. J’s Video Productions. Hayes has quite the inspiring life story, which informs the positive subjects in his works. Born and raised on Long Island, N.Y., Lavender studied with Frits van Eeden, whose influence can be seen in her uninhibited use of color and line. Von Ato has a master’s degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland. His abstract figuratives reveal his deep study in art. He has exhibited throughout Western Europe and he worked in Philadelphia for nearly two decades. Sunday’s reception will also be the chance to meet artist Pamela Schwartz, the church’s new curator for their art galleries. The Fall Art Installment is open from noon to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Guided tours are available 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Admission is free. The art galleries are in the Gietz Music Suite off the lobby in the Center for Christian life. Facemasks are required. The reception will be held 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. The First Presbyterian Church is at 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. Call 772-562-9088 or visit FirstPresVero.org.
Here’s a fun outdoor event for you and your dog: the 6th Annual Running of the Weiners. The good-natured and friendly event begins 1 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Pareidolia Brewing Company in Sebastian. It raises funds for H.A.L.O. No-Kill Animal Shelter while at the same time setting the stage for a lot of fun. Participants are invited to dress up their dachshunds, or, in truth, any other friendly doggy they have, and set them lose in an outdoor race. “It’s really cool, an awesome event,” said bartender Trish Baker. To form the racetrack, Pareidolia sets up bales of hay in an adjacent parking lot. There will be four races held. In addition, the talented Melbourne duo String Daddy will perform. The cost to enter your dog is $20, again, with all proceeds benefiting H.A.L.O. (Helping Animals Live and Overcome). Pareidolia co-owner Lynn Anderson expects that the shelter will bring adoptable puppies to the event. In addition to serving craft beers, wine, hard seltzers and soft drinks, Pareidolia is also a full-service restaurant with both limited indoor and outdoor seating. It’s at 712 Cleveland St., Sebastian. Call 772-571-5693 or visit PareidoliaBrewing.com or find them on Facebook.
