Writers, and those who have dreams of writing, may want to consider the series of writing workshops offered by the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to not only preserve the home of the celebrated writer Laura Riding, but also to nurture writers. To that end, the foundation offers a handful of writing groups and expects to expand those offerings. During the pandemic, the popularity and appeal of the writing groups grew, said executive director Louise Kennedy. “We had people calling, asking ‘Where can I write? I need to write,’” Kennedy said. “It was definitely healing and we knew we needed to expand our offerings.” The groups offered currently include: “Write Life,” which meets on Zoom from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays to discuss their novels, journaling, blogs and more; “Tuesday Writers,” an adult group meeting 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays to discuss their poems, essays, memoirs and creative nonfiction; “Porch Poets,” which welcomes poets 10 a.m. to noon on the porch of Jackson’s historic home, and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday at the writing center; “Pole Barn Poets,” the sister group of the Porch Poets, which meets 10 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday in the Pole Barn (a barn without walls); and a “Teen Writers Studio,” which just finished a series and will start up again in the fall. The people attending the adult groups range in age from 20s to 80s and include a wide range of writing experience, from novice to those who have been published. Group size could be from as few as 10 to up to 30 people. Each group has its own “ethos” and “vibe,” Kennedy said. The poetry workshops frequently collaborate with local photographers and artists for powerful exhibitions at area galleries. “People really want to write,” Kennedy said. “They’re using it as a way to express themselves and connect with other people … We can’t keep up with the demand.” To meet this demand, the foundation has initiated a $50 annual membership, which will let members access any or all of these programs. More member benefits will be announced at a later date. The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation is at 1914 14th Ave., Vero Beach. Call 772-569-6718 or visit LRJF.org.
The Vero Beach Theatre Guild begins its new season with the comic drama “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” The play is by Dale Wasserman, who also wrote “Man of LaMancha.” It is adapted from the Ken Kesey 1962 novel and revolves around Randie McMurphy, a charming con man who is sentenced to prison but finagles his way into something he thinks will be better – a mental institution. McMurphy quickly takes over, pumping new life into people long thought lost to their illnesses. The patients want to see the World Series, but stern Nurse Ratched refuses to let them watch the TV. Ratched and McMurphy have a struggle of wills. The play debuted on Broadway in 1963 and starred Kirk Douglas as McMurphy, Joan Tetzel as Nurse Ratched and Gene Wilder as Billy Bibbit. The Vero Beach production is directed by Michael Naffziger. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” opens 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 and runs through July 25. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $15 to $30. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is at 2020 San Juan Ave. Call 772-562-8300 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
Carnival Cruise Lines’ “Entertainer of the Year” will headline this weekend’s Comedy Zone at Riverside Theatre. Al Ernst takes that award pretty seriously, especially when considering that the ships fill more than 5,000 entertainment gigs annually. Ernst has also performed at corporate gigs, is an announcer for professional wrestling, and has appeared on numerous television networks, including A&E, HBO and Comedy Central. He was recently featured in a “Wall Street Journal” story about clean comedy. The Comedy Zone’s opening act will bring rising comedy star Brian Aldridge to the stage. A Chicago native, Aldridge has worked with big names including Dave Chappelle, Carlos Mencia, Chelsea Handler, Bill Burr and Damon Wayons. The fun begins 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10. Tickets are $20, plus a $2 processing fee. Cash bar and bar menu foods available for purchase. Arrive early and enjoy a free outdoors concert “Live in the Loop.” Friday, it’s Jesse & the Thieves covering the Beatles, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars and more. Saturday, it’s Solparty, covering Pink Floyd and classic rock. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.