Indian River Clay invites spectators to view its production of soup bowls to raise funds for the Samaritan Center. The production of these colorful and unique bowls will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 18; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 20; and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 22. The bowls will be sold at the 29th Annual Samaritan Center Soup Bowl fundraiser in November. These are all handcrafted bowls created in a range of styles, from whimsical to traditional. Indian River Clay supplies the studio and clay for the potters. A visit to the IRC event could be not only fun, but personally inspirational as well. If you come away saying “I wish I could do that,” then consider taking lessons: Private individual lessons are $45 per hour with a minimum of three hours. Additional guests at the individual sessions are $15 per hour. Or, gather some friends and arrange your own clay party: Clay parties are $35 per person, with a minimum of six people. IRC is at 1239 16th St., Vero Beach. Call 772-202-8598 or visit IndianRiverClay.org.
Wake up from your summer slumber with some electrifying music at “Dance Party,” the Space Coast Symphony. Led by maestro Aaron Collins, the program includes Arturo Marquez’s “Danzon No. 2,” a composition filled with sensual energy and syncopated Latin rhythms. That will set the stage for Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” a powerful, vivacious orchestral suite in three movements originally called “Noon,” “Twilight” and “Midnight.” The work was the composer’s last major composition. The program also includes the world premiere of Thomas Joseph’s “Concerto Dystonia” for horn and orchestra. “He’s a very young composer and is up and coming,” Collins said. “He’s got a lot of great talent and I’m excited about presenting this work.” Joseph’s composition is inspired by a nerve disease he suffers called “focal dystonia,” which can cause tremors or pain in the lip, making it challenging if not impossible for horn players. The concerto features Joseph Lovinsky, the principal horn for the Space Coast Symphony and frequent soloist with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. High on Lovinsky’s impressive list of credits is the former principal horn for the United States Army Band, the Army Orchestra and the Army Brass Quintet. Add to that a position as teaching assistant at the Juilliard School, and you know this is a rare musician. “Aside from his bio, he’s such a gentle, warm soul,” Collins said. “I’ve worked with a lot of musicians with a track record of great things. He’s just an easy-going guy and makes my job easier.” The entire program is going to be “really fun,” Collins said. “I’ve been wanting to do the Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances for years now. It’s extremely difficult but one of my favorite pieces in the repertoire.” As far as people getting the urge to dance in the aisles during the Marquez “Danzon No. 2,” go for it, Collins said. “I’m OK with it. I’ve seen it before.” The concert begins 3 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd St. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Admission is free to people 18 years and younger and to college students. Moreover, because of the SCSO’s “Symphony for Everyone” initiative, anyone who cannot afford a ticket is asked to simply pay what you can. For more information, call 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
Vero Beach Rowing is offering “Learn to Row” classes for young people from rising seventh-graders to 12th-graders. The organization supplies everything the young rower needs. They will be rowing in 1, 2, 4 or 8 people sculls along the intracoastal waterway. “People are surprised how addictive it is,” said director of rowing Brian Colgan. “They say, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so much fun, I want to do more of it.’ And it’s good for fitness, self-confidence, learning teamwork.” The Youth Rowing program runs weekly through July 23 with beginner camps at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and advanced camps 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. weekdays. The cost is $200. Later, the organization will offer rowing programs for high school and middle school students, plus programs for adults wanting to give the sport a try. Vero Beach Rowing is at 310 Acacia Road, Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-261-0747 or visit VeroBeachRowing.org.