The Hibiscus Children’s Center presents “Candlelight Ball,” a gala event held at the 20-acre gardens and homes of Bellewood Plantation this Friday, Dec. 10. This annual event promises to echo Southern elegance this year, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner presented by Wild Thyme Catering. With the Gypsy Lane Band playing, there will also be plenty of opportunity to dance amidst twinkling candlelight. There will also be a silent auction held virtually this year. The auction includes treasures such as unique jewelry, home decor, restaurant gift certificates, sports packages and more. To bid on the virtual silent auction, go to Biddingowl.com/hibiscuschildrenscenter. The silent auction is already underway. It closes 5 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets to the gala event are $250 per person. Funds raised will benefit the youth living at the Hibiscus Village, a 40-bed group home providing a safe environment for abused youth ages 13 to 17. The Candlelight Ball will be held 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bellewood Plantation, 6070 69th St., Vero Beach. This is a black-tie optional event. Call 772-299-6011, ext. 313 or visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.
For something that might be out of your usual orbit this weekend, consider going to the Steve Diossy Marine Art Gallery to have a nice meet-and-greet with the artist. This is always an informative and fun thing to do; for many, it’s a unique experience. There will be drinks and hors d’oeuvres on hand as well as some interesting artsy folk, which is always a nice way to kick off a weekend. The meet-and-greet signing event with the artist will run 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Steve Diossy Marine Art Gallery, 3247 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-563-3575 or visit SteveDiossy.com.
When you think of cello music, you may conjure up images of Pablo Casals playing at the White House, or Mstislav Rostropovich performing the famous Bach Prelude. But there’s also a more lighthearted voice to the cello. You can hear that Friday when Mike Block returns for another fun-filled event at the First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach. Block is an award-winning cellist whose repertoire includes bluegrass and folk. He likes bringing “cross cultural” themes to his music. The New York Times calls Block’s music “vital” and “rich-hued.” He has made musical arrangements for big names from an ultra-wide range of genres, including Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Bobby McFerren, Metallica and more. He’s worked with the Vail Dance Festival and with another cellist who embraces cross-culturalism – YoYo Ma. Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation of $20 which will benefit the Mike Block Strings Camp Scholarship Fund. The concert begins 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-562-9088 or visit FirstPresVero.org or MikeBlockMusic.com.
This weekend’s lineup at Riverside Theatre’s Comedy Zone includes headliner Helen Keaney and feature act Jeff Klein. Known for her sexy and edgy humor, Keaney has performed throughout the country and even on the high seas with Carnival Cruise Lines. She’s hosted TV shows for Comedy Central, Discovery Health, E! and more. A Florida native, Klein finds humor in his own life, especially in the difficulties of not fitting in. He’s performed at the L.A. Pride Festival and the South Florida Pride Festival. Shows begin 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11. All seats are $20, plus an additional $2 processing fee. Free music in the Loop before shows, with Beatle Guys on Friday, Dec. 10 and Doo Wop City on Saturday, Dec. 11. Food and drink available for purchase. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
