Two choruses and one orchestra join forces Sunday in “The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.” It will be performed by members of the Vero Beach Choral Society, the Vero Beach High School Chorus and a 55-piece orchestra with a string section comprising select students from the Brevard String Academy. The concert will be led by Jacob Craig, the Choral Society’s artistic director and conductor. “Each movement of this work is impactful,” he says. “Daily we learn about the horrors of war in conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, and Israel and Palestine. We must remember to strive for peace always, and this work is that reminder.” The 13-movement work is by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. It was first performed in 2000 to commemorate the transition from the 20th century into the 21st. It is based on the traditional Catholic Mass. It includes Kyrie, Sanctus, Agnus Dei and Benedictus. There are also elements from world religions. Featured performers include soprano Julia Glunt, alto Laura Glunt, tenor James Morris, baritone Eric Martinez and cellist Ben Walding. The concert begins at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted at the doors before and after the concert. For more information, call 207-650-0094 or visit VeroBeachChoralSociety.org.
The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation will present its 13th Annual Poetry & Barbecue event this weekend. This event, which honors National Poetry Month, includes poetry, live music, barbecue and a silent auction and raffle. It begins at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, with presentations by local poets. Featured national award-winning poets George Bilgere and John Balaban will be presented at 4 p.m. Balaban is author of 13 books of poetry. His “Words for My Daughter” won a National Poetry Series Selection award. Bilgere wrote nine collections of published poetry and appeared on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” and “The Writer’s Almanac.” The dinner and live music start at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $45. The 13th Annual Poetry & Barbecue will be held at the Richardson Center on the Indian River State College Mueller Campus, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-569-6718 or visit LauraRidingJackson.org.
The Vero Beach Film Festival runs through Sunday at various locations throughout Vero Beach. There are documentaries, films, comic shorts, special talks, wine tastings, parties, student films and the Audience Awards & End of Festival Wrap Party. Passes start at $75. To see a list of films, more prices and locations, visit VBFilmFest.org.
Live from Vero Beach presents Classic Albums Live performing “The Who – Who’s Next” at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12, at the Emerson Center. CAL is known for creating concerts that are exact replicas of the albums covered and performed by professional musicians. This album includes iconic rock tunes “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Tickets are $45 to $90. The Emerson Center is at 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. Call 800-595-4849 or visit MusicWorksConcerts.com.
The Atlantic Classical Orchestra Masterworks concerts presents works by Beethoven and Haydn at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Community Church of Vero Beach. It features cellist Ashley Garritson performing the Haydn Cello Concerto No. 1. The concert is conducted by David Amado. Tickets start at $30. The Community Church of Vero Beach is at 1901 23rd St. For more information, visit AtlanticClassical
Orchestra.com.
The Phenomenal Women Play Mah Jong Luncheon begins at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 12, at Bent Pine Golf Club, 6001 Clubhouse Dr., Vero Beach. The cost is $75. Funds raised will go to the American Association of University Women, Vero Beach scholarship program. For more information, visit
AAUWVeroBeach.org.
Wheels and Keels will have a dinner and auction at 6 p.m. Friday, April 12. The dinner includes an open bar and dancing to live music. There is also an Antique Exotic Car and Boat Show at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Both events will be held at The Moorings Yacht & Country Club, 100 Harbour Dr., Vero Beach. Tickets are $250. Funds raised will benefit various local nonprofits. For more information, visit WKVero.com.
The Hallstrom Family Fashions will open a vintage clothing exhibition at the Hallstrom House, 1723 Old Dixie Hwy. SW, Vero Beach. The exhibition will run through April 19. Opening night festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, with beverages, charcuterie and live music by the Exotic Swing Jazz Combo. The cost to attend opening night is $50. The exhibition will be on view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13, to Friday, April 19. Cost for admission into the exhibition is $15. The event is hosted by the Indian River County Historical Society. For more information, visit IRCHistorical.org.