The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) will host a presentation titled Why Art Matters in Science at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave., Vero Beach. The event features artist Maria Sparsis and ORCA founder Edie Widder, a renowned deep-sea explorer and bioluminescence expert. Following this, the Data Jam Showcase and Awards begins at 4:30 p.m., bringing a unique competition where participants translate real scientific data into creative works of art. Both events are free to attend. More details can be found at TeamORCA.org.
Concerts in the Park series presents local favorite “Glory Days” performing from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at Riverview Park, 600 U.S. 1, Sebastian. The concert is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Food vendors will be selling a variety of items, including popcorn, crepes and waffles. More information is available at SebastianChamber.com.
The Through the Eye of the Camera exhibition opens at 6 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, 500 N. Indian River Dr., Fort Pierce. The 30th Annual Juried Exhibition showcases a wide range of photographic works by artists of all experience levels. The exhibition runs through June 20. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 with discounts for members of AARP and AAA, veterans with ID and seniors over 65 years. Free to members, students with ID, active-duty military personnel and children under 18 years. For details, call 772-465-0630 or visit BackusMuseum.org.
Riverside Theatre gets plenty busy this weekend. Its popular Comedy Zone presents standup comics Dean Napolitano and Joe Latham at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10. Napolitano brings an old-school comic vibe with a modern edge, while Latham offers wit honed through years of writing comedy in Europe. Tickets are $25. For those who enjoy live music, Riverside’s Live in the Loop presents 20th Street Jazz Band performing from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 8; popular band Riptide performing rock and pop hits from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 9; and classic rock band the Real Deal performing from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Concerts are free and open to the public. Bring a chair. There will also be food and beverages for purchase. Saturday morning, May 10, families can enjoy Playtime in the Park, a free outdoor event geared toward children ages 2 to 5 years. This 30-minute performance, offered by Riverside Theatre’s education program, begins at 11 a.m. on the Loop Stage and invites children to interact with the story in playful, imaginative ways. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
