An evening of local stories and rich history will take center stage at the Heritage Center on 6 p.m. Thursday, June 19, when Vero Beach native and author Rody Johnson joins sixth-generation Kennedy citrus family member and fellow author Sue Kennedy Holbrook for a special event benefiting the Heritage Center. “An Evening with Rody Johnson & Sue Kennedy Holbrook” will bring guests into an engaging conversation about Johnson’s work chronicling Vero Beach’s unique history, from the chilling tales of World War II U-Boats lurking just off the Florida coast to the archaeological mystery of Vero Man, and the groundbreaking integration of baseball with Jackie Robinson and Dodgertown. In addition to these captivating stories, attendees will enjoy a sneak peek at Johnson’s upcoming book, “Forever Vero,” scheduled for release this fall. Tickets are $15 and include light bites and beverages. The Heritage Center is at 2140 14th Ave., Vero Beach. Call 772-770-2263.
Riverside Theatre for Kids presents a 30-minute production of “Annie KIDS” this weekend. The production begins at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, and showcases the talents of young performers aged 6 to 11 years of age. Based on the classic comic strip and the Tony Award-winning musical, this condensed version is designed to maintain the heart and energy of the original musical about a spunky orphan heroine determined to find the parents who left her in the care of the cruel Miss Hannigan, and full of the catchy songs and uplifting themes in the original. “We’re excited to present these great shows for the family,” said Kevin Quillinan, director of theatre education at Riverside. He praised Music Theatre International’s adaptation for young voices, saying it allows the youthful cast to shine on the Stark Stage. Tickets are just $5. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
The Swedish Midsummer Celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at the Historic Hallstrom House. Guests will enjoy traditional music, dancing around the Maypole, a seasonal Smorgasbord, children’s activities, and guided tours of the historic house. The Hallstrom House, with its rich Scandinavian roots, is a fitting venue for this joyful observance of Sweden’s most cherished summer holiday. Admission is $10, with free entry for children under 16. The Historic Hallstrom House is at 1723 Old Dixie Hwy. SW, Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-778-3435.
The Space Coast Symphony Jazz Orchestra presents “In the Mood,” a tribute to the legendary Glenn Miller and the golden Big Band Era. The concert is designed to be a nostalgic and electrifying journey through the music that defined a generation. Led by conductor Andrew Cleaver, the orchestra will perform some of Miller’s most iconic numbers including “Moonlight Serenade,” “American Patrol,” “Tuxedo Junction” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Miller, a towering figure in 1930s and 1940s American music, produced 23 No. 1 hits in just four years, surpassing even Elvis and the Beatles in that span. Audiences can expect to be transported to the swing era by a group of Florida’s top jazz musicians, offering not just a concert but an interactive and immersive experience. The performance begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Admission is free for those 18 years and younger or with a student ID. For more information call 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
