Those of you who missed out getting tickets to the Environmental Learning Center’s gala fundraiser “Restoration” have a second chance to experience it in part. There will be a matinee presentation of the performances at the gala from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, April 24. Called a “one-of-a-kind immersive experience,” the show was created by FW Productions. Its creative director, Chris Foster, came up with a work that “takes us on a journey” designed to educate, inspire and uplift. There will be food and refreshments available for purchase. Tickets are $35. The Environmental Learning Center is at 255 Live Oak Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-589-5050 or visit DiscoverELC.org.
Hearkening back to a pristine Florida will also be a major theme with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra performs “Coast to Coast” Sunday, April 24, at St. Edward’s School. The program will feature “A Florida Story,” a work for narrator and orchestra. The story revolves around Vero Beach pioneer Waldo Sexton and his wife Elsebeth who made a home in the “frontier town” of Vero Beach. The story will be narrated by his grandson, Indian River County Poet Laureate Sean Sexton. The chock-full concert also features Grofe’s “On the Trail” from “The Grand Canyon Suite,” Copland’s “An Outdoor Overture,” Gershwin’s “Cuban Overture” and Fuchs’ “Atlantic Riband.” New works by Marshall and Daugherty will also be performed. Sopranos Mary Anne Kruger and Amy Cofield will perform Marshall’s “Cancó Del Mar.” Aaron T. Collins conducts. The concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts, Saint Edward’s School, 1895 St. Edward’s Dr., Vero Beach. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Free for those 18 and younger or those with a college ID. Call 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
The Galleries at First Pres open their Spring Art Show on Sunday, April 24. The show includes works by area artists Richard Gillmor, Salvador Lorenzo-Gonzalez and Theresa Prokop. Gillmor was influenced by Monet and Cezanne. He received his degree in fine arts from Western Michigan University and worked for 36 years in advertising and marketing. After retiring, he went back to his love of painting and kinetic sculptures. Born in Cuba, Gonzalez both studied and taught art at the Academia San Alejandro there. His work is in private collections throughout the world. Prokop lives in both East Lyme, Conn., and Sebastian. Mostly self-taught, she draws on the folk-art tradition. A certified Bob Ross Instructor, she teaches locally and has instructional videos on YouTube. The Galleries at First Pres are located throughout the campus of First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. They are open from noon to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and between Sunday services. Admission is free. The opening of the Spring Art Show runs 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Life refreshments will be provided during the opening. The show runs through June 1, 2022. Call 772-562-9088, or 305-797-7177.
First Presbyterian Church will also be the spot to hear the Vero Beach Choral Society’s next concert, “A Little Night Music.” Featured will be a variety of music from classical to 20th century musical theater to contemporary choral works. It is led by Jacob Craig, the church’s director of music and arts. It will be accompanied by the church’s Youth Symphonic Orchestra. The concert begins 4 p.m. Sunday, April 24, in the church’s sanctuary. There is a suggested donation of $10. Call 772-562-9088 or visit FirstPresVero.org.
Wheels & Keels Foundation kicks off its 11th Annual Charity Fundraiser Weekend on Friday, April 22. The two-day event begins with a cocktail reception and a sit-down dinner, followed by a live auction led by auctioneer Wesley Davis. That auction has some rare finds, including private cruises on luxurious yachts, vintage spirits and more. The car and boat show begins Saturday featuring exotic and antique cars and boats festooning the golf course and yachts moored at the docks. A buffet lunch will be served on the veranda. Funds raised will help Wheels & Keels provide funding to local charities improving lives of children and adults. The event will be held at The Moorings Yacht & Country Club, 100 Harbour Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-559-9758 or visit WKVero.com.
Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Riverview Park in Sebastian. The event includes live entertainment, food, vendors, environmental organizations, lagoon art show and sale, children’s activities, plus, for Sebastian residents, electronic recycling and shredding. Free admission. Riverview Park is at U.S. 1 and County Road 512. For more information, visit SebastianChamber.com.
