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Arts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller
Arts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller episodes
- Dr Marcos Flores (Marcos Flores Piano Studio) and Sara Wilson (Laura "Riding" Jackson Foundation)Dr. Marco Flores tells us about his next chapter in life. After 22 years at Christ By the Sea, he has opened the Marcos Flores Piano Studio in the Miracle Mile area of Vero Beach. The studio features 3,000 square feet of space to accomidate the musical education of everyone age 5 and up. Enroll in piano lessons, musical theory and history classes, chamber music classes; learn everything that's invloved in being a pianist. In the near future, he wants to take the studio out to underprivelaged youth. Don't miss the Open Gala, November 13-15th. Discover more at MarcosFloresPianoStudio.org
Executive Director of the Laura "Riding" Jackson Foundation, Sara Wilson joins the show. She's celebrating her 5th year sharing the legacy of te local poet who lived here from WWII until the 1990's. She loves getting young people excited about writing. The LRJF house is closed summers, due to the lack of electricity in the original house, but it is now open to the public on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 1-4pm and every Tuesday from 2-4pm. Don't miss their free Book Festival, where you can meet and greet 30-40 authors on Saturday, November 7th at Vero Beach Book Center from 11am-3pm. Details at lauraridingjackson.org.26 min - Marshall Adams (A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery) and Grace Phillips (Historical Society of Martin County)The A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery is celebrating its 66th season and Executive Director Marshall Adams discuss Fort PIerce, the history of the museum and the Florida Highwaymen, and what is happening there now. Accessible free parking is available despite the construction going on until January. Watch for five special exhibitions this season, including the 45th Annual Juried Exhibition October 4-November 13. You could win a masterpiece by Florida Highwayman Sam Newton in February. Tickets and details at BackusMuseum.org
Did you know the late local inventor Sterling Elliott holds 125 patents for his inventions? It's one of the many things we learned from Grace Phillips, development manager of the Historical Society of Martin County. The Monster Mash is a dance party and costume contest held at the Museum on October 23rd. Prizes will be awarded! Go to hsmc-fl.com and click on "Special Events" or call 772-225-1961 to purchase tickets.26 min - Tony Spadafora and Beth Green (Indialantic Chamber Singers)Music has always been in Tony Spadafora's heart. This week, he talked about how he started singing in Broadway shows and choruses while working full time. He was able to retire into music in 2005 and has been enjoying singing with the Indiatlantic Chamber Singers ever since.
Beth Green, artistic director of Indiatlantic Chamber Singers, began her career in public education, becoming a voice teacher and joining a choir as a singer. She has a degree in Choral Music Education and she tells us about the importance of exposing children to music early. We also talk about auditions; the website has a button that makes it easy to sign up.
Coming soon, they both will be taking part in "Journey Across America: 100 Years of Route 66," a musical celebration of America's 250th Birthday and 100 years of Route 66. Performances are Friday, October 2nd at 7pm at Our Lady of Grace in Palm Bay, and Sunday, October 4th at 3pm at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Indiatlantic. Get tickets and details online at IndiatlanticChamberSingers.org26 min - Marty and Bev Paris (Music Works Concerts) and Beau Surratt (Suntree United Methodist Church)Marty and Bev Paris take time from their busy schedule to talk to us about Music Works Concerts and Paris Productions. They're putting on 16 live performances through April. Concerts inlude Go Now (Featuring the music of the Moody Blues) November 19th, Jay and the Americans January 21st, and Jefferson Starship March 13th. All concerts are at the Emerson Center in Vero Beach. Tickets and details can be found at MusicWorksConcerts.com
We also discuss" Hidden Faces 2026: From Homeless to Home," the unveiling of The Source's Dignity Ranch. November 7th, at 801 154th Ave., Vero Beach. Details are online at Iamthesourcee.org.
We also speak with Beau Surratt, musician at Suntree United Methodist Church, about an amazing upcoming concert, Pipes and Reeds, a free concert featuring an organ and saxophone quartet, on September 27th at 3pm at 7400 North Wickham Road in Melbourne. We also discuss refurbishing their 100+ year old pipe organ.26 min - Mark Barnes (PSL Botanical Gardens) and Mike Freeman (Community Band of Brevard)We're joined by Mark Barnes of Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens. We discuss Mark's musical career; he's released 15 albums, has won 40+ music awards and he's a member of the Indie Music Hall of Fame! He's also been in charge of marketing for PSL Botanical Gardens, a volunteer-run non-profit center with a variety of gardens, since 2011. Be sure to attend the Botanical Bazaar and Orchid Symposium, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 10th from 9-4. Discover more about Mark's music at MarkBarnesMusic.com and about the gardens at pslbg.org
Mike Freeman joins the show to tell us about the Community Band of Brevard. They're hosting a free concert, "The American Spirit" this Sunday, September 13th at 3pm at 100 Mustang Way in Merritt Island. They're celebrating the music of America, honoring the nation's 250th anniversary, including a recognition of September 11th. Discover more at CommunityBandofBrevard.com26 min - Dee Rose (Vero Beach Theatre Guild) and Kate Maingot (Gifford Academy for the Performing Arts)President of the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, Dee Rose joins the show and she's excited for "Steel Magnolias" to play her 205-seat theatre from September 11-27. It's going to be a popular one; 59 women auditioned for 6 roles! We discuss how Dolly Parton's recent death affected the cast and crew. And "Come From Away" which tells the true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers on September 11, 2001, plays the Theatre Guild in November.
Kate Maingot of the Gifford Academy for the Performing Arts (formerly the Gifford Youth Orchestra) joins the show to tell us about their amazing new facilities. They're excited to present "We've Got Talent," a talent show where 100 kids have auditioned; the semi-finals are October 3rd and the audience can vote on the finalists. Find out more at WeveGotTalent.org
Also, the fall concert, "Home Sweet Home" is coming November 12th. Details can be found online at GiffordAcademy.org26 min - Suzanne Seldes (Vero Beach Museum of Art) and Teresa Cannady (Indian River Symphonic Association)Vero Beach Museum of Art's Deputy Director Suzanne Seldes joins the show to tell us about the new season and the construction progress. The Museum will be open seven days a week beginning in September. Every 2nd Saturday of the month is free admission. The museum offers classes and workshops for all; veterans are free. Discover more at VBMuseum.org
Indian River Symphonic Association Managing Director Teresa Cannady then joins us to talk about the concert they produce every year for 1,100+ area 5th graders. We also discuss the 3-D printed instruments given away to local students and how you can help the program. And IRSA is proud to partner with Mike Block to offer new workshops. Student Rush Tickets are available for only $10 for students. Call for details: 772-778-1070. Find details at IRSymphonic.org26 min - Althea Wilson (IRSC McAlpin Theatre) and Nancy Turrell (Martin Arts)Althea Wilson joins us and we talk about the recent history of the McAlpin Theatre at Indian River State College and the upcoming upgrades. We discuss the theatre's relationship with the Port St Lucie Community Band and upcoming concerts and events, including "Laugh Out Local" comedy nights. Tickets and details at irsc.edu/community/performing-arts/
Nancy Turrell joins us to talk about the Martin Arts Foundation and Martin Arts Council and how they supports arts and culture in Martin County. We discuss the 5th Annual Members Show in September and the scholarships that will be awarded at the Martin Arts Awards (a.k.a. "the Martis") at the Lyric Theatre on November 15th. Martin Arts is at 80 SE Ocean Boulevard in Stuart. Details at MartinArts.org.26 min - Staci Rosbury (Indian River Symphonic Association and Melbourne Municipal Band)Staci Rosbury joins the show to tell us about the Indian River Symphonic Association and it's 2027 season. A series of five concerts kick off on January 25th with the Cleveland Orchestra. The Orlando Philharmonic visits on February 15th. All concerts are held at the Community Church of Vero Beach and details and tickets can be found online at IRSymphonic.org. We also discuss how the IRSA partners with Forte 3D to provide 3D printed instruments to students who need them.
The conversation switches to the Melbourne Municipal Band, celebrating 62 years, with an announcement of new things coming soon. The next big performance, "On the Job: Rhythm of the Daily Grind" is happening Sept 16 & 17th at 7pm at the Melbourne Auditorium with surprises, including a dog performing to the music! Tickets and schedule online at MMBand.org.26 min - Judy Burgarella and Camy De Mario (Florida Art Chix Gallery)Judy Burgarella and Camy De Mario join the show to talk about art, and more specifically, the Florida Art Chix Studio, now in it's 4th year. We ask Judy how she inspires her art students. We discuss "Hot Summer Art," featuring works by guest artists Justine Lomenzo, Iris Peterson, P. Hall, Jeff Hall, Michael Degnon, Ena Raquer, and Gallery Owners Camy De Mario and Judy Burgarella. "Hot Summer Art" will be on view from August 4th to August 31st, and includes a book launch and signing on De Mario's new memoir, "What I Carried Through the Fire," a riveting trus story of tragedy, survival, adventure and art.
A reception and Book Signing is at the Gallery, August 14th from 5-8pm. The Florida Art Chix Gallery is at 951 Old Dixie Highway, Suite A-4, Vero Beach. Summer hours are Tuesday-Friday 11:30am-3pm. Details can be found online at FloridaArtChix.com26 min
About Arts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller
From the publisher's feed
I began covering the arts on Florida's Treasure Coast almost 25 years ago after working in Miami with WTMI-FM. Before Miami, I spent 16 unforgettable years in the U.S. Virgin Islands, getting my feet…
wet in broadcasting at WVWI, as program director and host of a radio talk show, and learning how to live in the Caribbean - not easy but so worth the effort.
When I made my way north to the Treasure Coast, I landed at WQCS, the regional NPR affiliate, producing Arts Spotlight and arts-related special programs for 15 years or so. I tried retirement, but that wasn't for me. Soon I was tapped to produce a weekly radio segment for the Cultural Council of Indian River County. My arts coverage spilled over from radio to print when I was asked to write an arts and entertainment column for TCPalm.com. At the end of 2018, I tried retirement again, and immediately realized there was no retiring from spreading the word about the wealth of arts, culture, and entertainment we have to offer.
Over the years, I've met hundreds of interesting and talented people and discovered places to go and things to do that I just have to share. From Brevard County to North Palm Beach County and looking west, Willi Miller's Arts Blast will keep you moving, learning, and having fun. Subscribe to the free weekly eMagazine at willimiller.com or just check back here every week for the latest issue. On Facebook, it's Willi Miller's Arts Blast and Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras. Come explore with me.
When I made my way north to the Treasure Coast, I landed at WQCS, the regional NPR affiliate, producing Arts Spotlight and arts-related special programs for 15 years or so. I tried retirement, but that wasn't for me. Soon I was tapped to produce a weekly radio segment for the Cultural Council of Indian River County. My arts coverage spilled over from radio to print when I was asked to write an arts and entertainment column for TCPalm.com. At the end of 2018, I tried retirement again, and immediately realized there was no retiring from spreading the word about the wealth of arts, culture, and entertainment we have to offer.
Over the years, I've met hundreds of interesting and talented people and discovered places to go and things to do that I just have to share. From Brevard County to North Palm Beach County and looking west, Willi Miller's Arts Blast will keep you moving, learning, and having fun. Subscribe to the free weekly eMagazine at willimiller.com or just check back here every week for the latest issue. On Facebook, it's Willi Miller's Arts Blast and Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras. Come explore with me.