Arts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller

Adam Schnell (and his dog Frankie) tells us about Ballet Vero Beach.  Their "Spring Fling" plays at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center at IRSC on May 15th and 16th and at Riverside Theatre May 22nd, 23rd & 24th.  "spring Fling" features the company premiere of George Balanchine's original Valse Fantasies, the playful ABBA-Solutely, set to the iconic sounds of ABBA, and the return of fan-favorite Caprice. Get tickets and details online at Balletverobeach.org

Rob Steele joins us by phone to discuss the Historical Society of Martin County, the new and exciting things happening at the Elliott Museum and th...

Summer is coming and Elise Mahovlich joins the show to talk about the Environmental Learning Center, its 64-acre campus, and how they've educated children for 39 years.  "Hands On, Feet Wet" is how the ELC teaches kids about the Indian River Lagoon and our surrounding environment.  Summer Camps begin June 1st.  Adult Programs continue year-round, with yoga, pilates, and walking meditation on the 4th Sunday of every month.  Get details online at Discoverelc.org.

We're also joined by Henry Szmyt of the Fort PIerce Jazz & Blues Society, a group dedicated to musicians.  They perform at the Fort Pierce Farmer's Marke...

We speak with the amazing Mike Block about how he fell in love with music, how he got connected to Vero Beach, and how his scholarship got started.  We discuss his invention, the Block Strap, to help cello players.  His wife is Scottish National Fiddle Champion Hanneke Cassel, and together they're playing in concert this Friday, April 24th at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach.  He's also hosting the Mike Block String Camp on the second week of July.  Details and schedules can be found online at MikeBlockMusic.com , MikeBlockStringCamp.com , VeroBeachInternationalMusicFestival.com & Vero.show

The Executive Director of Brevard Cultural Alliance, Catherine Esrock, joins us to talk about what's happening in the arts in Brevard County. The Brevard Community Orchestra closes the King Center's 72nd Season with Dan Forrest’s uplifting and cinematic Creation. And we talk about the Melbourne Arts Festival on April 25 & 26. You can find details at ArtsBrevard.org.

And we speak with Aaron Collins, music director of the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. The public is invited to a rehearsal on April 23rd for a unique symphonic experience, Sunny Bohemia, with performances scheduled for April 25 & 26. The new season will be announce...

Chrissy Barber and Pamela Londono join the show to talk about the events at Vero Beach Museum of Art, including the Children's Art Festival, Saturday April 11th from 10am-3pm.  There will be a plethora of art making activities for kids and families, local group performances, food trucks and face painting.  We get an update on the construction and we talk about the Summer Class sign ups for classes which start on June 1st.  Membership opportunities are available at VBMuseum.org

We alsp speak with Tom Fitz of Schoolyard Films about his fascinating career as a nature film cam...

From Ballet Vero Beach, dancer Ellie Hennequin joins the show to tell us about "Allusions and Allegories" April 10th and 11th as well as the Gathering at the Gallery at Windsor where you can meet the dancers April 15th.  We ask Ellie how she went from England to being involved with Ballet Vero Beach, and how dancers like her stay in shape.  Tickets and details of events are online at BalletVeroBeach.org

We then speak with two cast members of "9 to 5: The Musical."  Kathlynn Rodin plays Doraleen (the Dolly Parton character) and Ken Sandberg plays Mr. Hart (the bos...

J. Marshall Adams, the Executive Director of the A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery, was kind enough to join us for two segments.  We discuss how the Backus Museum's amazing commitment to Florida artists.  Everyone is excited for "Collage Mirage: the Art of Derek Gores" now through April 26th.  Willi marvels at the incredible Museum store which supports their non-profit mission.  We announce a Call to Artists for the 31st Annual Juried Photography Show.  And we discuss a new Highwaymen Museum in Fort Pierce, at 1234 Avenue D.  Details can be found at BackusMuseum.org

JoAnn Falletta, conducting the Buffalo Philharmonic for IRSA, talks about her background in music and the coming concert at Community Church.

Sean Sexton describes what to expect at the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation's 15th Annual Poetry and BBQ event with guest poets from the very first event, Silvia Curbelo and Michael Hettich.

Music Angels benefit is being performed by Larry Brown and his acoustic jazz band at Majestic Theatre March 25, 2026 7:00 pm
Everyone will want to sit close - think first row - and soak up the band's vibe!

Paulette Visceglia from the Vero Beach Art Club tells us about the 75th edition of the Under the Oaks Fine Art and Craft Show happening this weekend (March 13-15, 2026) at Riverside Park in Vero Beach.  This is a juried art show ith over 230 artists displaying their works.  Willi and Paulette discuss the beginnings of the Art Club, how it was formed 90 years ago, and their classes and open gallery at 1903 14th Avenue in Vero Beach.

Next we speak with Katherine Eppink of Ballet Vero Beach about her yound son, Henry, as well as the Ballet's upcoming shows.  Ballet Und...

We're joined by Tim Sanchez and Warren Obluck inviting us to see Reconstructed Paintings, a unique showcase of Tim’s artwork, through April at Center for Spiritual Care, with a reception on April 3rd.  Discover details at Centerforspiritualcare.org

Kristal Eckhardt  then joins the show to tell us about the A.C.T. Studio Theatre, an intimate theatre in Stuart where you can see "Beehive The 60's Musical" March 13 through 29.   April get ready for “6 RMS RIV VU."  Tickets and details are online at actstudiotheatre.com

We speak with Pamela Londono and Katherine Eppink about "Made in America," two special performances of new dance works by Ballet Vero Beach, inspired by the art on display at Vero Beach Museum of Art, February 28. 
Londono, public programs manager at VBMA, tells us about the upcoming appearance of CBS Sunday Morning's Conor Knighton, who has visitied every National Park, March 9 at 4:30 p.m.. And the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is performing an interactive concert for kids, "Princess and the Pea," Saturday, March 14. Tickets and details are at VBMuseum.org
Then we explore the world of ballet with a B...

Mark Greaney is an American author. He is known for his Gray Man series of action thriller novels, which feature assassin and CIA operative Court Gentry. Greaney is also known for co-authoring Tom Clancy’s final works and for continuing the Ryanverse after his death in 2013 and until 2017.

We then speak with P.J. Griffith (Pontius Pilate) and Craig Waletzko (King Herod) from Riverside Theatre's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, playing February 26-March 26.  Get tickets at RiversideTheatre.com

Friend of the show, Marcos Flores joins us to talk about the Eight Piano Concert on Sunday, February 15th at Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church in Vero Beach. We talk about how they actually fit eight pianos on stage and we discuss other concerts coming in the near future.    

We then speak with P.J. Griffith (Pontius Pilate) and Craig Waletzko (King Herod) from Riverside Theatre's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, playing February 26-March 26.  Get tickets at RiversideTheatre.com

Chrissy Barber and Pam Londono join us to tell us about the Vero Beach Museum of Art and its Open House on February 14th.  You can be part of a community project by bringing a fabric that's red, white or blue.  Admission is free that day from 10am-4pm, and registration will be open for Springtime classes and workshops.  Details can be found online at VBMuseum.org

We then speak with Nancy Turrell, Executive Director of Martin Arts.  Arts Fest is this weekend, February 7th and 8th in downtown Stuart, with about 80 artists on display, music, clinary competitions, and...

Local painter Leslie Stokes joins the show and we talk about her new paintings to be featured at the Center for Spiritual Care during February 2026.  Her show, "Mirage," features her abstract art as an ode to Florida's disappearing landscape.  It opens with a reception February 6, 5-7 p.m., and runs weekends through February 27, at the Center for Spiritual Care, 1550 24th St., Vero Beach.

We then speak with Michael Naffziger, Executive Director of the Theatrical Learning Center (TLC) at Vero Beach Theatre Guild, and Artistic Director at Indian River Charter High School.  TLC at the Theatre Guild includes classes for...

Chief Curator of Vero Beach Museum of Art, Caitlin Swindell and Deputy Director Suzanne Seldes tell us about the American Made exhibition featuring paintings and sculptures dating as far back as 1780.  It runs January 31st to June 7th.  We also get an update on the construction and the upcoming 40th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, February 14th with free entry from 10am-3pm. Details can be found online at vbmuseum.org

We also speak with Jennifer Hearn, Senior Program Manager of Martin Arts.  The 35th Annual All Florida Juried Art Show is happening now thru February 28th.  And Arts Fest...

We speak with Gregory Enns, publisher of Indian River Magazine and author of the new book, "Cow Creek Chronicles" which can be purchased online at IndianRiverMagazine.com.
And also joining us is David Amado, music director and conductor of Atlantic Classical Orchestra.  Performances are scheduled for January 22nd at Community Church of Vero Beach and January 23rd at Lyric Theatre. Tickets and details can be found at AtlanticClassicalOrchestra.com.

Camilo A. Rodriguez (with his dog Frankie) stopped by to tell us about Ballet Vero Beach's presentation of "All Rodriguez," a performance of three full dances he choreographed. Rodriguez is the company’s Ballet Master as well as a principal dancer.  Don't miss it, January 16th and 17th at the Vero Beach Performing Arts Center.  Get tickets at BalletVeroBeach.org.

We then speak with Linda Sposato, founder of the Music Angels Education Fund, providing instruments for area children who may otherwise not be able to afford them.  Through music, Music Angels instills confidence and self-esteem in the children served. S...

Author Brad Meltzer joins us by phone to talk about some of his books, including his newest book "The Viper," his thriller "The Tenth Justice," and his children's book series, "Ordinary People Change the World."  You can meet Brad Meltzer at his book signing on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at 12pm noon, at Vero Beach Book Center.

Barry Shapiro joins us in studio to talk about the very successful Treasure Coast Sock Drive.  They're aiming to collect 20,000 pairs of socks for people experiencing homelessness.  With 70 collection boxes from Sebastian to Port St Lucie and a website where you can don...

Dr. Jacob Craig is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.  He's also a Board Member of Indian River Symphonic Association.  The 2026 Season is coming up with more access to the world-class orchestras than ever.  Details at IRSymphonic.org

Tregoney Shepherd and Lauren Maria Medina share their experiences in 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' at Riverside Theatre. They discuss the production, characters, and their acting journeys. The play runs from January 9th to February 1st, featuring comedic and musical elements along with stunning period costumes. The actors express their excitement and...

John Bolton joins the show to discuss the "sheep to sweater" knitting and crochet process, how he founded Long Thread Media, a majority-women owned small business dedicated to hand crafts and publisher of independent handcraft magazines.  He also founded BeerandBrewing.com and the Beer and Brewing Podcast.

Warren Obluck is another interesting guest; he has worked in foreign service for thirty-two years.  Today, he's the Cultural Coordinator for the Center for Spiritual Care at 1550 24th Street in Vero Beach.  Online at CenterSpiritualCare.org.  He's excited to show us the works of painter Madeline Long, as "Splash & Blooms, Pools, Plan...

Larry Brown and his Quintet are back in Vero Beach!  See them perform Friday, January 16th at 7pm at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild. Enjoy performances of music made famous by the likes of by Miles Davis, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter.  Kids are welcome, and in fact, encouraged to attend.  Get tickets and info at VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.  We also talk about the Summer Jazz Camp in June; find details online at JazzSociety.org.      

Sara Klein of Vero Beach Museum of Art joins us to discuss Holidays at the Museum, a free event this Saturday, December 13th, 2025, from 10am-3pm...

Adam Schnell joins us to talk about Ballet Vero Beach and their production of Nutcracker on the Indian River, December 11-14, 2025, featuring a cast of 40 kids and 20 professionals.  The VIP Add-On Experience is still available.  We also discuss the Dance Education Program at Riverside Theatre.  Be sure to get tickets to Nutcracker on the Indian River at BalletVeroBeach.org or RiversideTheatre.com

Mike Block joins us to discuss a new kids program, MikeBlockStringCamp.com.  The Mike Block Trio will perform on January 8th at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach.  And Mike talks about his recent appearance on "Shark...

Elise Mahovlich joins the show to tell us about the wonderful events happening at the ELC, including Wintergreen Night Lights, December 12th and 13th. You'll enjoy illuminated canoe trips through the mangrove tunnels, s'mores by the fire, aquariums and touch tank, a campfir and music, and on Friday 12/12 only, there's a special performance by Aerial Antics! 

Additional events include Family Fishing Day (Nov. 29, 8:30-10:30), Kids Winter Break Camps (Dec 22, Dec 29), Artist Meet & Greet (Jan 9), Lagoonapalooza (Jan 24, 10a-5, admission is FREE).  Find details and registration pages at DiscoverELC.org

J. Marshall Adams of the A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery joins the show to tell us about their new exhibit, "Glory in the Glass: The Conrad Pickel Studio."  This enjoyable exhibit will focus on stained glass art with images and tools on display to showcase the whole process.  The exhibit runs November 21 - January 4, 2025.  Become a member and get details online at BackusMuseum.org.

We're also joined by Jeffery Backwell, actor in "Dancing on the Dingle," an Original Irish Christmas Musical, November 29th & 30th.  You'll love this secular story of how Christmas came to be in the Nort...

Marcos Flores joins us to talk about the 20th Anniversary of the Concert Series at Christ By The Sea United Methodist Church.  The new season starts Sunday, November 23rd, with a Piano Concert featuring Grand Piano renditions of the majestic Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor, and other jewels from the piano literature such as Debussy’s Clair de Lune and Malagueña by Lecuona.  We also discuss Marco's brother, Jose Daniel Flores, formerly of Community Church, Albany Pro Musica, the Christmas cantata and more upcoming concerts.  Tickets and details are online at cbtsumc.org

Oscar Sales joins us to ta...

Adam Schnell invites us to "An Interpratation of Double Portraits," a collaboration of Ballet Vero Beach and Vero Beach Museum of Art.  Enjoy two shows on Saturday, November 15th.  Tickets and details can be found at BalletVeroBeach.org.  We also discuss BVB Films and the documentary now available online, as well as "Nutcracker on the Indian River," December 11-14 at Riverside Theatre.

We're then joined by Rob Volsky of the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, who gets us excited to see "Dancing on the Dingle," an original Irish Christmas Musical on the last week of November.  We also dicuss a co...

We speak with Chief Curator at Vero Beach Museum of Art, Caitlin Swindell, about "Second Saturday," a FREE event with family activities, tours, film screening, art viewing, and even a performance by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.  The next "Second Saturday" is November 8th at 11am at Vero Beach Museum of Art.

Staci Rosbury joins the show by phone to tell us about "Spooks and Spells," a special concert on Thursday, November 6th at 7pm, with an informal pre-show by 321 Jazz Orchestra at 6pm.  "Spooks and Spells" is at Melbourne Auditorium at 625 East Hibiscus Blvd.  We also discuss the...

Rachel Carter Murphy of Community Church of Vero Beach joins the show to talk about "Tricks and Treats," a special concert this Saturday, October 25th, 2025, at 3pm, with pianist Jacob Craig at Grace Chapel.  It features everything from early boroque music to modern times.  We also discuss the Church's Holiday plans, including the Free Christmas Ensemble Celebration, December 7th.

We then speak with Larry Strauss about Vero Beach Theatre Guild's production of "Dancing on the Dingle," November 29th and 30th at 2pm, with music by Jacob Craig and storybooks and lyrics by Larry Strauss.  We also discuss the upc...

Indian River Clay is the epi-center of the Soup Bowl fundraiser for the Samaritan Center, producing over 1,000 hand-made soup bowls each year for their worthy cause.  The 33rd Annual Samaritan Center Soup Bowl is November 6th, 2025, and guests are invited to make donations in exchange for their soup and pottery, with all proceeds supporting Samaritan Center’s mission of assisting homeless families in Indian River County.  Contact the Samaritan Center to volnunteer.

Indian River Clay has 65 members and they're hoping to expand soon.  Classes are offered multiple days per week to people of all ages and abililties.  Details can be...

The President of the Board of the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, Dee Rose, joins the show.  We talk about Dee's beginings, the history of Vero Beach Theatre Guild, and the progress of the new building and the new Black Box Studio. 
"Young Frankenstein" starts October 17th, and you won't want to miss Robin Volsky's "Creature Feature Monster Make-Up Show" October 25th from 10am-12pm in the Black Box.  
Auditions for Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" run October 27-29 and the public is encouraged to make reservations to audition.  
We also discuss upcoming shows "The Last Five Years", "A Chr...

Aaron Collins joins the show to discuss "Back Home Again: A Tribute to John Denver and the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra," a special benefit concert for the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with Music Works, November 22nd, 2025 at the Emerson Center in Vero Beach.  Get tickets at MusicWorksConcerts.com.

Performers Clint Hromsco and Nicholas Ward then join us in studio to tell us about their roles in "Little Shop of Horrors" on the main stage at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach October 16th - November 9th.  Nicholas is the voice of "Audrey II" (The Big Men-Eating Plant) an...

Andrew Kato tells us about the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, its new addition of 8,500 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms, it's upcoming shows of "Misery" based on the Stephen King novel, and "Million Dollar Quartet."  Find more details online at JupiterTheatre.org

And we speak with Maddie Williams of the Saint Lucie Cultural Alliance.  Maddie tells us about Art Walk on the 3rd Friday of every month, how the St Lucie Cultural Alliance is collaborating with other artistic entities in Fort PIerce, and more.  The building is at 111 Orange Avenue in Fort PIerce and you will find more details at Art...

Barbara Hammett Glover joins the show to talk about the Artists Guild Gallery, in business for 35 years, and her work in oil and cold wax.  The discussion includes cold wax and oil paints vs encaustic painting as well as using acrylics and tapestry.  The gallery is found at 1974 14th avenue in Vero Beach, online at ArtistsGuildGalleryofVeroBeach.com and Barbara's website is BarbaraGloverArt.com

Casey Lunceford joins us to introduce Terry Kavalec, and we discuss the Gifford Academy for the Performing Arts (Formerly the Gifford Youth Orchestra).  Mr. Kavalec, who has recently discovered the organization, has authenticated a 1737 Stradivarius vio...

Elise Mahovlich of the Environmental Learning Center joins the show to talk about ELC's free fiber art exhibit, featuring pieces by the Florida Gator Group, working in a traditional form of rug hooking.  See the free demo October 19th from 2-3pm.  Find out more at DiscoverELC.org. 

Lynn Jackson joins us to talk about the Vero Beach Theatre Guild's production, "Rumors",a Neil Simon comedy running  through September 21st.       

Auditions for "A Christmas Carol” are coming up, "Dancing on the Dingle" is set for special performances Thanksgiving weekend, and more! 

Arts Blast highlights exciting upcoming events in Florida's arts community. A Nutcracker performance and a special concert for Marie Jureit-Beamish's birthday are on the horizon, according to guest Lindsay Garritson. The concert, featuring former and current students, takes place at St. Mary's Episcopal Church September 6th at 4pm in Stuart. 

Additionally, we speak with Paul Tardiff as the Melbourne Chamber Music Society kicks off its 48th season with a diverse concert series starting November 7th, showcasing renowned artists and outreach programs for students.  Details can be found online at MelbourneChamberMusicSociety.org.

Musicians Manny Moreira and Lou Wilkin join the show to tell us about their musical careers and their upcoming show, "Beatles and Bossa," which combines the amazing music of the Beatles with the beautiful rhythm of Bossa Nova from Brazil.  "Beatles and Bossa" plays two shows on September 25th and October 9th, 2025 at the Waxlax Stage at Riverside Theatre.  Get tickets at the Riverside website, box office, or at BeatlesAndBossa.com.

Jon Bell, the "Singing Astronomer" and Associate Astronomy Professor at Indian River State College and Hallstrom Planetarium Director joins the show to tell us about the FREE Open House at the Planetarium on Saturday, August 30th from 6-9pm.  For details, call the box office in Fort Pierce at 772-462-4750 or visit irsc.edu.

Rob Volsky tells us about his upcoming show, "Rob Volsky's Creature Feature Halloween Monster Makeup Show" on Saturday, October 25th at 10am at Vero Beach Theatre Guild.

Domenic Del Brocco tells us about the Henegar Center For the Arts in Melbourne.  The opening show, "Hairspray" is playing August 15th through September 7th.  They're also hosting a fundraiser September 12th.  Tickets and details for the entire season can be found at HenegarCenter.com. 

Rosemary Knight then invites us to the Treasure Coast Theatre in Port St Lucie.  Their 6th season starts with a comedy, "Boeing Boeing."  Discounted ticket packages are available online at TreasureCoastTheatre.com.