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.
Adam Schnell tells us about Ballet Vero Beach and a fun way to end the season with its upcoming show, "Young and Cool," at Indian River State College on May 16th and 17th; and at Riverside Theatre May 23rd and 24th. Pro tip: cockatails will be aviailable at the Riverside show. And Adam hints that they're always looking for donors. Get tickets at BalletVeroBeach.orgGloria Allen then invites us to see "79 and Holding" at the Knights of Columbus on May 16th at 6pm (tickets available at the Parrish Office at St. Helen's Church), and May 31st at 4pm at the Italian American Club in Vero Beach.
5/7/25 • 25:01
Maestro David Amado joins us to talk about his history as music director of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, his role as music director laureate with the Delaware Syphony Orchestra, and his position with The Oregon Mozart Players. Learn more at atlanticclassicalorchestra.com. Then Campbell Mobley, curator at the Flagler Museum, talks about its history and beauty and the Maxfield Parrish exhibition’s extended run, now through May 25. Details on the exhibit and upcoming events, including the 4th of July celebration are at FlaglerMuseum.us.
4/30/25 • 25:04
Jill Truax and Miguel Bonachea are instudio to discuss their upcoming concert "Letting Go," featuring classical guitar and piano, May 4th at 3pm at Grace Chapel at Community Church of Vero Beach. Find tickets and details online at: ccovb.orgWe then speak with Tom Fitz, a local wildlife filmmaker whose work has been featured on BBC, PBS, Discovery Channel and National Geographic and has founded a non-profit, Schooyard Films. He's speaking at the Elliott Museum Wednesday, April 30th at 2pm. It's open to the public but may sell out quickly. Get tickets at hsmc-fl.com
4/23/25 • 25:09
We speak with Tara Giovannone, who grew up performing on stage in Vero Beach. Together with her talented grandmother, Tara has written a musical which will make its debut on the Vero Beach Theatre Guild stage May 2-18, 2025. Find tickets and details at VeroBeachTheatreGuild.comAnd we chat with Bobbee Larssen and Brad Gardner of the Vero Beach Choral Society, whose concert, "Gilbert & Sullivan, Sondheim & Schwartz: A Choral Musical Review" Sunday, April 27th at 4pm at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach. Discover more at VeroBeachChoralSociety.org/joinus
4/16/25 • 25:10
Executive Director of the A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery Marshall Adams joins the show to talk about the Moods of Nature, a new, long-term exhibition with large, 6- to 8-foot tall murals that stretch around the building on their campus in Veterans Memorial Park in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce. They're also accespting entries for the 30th Annual Through the Eye of the Camera exhibition.We also speak with Dominic Del Brocco, Executive and Artistic Director at the Henegar Center in Melbourne. We discuss the history of the Henegar Center, one of the oldest buildings in Brevard County, its Main Stage and its Black Box theatre, and upcoming shows of "Anastasia" and "On Your Feet - The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan."
4/9/25 • 25:07
Sarah Ellis and Nick Moulton, two very talented actors in the upcoming play, "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" join the show for a special interview. Sarah plays Cynthia Weil and Nick plays Barry Mann, songwriters in the office next door to Carole King and husband and writing partner Gerry Goffin in the Brill Building in New York, considered the center of the American music industry at the time. "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" plays at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, April 15-May 11, 2025. Get tickets now at RiversideTheatre.com.
4/3/25 • 15:47
Katherine Eppink of Ballet Vero Beach joins the show to tell us about Program 3 of the Choreographer's Notebook, featuring comedic ballets from Peter Anastos, April 11the & 12th. "Watch at Home" versions are also immediately available after the show at BalletVeroBeach.org.And then, we're joined by Suzanne Seldes and Pamela Londono of Vero BeachMuseum of Art, to let us know about the upcoming summer adult art classes and summer art camps for kids. The Children's Art Festival is fast approaching, Saturday, April 12th from 10am-3pm, and admission is absolutely free. Discover more at VBMuseum.org.
4/2/25 • 25:08
Poet extraordinaire Sean Sexton joins the show to invite everyone to "Poetry and Barbecue" to support the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation at the Richardson Center at IRSC in Vero Beach on April 5th. Discover more at LRJF.orgAnd Jill Truax joins us to tell us about the musical offerings at Vero Beach Community Church, including the new jazz pianist, Michael Telesmanick. "Poetry and Music for Lent" continues March 27th, April 3rd, and April 10th. Details can be found at CCOVB.org
3/26/25 • 26:14
Charles Jones joins the show to talk about a free concert in Stuart’s Memorial Park to honor and benefit Ron Corbin, retired founder of Martin County High School’s OPUS, March 30, 2 p.m.We then speak with Annie Royer, who is lending her voice in "Piaf: The Tribute" at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, April 8th.
3/19/25 • 25:10
Maria Sparsis talks about Indian River Clay, a very popular local non-profit organization on 16th Street in Vero Beach, and her upcoming show called "Form and Fire" on Friday, March 21st at Raw Space Gallery at 1795 Old Dixie Highway. And we discuss "Yours, Mine & Ours" on March 28th and 29th. Find details at IndianRiverClay.org.Gloria Allen and Dee Rose join the show to tell us about Vero Beach Theatre Guild and its upcoming shows, including "79 and Holding" at the VBTG Black Box March 15th, and "Is He Dead?" March 21st through April 6th. And we talk about upcoming camps and classes. Details can be found at VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
3/12/25 • 25:02
Ballet Vero Beach's Adam Schnell (and his dog, Frankie) joins the show to discuss BVB's Program 2: "Latines," featuring three choreographers of Latin heritage: Camilo A. Rodriguez, Chloe Watson, and Yanis Eric Pikieris. "Latines" plays March 14-16 at the Vero BEach Performing Arts Center. Find details at: BalletVeroBeach.com.Artist Jill Kerwick then joins the show to tell us about her artwork and her show which opens March 7th from 5-7pm, and then continues through the month of March, at the Center for Spiritual Care at 1550 24th Street in Vero Beach. Discover more at: JillKerwick.com
3/5/25 • 25:06
Bestselling Author Mark Greaney joins us to talk about his thriling novels, how he got started, and how much input he has in the movies made from his novels. Discover more about him at MarkGreaneyBooks.com.Paulette Viscaglia and Britney Melchiori join us to talk about "Under the Oaks", the Vero Beach Art Club's biggest event of the year, March 7-9 at Riverside Park in Vero Beach.
2/26/25 • 25:12
Jazz PIanist Larry Brown joins the show to invite us to his band's live jazz show on Thursday, February 27th at Vero Beach Theatre Guild, and we are treated to a song, "Listen Here." We speak with Staci Rosbury, conductor of the Melbourne Municipal Band, celebrating its Diamond Anniversary this year. You can see them live at the Community Church of Vero Beach on Tuesday, February 25th. Details at mmband.org. Aric Attas then joins the show to tell us about his project, "Simbiotic: Music with Plants" and how he uses algorythms to make music from plants' energy. Catch his live performance at the Center for Spiritual Care in Vero Beach on Thursday, February 27th at 6:30pm. Check out his website at HealingPowerofCreativity.com
2/19/25 • 25:46
Caitlin Swindell is the Chief Curator at Vero Beach Museum of Art. She joins us to tell us about the exciting exhibits coming up at VBMA, French Modernism, and what exactly a chief curator does.And Joe Capstick taps his way into the studio to talk about his role in "Singin' in the Rain" at Riverside Theatre Feb 25th - March 21st.
2/12/25 • 25:49
Artist Nadia Serenyi joins the show to talk about her art projects, her sculptures, her murals, the Hobe Sound Murals and Slices of Life.Director Steven Smeltzer also joins us to discuss the upcoming performance of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, as well as how he got started in the profession.
2/6/25 • 25:51
Willi is joined by mother-and-son musicians, Lynn DiMenna and Tom DiMenna. Tom is touring with the music of Gordon Lightfoot, Harry Chapin, and Cat Stevens, in Vero Beach Feb. 6 at Live in the Loop at Riverside Theatre. Lynn is a pastel portrait artist with a background in music and broadcasting. Her album, "Sweet & Swing,"is available on streaming platforms. Discover more online at LynnDiMenna.com.
1/28/25 • 25:05
Garden Fest is February 1st and 2nd this year, and Barbara Russell and Karen Vatland are here to tell you all about it. For details, please visit GardenClubofIRC.org.And then we speak with Brad Meltzer, author of the new book "The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy - and Why It Failed," on the thrilling 1960 assassination plot that few know about. And we discuss his kid book series, "Ordinary People Change the World."
1/22/25 • 25:51
Enjoy a special interview with Brad Meltzer, author of the new book "The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy - and Why It Failed," on the thrilling 1960 assassination plot that few know about. And we discuss his kid book series, "Ordinary People Change the World."
1/15/25 • 12:56
Allan Teger, PhD, known for his "Bodyscapes" photographic artwork, is here to invite the public to his Artist Talk on Saturday, January 18th at 1pm at Gallery 14 on 14th Avenue in Vero Beach. View his artwork online at Bodyscapes.com or at AllanTeger.comWe also speak with Maestro Christopher Confessore or the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. He is inviting everyone to see "Fire and Rain: Folk Anthems of the '70's" on Saturday, February 1st at the King Center in Melbourne. Details found at BrevardSymphony.com.
1/15/25 • 25:08
Adam Schnell, Director and founder of Ballet Vero Beach tells us about "Four Seasons" featuring choreography by Ballenchine, Wheeldon, and his own original, homegrown work, playing January 17-19th. Find details at BalletVeroBeach.orgTom Fitz, award winning wildlife filmmaker and member of the Florida Artist Hall of Fame, joins the show to discuss his new project, Schoolyard Films. Discover more at SchoolyardFilms.org.
1/8/25 • 25:05
Carol Ludwig joins the show to discuss what's happening at the Center For Spiritual Care in Vero Beach. Their Fiber Exhibit runs Jan 3-31st. You can find out more at CenterForSpiritualCare.org.And we speak with talented young musicians, Jake and Sky Valezquez, a brother and sister duo whose new album, "Breakthrough" is coming January 10th. You can see them perform live at the Music Angels Concert on January 18th at 7pm at the Vero Beach Charter High School. Details can be found at JakeNSky.com.
1/2/25 • 25:10
Cathy Estremera (of Cathy's Curiosities) tells us about the art of Book Folding. You can learn how to book fold, in person, at her class beginning January 8th. Learn more at CathysCuriosities.com.And Andrew Kato (or Maltz Jupiter Theatre) joins the show to talk about the theatre's new season, its new building, its history with Burt Reynolds and more. Details and tickets at JupiterTheatre.org
1/1/25 • 25:06
Riverside Theatre's Oscar Sales joins the show to tell us about the wonderful new season on stage at Riverside Theatre. And Suzy Hutcheson talks to us about Helping People Succeed Florida; detail can be found at HPSFL.org.
12/27/24 • 25:13
Liz Mayo of the Friends of Contemporary Art (FOCA) joins the show to tell us about the Contemporary Art Show at the Center for Spiritual Care through December 30th. Details can be found at ArtfullyManaged.com.Later, we speak with Krystina Alabado, star of "Mystic Pizza" playing at Riverside Theatre January 7-26th.
12/20/24 • 25:05
And we're joined by Robyn Berry of the Heritage Center and Citrus Museum in Vero Beach. She tells us about "Deeply Rooted", a January 11th fundraiser to honor the families that shaped Indian River County through their involvement with the cattle and citrus industries and the Indian River. Details at VeroHeritage.org. Click here to listen.
12/11/24 • 25:16
In this episode, Willi welcomes special guests Sara Klein, Director of Education at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, and Jacob Craig, Director of the Vero Beach Choral Society. Together, they discuss the upcoming Art After Dark outdoor exhibition, Holidays at the Museum family event, and the Choral Society’s Advent Concert featuring works by Adolphus Hailstork and Dan Forrest. Learn about the legacy of local arts programs, scholarship opportunities, and exciting ways to engage with the creative community.
12/4/24 • 25:11
In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests making waves in Indian River County!Nancy Catania from the Garden Club of Indian River County shares exciting details about their upcoming events and introduces the Seminole Christmas ornaments—a perfect addition to your holiday traditions.Dee Rose from the Vero Beach Theater Guild brings the spotlight to their latest productions and the vibrant community spirit surrounding local theater.Tune in to explore how these local organizations are enriching our community through art, culture, and holiday cheer!
11/27/24 • 25:13
Larry Strauss and Robin Volsky invite us to "Dancing on the Dingle: An Irish Christmas Tale," an entertaining new musical full of Christmas Spirit, Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov 30th and Dec 1st, at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach. And Andrew Galuska tells us about "Organ and Poetry" on Thursdays at 11am leading up to Christmas in December at Community Church of Vero Beach.
11/20/24 • 25:21
The show producer has not yet provided a description for this episode.
11/13/24 • 25:14
Adam Schnell from Ballet Vero Beach and Suzanne Seldes from Vero Beach Museum of Art join the show to tell us about "Roadside Reverie," a dance interpretation on November 16th at 3pm. Admission includes free entry into the museum that day.
11/6/24 • 25:12
