ENTERTAINMENT

Want to perform in First Presbyterian Church concert? Just show up at rehearsals

Willi Miller
Special to TCPalm
Kilt The Messenger will perform 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.

Anybody who wants to join in on the fun of singing with the Treasure Coast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach simply has to show up for rehearsals Saturday and Sunday. Then, just be ready to perform before an audience 4 p.m. Sunday.

“All singers are welcome to attend this fantastic event and enrollment is free,” said Jacob Craig, director of music and arts at First Presbyterian since 2012. Admission is free, too.

The Gifford Youth Orchestra will perform during a weekend-long concert event at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.

Rehearsals are 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Area church and community choirs will be part of the concert as well as the First Presbyterian Symphonic Orchestra and the Gifford Youth Orchestra, with a special appearance by the Avenue D Children’s Choir of Fort Pierce.

“The guest conductor and clinician for the weekend will be Dr. James Brown of Troy University,” Craig said.

About Jacob Craig

I’ve met a lot of people with surprising interests and talents and bottomless reserves of energy. One in particular who never stops amazing me is Craig.

Craig opened a music school, Primo, at the church and came up with the idea of adorning the walls of not one, but three, buildings on the church campus with work by local artists. He accepts credit for the idea but gives credit to the curators, Peter and Carole Coe, members of the church. .

In his five years at the church, Craig's developed relationships not only with the congregation but with many local musicians. He plays keyboard and bagpipes and it’s never a surprise to hear him joining Marcos Flores, of Christ By the Sea United Methodist Church, in dueling pianos, playing duets with visiting concert pianists or appearing onstage in a kilt with his arm hugging his bagpipe.

Craig is pipe major with Vero Beach Pipes and Drums, offering to redefine the community's understanding of all things Scotland in a more-than-a-concert evening at the church 7 p.m. Nov. 18. Also on the bill is Haley Thompson-King, Kilt the Messenger and the Celtic Strings from Vero Beach High School.

Reservations are suggested, with a $25 donation accepted in advance and at the door.

For more information, call 772-633-5902.

Coming up

Indian River Charter High School’s VAPA Semester Show is 7:30 p.m. Nov.16. It features music, drama, dance and visual art (www.irchs.org/events).

Festival of Trees is next weekend, opening with a Friday night gala (www.riversidetheatre.com).

Sebastian River Art Club’s Little Gems show opens 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at 1245 Main St. in Sebastian (www.sebastianriverartclub.com).

Willi Miller writes about Indian River County. Contact her at caribsea@bellsouth.net.