Benefit concert Feb. 25 brings together some of Indian River County's best musicians

Once again, local musicians with big hearts will get together to lend a hand.

Headlines have faded but help still is needed for those who suffered from the devastation left by fierce September hurricanes in the Caribbean.

A benefit concert this month, a practice run for an even bigger fundraising production in the fall, will bring together some of Indian River County’s best-known music makers. A partial list includes Brady Johnson, Don Ingram, Neal Campbell, Jack VanderPlate, Sandra McNiff, Vyki Sabo and Eugene Tobey. It’s expected to grow before the music begins at 4 pm Feb. 25 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church on 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach.

Daniel Kroger, music director at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach and long-time member of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, is coordinating the February event. He knew where to start when assistance was needed. 

Pianist Marcos Flores, who will join Matt Stott in tangos for violin and piano, is from the small town of Juncos in Puerto Rico. He said Maria hit the town with her full Category 5 force.

Flores was on the island during Irma and returned after Maria to evacuate his parents. He plans to include Puerto Rican folk dances in honor of his mother, who passed away soon after the evacuation. Flores is director of music arts at Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church.

Ray Adams, assistant director at Indian River Charter High School, has personal connections to Puerto Rico through friends and family. He plans a couple of selections that will give a tip of the hat to jazz pianist Chick Corea. Adams joins Kroger in giving kudos to local church musicians who continue the tradition of “collaborating to do meaningful programs for the community.”

There will be several speakers but it will be mostly music, Kroger said.

No tickets are required but a freewill offering will be taken to assist islanders who have relocated to central Florida and those still struggling on the island. For more information, contact dkroger@holycrossverobeach.org

Other events this weekend:

Sebastian River Art Club has Art by the River Saturday and Sunday. (www.sebastianriverartclub.com)

Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest is at Royal Palm Pointe from 11:30 a.m.-4 pm. Saturday. (floridacraftbrewandwingfest.com)

Learn about legendary tenor Richard Tucker at Majestic Theater  at 3 p.m. Sunday. (verobeachopera.com) 

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