‘Hometown Composers’ concert
Melbourne Municipal Band’s 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra taps into Brevard’s homegrown talent with “Hometown Composers,” back-to-back concerts at 7 p.m. on May 13 and 14, at Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne.
From well-seasoned artists with impressive musical resumes to emerging, impressive young talent, local composers will provide a wide range of musical treats for “Hometown Composers.”
“Every tune has been written and/or arranged by local musicians or musicians with local connections,” said conductor Kurt Schulenburg. “This concert says a lot about the depth of talent on the Space Coast. This concert by your ‘friendly neighborhood composers’ is going to be a unique and exciting show.”
Phil Coe, as an example, has performed with ensembles backing artists such as Frankie Avalon Clark Terry and Eddie Daniels, and also played under the baton of the legendary Arthur Fiedler of the Boston Pops.
Michael Mirand, another of the “friendly hometown composers,” has built a rich career as jazz vocalist, educator, theatrical actor and acclaimed Frank Sinatra tribute artist. For more than 40 years, he has performed locally and on tour throughout the United States.
Bill Murray (no, not that Bill Murray”) will join 3-2-1 Jazz to perform his original piece. Murray. a true hometown boy who attended high school in Brevard, records under the Cannonball Records label. Artists signed to Cannonball are chosen for their unique and innovative sound.
Admission is free, but arrive early for best seats. Visit mmband.org or call 321-724-0555.
‘Majesty of Rock’
Journey and Styx defined arena rock, the subgenre of rock music from the 1970s/80s with radio-friendly hooks, high-production spectacles, and powerful vocals designed for massive venues. Their polished, accessible anthems combined hard rock with pop sensibilities—prominent guitar riffs, and great sing-along choruses.
Fans can head to the Moose Lodge, 3150 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, at 7 p.m. on May 16 for “Majesty of Rock: A Journey & Styx Tribute.”
Allengang Entertainment will present the high-energy show filled with the songs fans want to hear, including hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms” –and Styx’s “Babe,” “Come Sail Away,” “Lady,” “Mr. Roboto” and more.
Majesty of Rock tribute shows are regarded as highly authentic, high-energy experiences that closely replicate the sound of Journey and Styx—with audience members often reporting feeling as though they are at original concerts.
Tickets are $35 and $45, available through showtickets.live. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Popular pub fare and beverages are available for purchase at the full liquor bar. Attendees are invited to remain after the show and enjoy the club’s amenities during the “Moose After Dark” post-concert entertainment provided by local deejays. Call 407-252-3536.
Silver Oak wine dinner
Café Margaux, 220 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Village, celebrates California winery Silver Oak Cellars with a six-course menu paired with Silver Oak wine. The special event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 14 and 15.
Famed for its cabernet, the family-owned, multi-generational winery farms 19 premier state vineyards and has its own cooperage to better select white oak, seasoning staves and toasting barrels to specifications. Both Napa Valley and Alexander Valley wineries are certified LEED Platinum, the only commercial wineries on earth to achieve this high standard.
The menu features heirloom carrot and fava bean soup, a sala course of green and black figs with wild arugula and Pecorino cheese, mint-rubbed swordfish with bone marrow pie, roasted venison with butternut squash and a course of Tete de Moine, Alpine cheese invented more than eight centuries ago by the canons of the Abbey of Bellelay in Switzerland. The grand finale is lemon blueberry crumb cheesecake. All courses will be paired with selections from the Silver Oak portfolio, including the 2021 Alexander Valley cab and the 2019 Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon.
‘America: 250 Years of Freedom’
The Central Florida Winds will perform a musical salute titled “America: 250 Years of Freedom.” The concert begins at 3 p.m. on May 17, at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Road.
The red, white and blue concert will feature a lineup of patriotic music celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial. Attendees can expect to hear “America the Beautiful” and “To You, America,” along with medleys that include emblematic songs like “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
Attendees are invited to dress in red, white and blue in a show of patriotic solidarity. Arrive early for best seating. Visit cfwinds.com or call 321-405-2359.
Bourbon tasting
Downtown Art Gallery in Titusville will host a special, and free, bourbon tasting event from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 15. The event features hometown sports legend Gerald White, a Titusville High School state champion, University of Michigan standout, and former professional football player who has built a unique legacy in the world of bourbon.
Born in Titusville and raised in a close-knit community by his grandmother, White’s early life was shaped by resilience and travel. At eight years old, he began traveling across the country with his musician father, gaining life experiences that helped shape his character and determination. He later returned to Central Florida, attending Titusville High School, where he earned All-American honors, helped lead his team to a state championship and secured a scholarship to play under legendary coach Bo Schembechler at the University of Michigan. When his family later joined him in Michigan, it solidified a lifelong connection to both Titusville and the Great Lakes state.
Today, White is the creator of Native Blue Bourbon Whiskey. Finished with organic Michigan blueberries, the bourbon offers a flavor that reflects White’s journey and his passion for craftsmanship and innovation.
This event gives the community a chance to meet White in person, hear his inspiring story, and enjoy a relaxed bourbon tasting experience celebrating one of Titusville’s own. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will also be available, creating a relaxed and welcoming evening for guests to sip, socialize, and enjoy this special hometown event.
Although there is no entry fee, guests must be 21 or older. Downtown Art Gallery is at 400 Orange St., Titusville. Call 321-268-0122.
Senior Appreciation Day
One Senior Place, the marketplace for senior resources at 8085 Spyglass Hill Road in Viera, will host AARP Florida in a joint presentation of “Senior Appreciation Day” from 11 am. to 1 p.m. on May 13.
Attendees can enjoy a gourmet pizza lunch from Time Square Diner, win door prizes and take part in fun activities, with saxophone music and other live entertainment all provided free of charge. AARP representatives will be on hand to meet local members and discuss additional upcoming free AARP events. To RSVP, visit oneseniorplace.com or call 321-751-6771.
Scam Jam
Speaking of AARP Florida, the organization is partnering with Helping Seniors of Brevard for a free fraud prevention summit on May 15. The event will equip residents with tools to recognize and avoid the most common scams targeting older adults from experts across the country, while also offering a secure drive-through shredding service to safely dispose of sensitive documents.
The summit takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on May 15, at The Brennity at Melbourne Senior Living, 7300 Watersong Lane, Melbourne.
Bark Brew Fest
Humans and their dogs are invited to Bark Brew Fest presented by Tails at the Barkery and the Dirty Oar Beer Company from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 16, at the Cocoa Village brewery. Play bingo to win prizes, sip your favorite libation, enjoy delicious food from 56, and join an evening of fun for man and beast.
Proceeds benefit Coastal Boxer Rescue, an all-volunteer, non-profit rescue that finds new homes for unwanted Boxer dogs.
All pets must be on a leash or in appropriate carriers and have current vaccinations and county tags for the safety of our animals and friends. Call 321-305-4584 or 321-301-4306.
‘Community Family Fight Night’
Mighty Hands Boxing Academy, 1541 N. Cocoa Boulevard, Cocoa, will host a “Community Family Fight Night” at 5 p.m. on May 16, to bring together families, youth and community members for an evening of connection, learning and entertainment.
Guests will watch curated boxing match recaps while gaining insight into the techniques, strategy, and discipline behind the sport. The gym will also feature interactive games and activities designed to create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Visit mightyhandsboxing.com
Treats, Beats and Eats
Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Rd., will party from 5 to 8 p.m., on May 15. “Treats, Beats and Eats” features food trucks, live DJ, games, touch-a-truck and more. Enjoy a variety of delicious bites from local food trucks, upbeat music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Come hungry and bring your friends and family to support local vendors.
Do you have a community event in the works? Email toastofthecoastfloridatoday@gmail.com and tgif@floridatoday.com at least three weeks in advance.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Community notes: Best Bets for things to do in Brevard
Reporting by Maria Sonnenberg, for Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
