Claim OwnershipArts Blast on the Air with Willi Miller
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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.
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.
235 Episodes
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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 Under the Stars is already sold out but you can enjoy the new gala event, Gathering at the Gallery, at Windsor on April 15th. And of course, don't miss "Composer's Notebook: David Homan" on March 20th and 21st, featuring Ariel Grossman's sweeping Ori (a BVB signature). See the main stage return of the iconic reimagined "Firebird," an accessible, family-friendly perfomance on March 22 at 2pm. And catch a world premiere by Artistic Director Adam Schnell: Ribbons. For tickets and details, visit BalletVeroBeach.org.
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.orgKristal 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.orgThen we explore the world of ballet with a BVB principal dancer, Katherine Eppink, who tells us what dancers have to do to prepare on a daily basis, what happens when a dancer forgets a move, and going to school for dancing. Discover more information about "Made in America" and all of the upcoming shows at BalletVeroBeach.org.
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.orgWe 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 a hidden turtle scavenger hunt. Admission is just $5 and there's plenty of free parking. Details can be found at MartinArts.org
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 kids and adults in acting and directing. Michael even breaks news about the Cube, a brand new theatre venue unlike any other opening in August.
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.orgWe 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 is coming soon, February 7th and 8th. Details can be found online at MartinArts.org
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. See the performance on Thursday, January 15th at the Heritage Center in Vero Beach. Details are online at MusicAngelsUSA.org.
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 donate instantly, he's made it easier than ever to donate socks. Visit TreasureCoastSockDrive.com We also take a minute to talk about his artwork which can be found at ShapiroStudioArt.net
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.orgTregoney 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 encourage audiences to purchase tickets for the upcoming performances.
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, Plants and Places" appears in January 2026.
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, with artistry, fun and food trucks. We also discuss the 44th season of the International Lecture Series. This year's theme is "American Made" showcasing 250 years of American art. Get memberships, registration and details online at VBMuseum.org.
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.comMike 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 Tank", where he talks about 3D-printed cellos and his website, forte3d.com.
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 North Pole, set in Dingle, Ireland. This show is also a fundraiser for the Theatre Guild, so get tickets online at VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com or by calling 772-562-8300.
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.orgOscar Sales joins us to talk about "Alice in Wonderland, JR" featuring a cast of 52 kids, ages 11-18 years old, recreating the animated Disney classic on stage. It's all on the main stage with big sets and grand costumes, November 20th-22nd. We also discuss the next show, "A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder" and how backstage passes and tours would make wonderful Christmas gifts. Find tickets and details online at RiversideTheatre.com
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 collaboration with the Vero Opera. Details can be found at VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com
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 New Horizons Band which is comprised of adults with beginning and intermediate musical skills, perfect for anyone who wants to learn or pick up that instrument they haven't played in years. Details can be found online at MelbourneMunicipalBand.org
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