Senior Scene Magazine

04/30/2026

May events courtesy of Joyce Wilden
BUZZ Biz Public Relations
Joyce@BuzzBizPR.com

As May flowers get ready to bloom, here’s are some terrific events, concerts and parties in Brevard and Indian River County for your calendars and editorial planning.
Here is a Facebook link to the items list, if you’d like to share. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BgYiVkXVZ/
Indian River events noted in RED.

1-May Friday
One Senior Place
"Women's Day"
Fashion Show, Mocktails, appetizers, self-care vendors
10 AM - 1:00 PM
One Senior Place
8085 Spyglass Hill Rd.
Viera, FL 32940
FREE
321-751-6771
www.OneSeniorPlace.com

2-May Saturday
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra
"Season 18 Announcement Party & Chamber Concert
Mingle w/appetizers + free concert: Habanera to Hollywood
12:30 PM Party
2:00 PM Concert
First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach
520 Royal Palm Blvd
Vero Beach, FL 32960
FREE (Ticket Required)
855.252.7276
www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org

3-May Sunday
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra
"Season 18 Announcement Party & Chamber Concert
Mingle w/appetizers + free concert: Habanera to Hollywood
3:30 PM Party
5:00 PM Concert
Riverside Presbyterian Church
3400 N. Atlantic Avenue (A1A) Cocoa Beach, 32931
FREE (Ticket Required)
855.252.7276
www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org

13-May Wednesday
One Senior Place
"AARP Florida: Senior Appreciation Day"
Live sax music, delicious pizza lunch & fun
11 AM - 1 PM
One Senior Place
8085 Spyglass Hill Rd.
Viera, FL 32940
FREE
321-751-6771
www.OneSeniorPlace.com

16-May Saturday
Allengang Entertainment Presents
"The Music of Journey/Styx"
Tribute artist plays songs of Journey & Styx
7:00 PM
Merritt Island Moose Lodge #2073
3150 N. Courtenay Pkwy
Merritt Island, FL 32953
$35-45 advance purchase tickets
407-252-3536
www.ShowTickets.live

17-May Sunday
Central Florida Winds
"AMERICA: 250 Years of Freedom"
A musical salute to the USA
3:00 PM
Suntree United Methodist Church
7400 N. Wickham Road
Melbourne
FREE
321-405-2359
www.CFWinds.org

23-May Saturday
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra
"Made in America: A Side by Side Concert"
Adult professionals and student musicians perform 4 great American composers
7:00 PM
Scott Center for the Performing Arts
5625 Holy Trinity Drive
Melbourne, FL 32940
$35 advance ticket ($40 at door), FREE 18 & under or w/student ID
855.252.7276
www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org

24-May Sunday
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra
"Made in America: A Side by Side Concert"
Adult professionals and student musicians perform 4 great American composers
3:00 PM
Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center
1707 16th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
$35 advance ticket ($40 at door), FREE 18 & under or w/student ID
855.252.7276
www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org

Your Symphony For Everyone The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of Florida’s most active professional orchestras, presenting more than 30 concerts each season across the Space and Treasure Coasts. We believe everyone deserves the power of live music. Your gift today

04/29/2026

Season Announcement Party + 'Music Between Us'
Free recital follows party for the public

Before the June launch of their 18th performing season, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is pairing two things everyone loves – a party and great music! First up on Sunday, May 3rd is the Season Announcement Party at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Cocoa Beach, a mixer with SCSO conductor, Aaron Collins and orchestra members that will include the release of programming for 2026-27 and an opportunity to renew season passes and reserve concert seating. Attendees can go straight from the 3:30 PM party to the free 5:00 PM recital, The Music Between Us: From Habanera to Hollywood, which will feature renowned soprano Tesia Kwarteng and celebrated Vero Beach pianist Jacob Craig. The program at 3400 N. Atlantic Avenue (A1A) will invite audiences to journey from the elegance of European art song to the vibrant spirit of Broadway and American classics. Among the recital selections are Bizet's famous “Habanera,” the jaunty “Fly Me to the Moon” and the Gershwin classic, “Love Is Here to Stay.” Tesia Kwarteng is a versatile and multi-faceted Ghanaian-American artist who is equally at home on the operatic stage, on screen, and in the studio. Admission to The Music Between Us is free of charge. A $20 donation is suggested to help defray the production costs of free community concerts. For more information about The Music Between Us or to get your free ticket to the Season Announcement party (required), call 855-252-7276 or visit www.SpaceCoastSymphony.org.

Ms. Kwarteng was recently seen as a featured soloist at The Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards with the American Pops Orchestra, Maddalena in Rigoletto at Cincinnati Opera and in the world premiere of Loving v. Virginia as Annette Byrd at Virginia Opera. She was also seen as Grandmother/Elder and Magdalena Silva in The Cartography Project productions at The Kennedy Center. She made her role debut as Carmen at Opera Columbus. in the 2023-2024 season, she made her Broadway Debut as Lady Catherine in Camelot and performed at the 76th Annual Tony Awards.

Moving effortlessly across musical styles, The Music Between Us embraces spirituals, jazz standards, and Broadway favorites. Aaron T. Collins, Artistic Director of the Space Coast Symphony, is delighted to present the afternoon recital as a free gift to the community.

"This is a very special pairing of two exceptional talents," said Collins. "The eclectic and engaging program celebrates the timeless power of melody, storytelling, and pure emotion."

The remaining presentation in the 2025-26 season will be ‘Made in America: Side by Side’ on May 23 and 24 in Melbourne and Vero Beach. The concert of all-American composers will include select youth musicians from across Central Florida in a powerful performance alongside their professional SCSO counterparts.

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only a handful of U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. For more information about the Space Coast Symphony upcoming season or the Symphony for Everyone ticket program, visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call (855) 252-7276.

04/28/2026

04/25/2026

FPL’s Checklist for Florida Snowbirds Leaving for the Summer
TL;DR: Florida Power & Light (FPL) shares tips to help seasonal residents across Florida prepare before their homes are vacant over the summer months to reduce energy usage.

Over the next few weeks, approximately 1.5 million seasonal residents in Florida are preparing to leave their homes for cooler summer climates. Without the right preparation, heat and humidity can quickly take a toll on their homes; however, a few simple steps before leaving can help protect the home, reduce the risk of mold and keep energy costs as low as possible while you’re away.

“We’ve gotten a lot of questions from seasonal residents about ways they can save and help prevent mold while they’re away for the summer,” said Taylor Hernandez, FPL Energy Expert. “To help meet their needs, we’ve developed a comprehensive checklist that they can use to protect their homes and keep their bills as low as possible while their home is vacant this summer.”

As snowbirds get ready to migrate, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) recommends tips for properly closing their residences for the summer.

What temperature should I set my thermostat while away to prevent mold?
• Use a programmable thermostat to cool your home to 72°F for just two hours before sunrise and at 88 degrees the rest of the time.
• For non-programmable thermostats, set your thermostat to 80°F and adjust the humidity control to maintain indoor levels below 60% while you're away.
• If your thermostat doesn’t have a humidity control option, consider using a dehumidifier to prevent mold. Set dehumidifiers at 58 percent by sinks and showers, one for every 1,000 square feet. Be sure to place the dehumidifiers so the water runs into the drain.

What appliances should be turned off or adjusted?
• Turn off your water heater at the circuit breaker and shut off the main water valve. If your home has an automatic fire-sprinkler system, leave the main valve on but turn off the water supply to your washing machine, sinks, dishwasher, and toilets.
• Set your pool pump to run six hours per day during the summer. Arrange for someone to check your pool’s chemical levels and water level while you’re away.
• Unplug electronics and consider timers on indoor lamps. Make sure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.
• If you prefer to keep your refrigerator on, set it at its warmest setting and turn the ice maker switch to the “off” position. If you plan to unplug or turn your refrigerator off, make sure to clean the interior thoroughly and leave doors open.

What tools are available to monitor your home’s energy use remotely?

FPL’s Energy Manager tool can help snowbirds identify unusual energy usage trends and provide peace of mind.

FPL customers can use the Energy Manager to:
• Track energy usage in real time
• Identify irregular consumption patterns
• Better understand how energy is used in the home

For more energy savings tips and tools, visit

Use our tips and tools to help you lower your monthly energy bill.

04/23/2026

Green Gables Historic Home Open House
Green Gables has scheduled open house each Saturday in April.
Address: 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901
April 25th
10 AM to 2 PM Last tour begins at 1:30 PM
$10 Donation for a tour; Children 12 and under are free
Visit Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Inc. and explore one of only three remaining Queen Anne-style homes in the Melbourne area. This nonprofit organization has acquired the property, but currently we are working to raise the necessary funds to restore and preserve this historic treasure to its original condition and charm. Learn how the early Wells Family left a legacy with their support in developing Melbourne.
Take a leisurely tour of Green Gables, step back in time within the home, and unwind on the beautiful grounds overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. You'll quickly understand why we're committed to restoring Green Gables and discover how you can contribute to this important cause.

04/22/2026

The 41st Melbourne Art Festival will once again be held at beautiful Wickham Park in Melbourne, FL April 25 & 26, 2026. The award-winning festival, which draws up to 30,000 art and music lovers from throughout Central Florida, is a vibrant family friendly event that promotes and encourages artistic endeavors, education and appreciation of the arts on the Space Coast.
This year’s festival will feature over 200 fine artist and jewelry booths, live music, kid friendly activities, a VIP Patron Program, sponsor and exhibitor displays, and diverse food and beverage options. The Melbourne Art Festival offers FREE admission, FREE parking, FREE children’s activities and FREE live entertainment throughout the weekend.

Among the many highlights of the 2026 festival:
• Nationally ranked #25 BEST fine art show in the USA
• Juried fine art show displaying original works of art in a variety of medias
• Artist booths, stage, food court, and beverage stations are all located around the back lake, among the trees and cool breezes of Wickham Park.
• Live music Saturday & Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM featuring Penny Creek (12:30) and Wicked Garden Gnomes (3:00) on Saturday and reggae with Kulchavation (12:30) and the Phoenix Band (3:00) on Sunday
• KidsWorld activities including Student Art Workshops, Magician & Jugglers, Puppet Show, and Music from local schools with a new focus on STEM and digital.
• Food & beverage vendors serving a variety of cuisine and snack options along with beverages including cold beer, wine, seltzers and mixed drinks in the Food Court.
• VIP Patron Lounge providing covered seating to view the live music while enjoying free beverages, VIP Parking, an invitation to an exclusive artist reception after the show Saturday, gift bags, and more.
• Browse Melbourne Art Festival Sponsor and Exhibitor displays.
• Cart rides will be offered to help those with large art purchases get back to their vehicle and as a shuttle from the far end of the festival to the entrance.

The Melbourne Art Festival is a juried Fine Arts Show, drawing artists from throughout Florida and the United States. Artists selected the Melbourne Art Festival as one of the Top 100 fine art shows in the US in 2025 ( #25) and has consistently ranked in the top 100 over the past ten years by Sunshine Artist Magazine. The local festival was also a 2021 Finalist for Florida Today’s ‘Best of Brevard Awards’ in the non-profit category, and the 2023 winner of Best Festival by Space Coast Living Magazine.
Funding for the Melbourne Art Festival is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners utilizing voter approved Tourist Development Tax collections. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to District 4 Commissioner Rob Feltner for his unwavering support of the Melbourne Art Festival and to the members of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) and dedicated employees at the Tourist Development Office.
Originally held in Indialantic and then Downtown Melbourne for its first 32 years, the festival moved to Wickham Park in 2017 due to limited parking, downtown congestion, and space limitations for artists, sponsors, and food vendors. Proceeds raised during the weekend, along with those raised at Melbourne Art Festival Benefit Art Auctions, are used to encourage and support the arts and art education in Central Florida; Offer Student Scholarships for art classes and camps; and funding other educational art efforts, art organizations and non-profit organizations. The Melbourne Arts Festival has donated over $100,000 to the community.
The Melbourne Art Festival is a Not for Profit 501-C3 organization whose mission is to promote and encourage artistic endeavors, education and appreciation. The festival is run completely by volunteers. To volunteer, please visit melbournearts.org
Melbourne Art Festival Details:
• What: Melbourne Art Festival
• Art Show Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday April 25 and Sunday April 26, 2026
• Where: Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, FL
• Directions: Wickham Park is Just 5 miles from I95 Exits 191 and 195
• Cost: FREE Parking, Admission, Entertainment, and Kids Activities.
• Pets: The Melbourne Art Festival is pet friendly - please follow Wickham Park rules.
• Food & Beverages: Food and Beverage sales are available near the stage.
• NOTE: No outside golf carts, coolers, or outside beverages allowed. All bags are subject to search.
• Pro Tip: Avoid parking congestion by arriving early or late.

More Info: Visit melbournearts.org, email mafinfo@melbournearts.org or call 321-722-1964