Seven Upcoming Winter Events to Enjoy

La Traviata

Opera enthusiasts, take note! The season opens January 12 with Vero Beach Opera’s fully staged production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata (The Fallen Woman) with a live orchestra and English supertitles. This performance, starring soprano Meryl Dominguez as Violetta, will transport the audience to late-19th-century Paris. Showtime is 3 p.m. at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center (1707 16th St.), and tickets range from $32 to $102. For more details, see verobeachopera.org or reach out to the VBO at 772-569-6993.

An Evening with Dave

The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation welcomes columnist, humorist, and author Dave Barry for an event at Community Church of Vero Beach (1901 23rd St.) January 23. Tickets are $55 to attend his presentation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a book signing from 7:30 to 8:30. Guests may bring their own books or purchase them on-site. Diehard Dave Barry fans may want to upgrade to the $225 ticket, which includes a signed book and access to a reception from 5 to 6 p.m. Contact LRJF at 772-569-6718 or lauraridingjackson.org.

Lego Exhibition

On January 24, McKee Botanical Garden (350 U.S. Hwy. 1) will launch Sean Kenney’s “Nature Pop!” Lego exhibition, which consists of more than 40 sculptures assembled from 800,000 of the colorful toy bricks. The theme of the installation is the interconnectedness of everything in nature—represented aptly by the interlocking Legos. The figures include a polar bear with cubs, a snow leopard, a dragonfly, a dodo bird, a lion, and more; they will be in place through May 4. The garden’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Regular admission fees apply. For more information, visit mckeegarden.org or call 772-794-0601.

A Soulful Soiree

If any garments in your closet say “jazzy New Orleans,” January 25 is the time to pull them out! The Gifford Youth Achievement Center will hold its fundraiser, A Soulful Soiree: Jazzing Up the Night for GYAC, at Oak Harbor Clubhouse (4755 S. Harbor Drive) starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $250, and guests will enjoy jazz music and gourmet dining on Creole and Cajun cuisine. Wireless headphones will be used for the popular “silent disco” format. The event will support GYAC’s mission of “Changing Lives, Changing Futures.” For more information, call 772-794-1005 or check out mygyac.org.

Diamonds in the Rough

Camp Haven, which helps homeless men change the direction of their lives through counseling, education, support, and work assistance, invites everyone to its Diamonds in the Rough Celebration January 29 at Oak Harbor Clubhouse (4755 S. Harbor Drive). Dinner is at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 7. Guests will be inspired by videotaped testimonials from graduates of Camp Haven’s program. They will also enjoy a live auction as well as a silent auction that includes such items as fine jewelry and luxury trips. Tickets are $225. Contact Camp Haven at 772-999-3625 or camphaven.net.

Gardenfest!

Grab your wagon—it’s time for the 23rd annual Gardenfest! Plant enthusiasts of all stripes will head for Riverside Park February 1–2 to peruse the wares of 80 purveyors of plants and garden-related items such as planters, pottery, statuary, furniture, and decor. Food, children’s crafts, and raffle prizes will also be available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The event, which is free to attend, is a fundraiser for the Garden Club of Indian River County, which can be reached at 772-567-4602 and gardenclubofirc.org.

Cleveland Orchestra

The Indian River Symphonic Association welcomes conductor Stéphane Denève and the Cleveland Orchestra February 2 at the Community Church of Vero Beach (1901 23rd Ave.). Young Spanish violin sensation Maria Dueñas will be the featured soloist. Selections will include Georges Bizet’s Suite from L’Arlésienne; Édouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, Op. 21; and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88. Dating back to 1918, the Cleveland Orchestra is one of the preeminent orchestras in the United States. The concert begins at 5 p.m., and tickets are $125. For more information, see irsymphonic.org or call 772-778-1070.