Next Wednesday, Bluegrass at the Heritage Center
- Vero Minute
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
In 1945, Bill Monroe walked into a Miami barbershop and bought a 1923 Gibson mandolin for $150.
The "Father of Bluegrass" played this instrument for half a century and went on to define the entire blue grass genre, meaning Florida has deeper roots than you might think to a musical genre typically associated with Appalachia.
That Miami barbershop is long gone, but bluegrass continues to find new homes. Among them, the Heritage Center, which, since October, is putting on concerts every third Wednesday through May to benefit local music education programs.
The series is presented by George E. Warren LLC, Vero Heritage Inc., and Hibiscus Vintage Music.
Shows run 6:30 to 8:30 PM, followed by open jam sessions where anyone can sit in.
A 50/50 raffle at each concert supports school music programs across Indian River County.
The series draws from a diverse pool of talent from across the state. Ian Lane, who opened the series in October, grew up in Vero Beach and played the Grand Ole Opry twice before turning 20.
In May, the season closes with Remedy Tree from St. Augustine, a 2025 IBMA Showcase band that just sold out Nashville's Station Inn. Up next is Grateful Dawg Tribute on February 18, dedicated to the Jerry Garcia and David Grisman sessions that mixed traditional bluegrass with jazz improvisation.
General admission is free, reserved seats are $20, cash bar available.
The Heritage Center famously hosted USO dances during World War II, and nearly a century later, people are still showing up to move their feet.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, 2140 14th Avenue.