The golf industry along Florida’s Treasure Coast continues to flourish as players enjoy some of the most some of the most challenging, beautiful, well-manicured golf courses in the United States. The Sebastian Municipal Golf Course in Sebastian, Fairwinds Golf Course in Ft. Pierce and Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach are exceptional municipal facilities which won’t break the bank.

Both Fairwinds and Sandridge are rated 4.5 stars on Golf Digest’s Recommended Places to Play listing. Sandridge offers two distinguished, 18-hole championship courses. Put your swing to the test at the 14th hole island green on Sandridge’s Lakes course – touted as one of the toughest holes in South Florida. Golf Now features highlights of many of the Treasure Coasts’ esteemed municipal, public and private golf courses.

Just a short drive south, Jupiter and Jupiter Island have become a hotspot for top PGA pros. Tiger Woods, Nick Price, Ernie Els, Robert Allenby, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Jesper Parnevik are among the leading tour players who have chosen to call this beautiful area home. Jupiter was also host to the 95th Florida State Golf Association Amateur Championship, which was just held on June 21st – 24th.

If you’re looking for a world class golf experience, Florida’s Treasure Coast offers a variety of “gems” to fit any budget and every playing style. Some courses offer special rates for residents. Be sure to check out Golf Now for course overviews and ratings to help you plan a perfect South Florida golf experience.

Gina Smith writes freelance articles for magazines, online outlets and publications. Smith, also an avid golfer, covers the latest topics in the golf, tourism, technology and entertainment industries.

From Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14, Cobalt will be offering a three-course special Valentine’s Day weekend menu expertly prepared by Executive Chef Brad Willits. The special menu includes:

First Course

Confit of Berkshire Pork Belly
red lentils, country ham, bacon powder

Local Shrimp Carpaccio
black caviar, kumquats, marcona almonds, yuzu, olive oil

Local Citrus Salad
red watercress, shaved radishes, pears, candied garlic vinaigrette

Second Course

Sautéed Florida Golden Tile Fish
sweet onion, soubise, pickled baby corn, Tokyo turnips, pistou

Seared New Bedford Scallops
black garlic parsnip puree, ginger, swiss chard, miso butter

Grilled Creekstone Farms Rib Eye
tater tots, celery root cooked in brown butter, bordelaise

(Add Lobster Tail to entrée for $20)

Third Course

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Tarte
sweet basil ice cream

Grilled Pineapple Cheese Cake
coconut tulie

The Valentine’s Day weekend menu is $60 per person and includes a glass of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 772.469.1060.

ABOUT COBALT RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
Cobalt, a Kimpton restaurant, is located on the first floor of the beautiful Vero Beach Hotel and Spa. As one of the Treasure Coast’s premiere dining locations, Cobalt provides deliciously fresh and innovative American seafood in a casually elegant atmosphere. The dining room features West Indies-style décor while floor-to-ceiling windows offer expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. The menu is complemented with an extensive wine list and an exciting selection of cocktails.

ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011, Bill Kimpton founded the company in 1981 and today it is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Adjacent to the hotels are locally-loved, top-rated, destination Kimpton restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Market Metrix, a recognized authority and leader in feedback solutions, consistently ranks Kimpton above other hotel companies in luxury and upper upscale segments for customer satisfaction. Privately held Kimpton operates 51 hotels and 52 restaurants in 24 cities. For more information visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.
WHEN: February 10-14, 2012

WHERE: Cobalt Restaurant and Lounge
Located on the first floor of Vero Beach Hotel and Spa
3500 Ocean Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32963
772.469.1060

The Sunrise Theatre is having another record-breaking season in 2012! From their recently added shows such as Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, Vince Gill and Roger Hodgson (of Supertramp), to their 2011/12 Season showstoppers such as Bill Cosby, Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, Bob Newhart, Sinbad, Foreigner, 38 Special, BB King, Willie Nelson and others, the Sunrise Theatre is making a name for itself as the most intimate, 1200-seat venue, offering the BEST ENTERTAINMENT, ON THE TREASURE COAST. And it keeps on getting better and better! Today, the Sunrise Theatre announces the addition of two (2) new shows :

1. Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, Wednesday March 21st at 8 PM (following The Taste of St Lucie, which is also taking place that night in Historic Downtown Fort Piece) – Sponsored by THE WAVE 92.7

2. Kevin Costner and Modern West, Saturday, March 31st at 8 PM – Sponsored GATER 98.7

1. Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt
Ever wonder what it would be like to invite the legendary singer-songwriters John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett over to your house for an evening of song and good times? Well that is exactly what you’ll get, Wednesday, March 21st at the Sunrise Theatre.

Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt are on tour together; performing in small, intimate theaters for sold out audiences. They two are so comfortable with themselves that they make you feel like you are sitting in the living room with them, getting to know them better through their songs.

In the 25 years since the release of his first self-titled album, 4-time Grammy®-award winner, Lovett has released 14 recordings (with sales of more than 4 million) and acted in a number of films (Robert Altman’s “Short Cuts” and “Pret-a-Porter,” among them) and TV shows (including “Mad About You” and “Brothers & Sisters”).

And, in the past few years, he has alternated tours with his Large Band with songwriter circles and acoustic shows with Hiatt. “The show that John and I do is not scripted in any way, and we do not discuss at all what we’re going to play. John always plays first — we go in alphabetical order — and what I play is determined or suggested by what he plays first.

And we just go from there. It’s very relaxed, a free exchange,” said Lovett.

In these “together” shows, Lovett and Hiatt take turns playing songs from their huge repertoires and at times sing harmonies or play guitars on each other’s songs. Audiences may be treated to some truly cool jam sessions.

Active since 1980, Lovett has recorded thirteen albums and released 21 singles to date, including his highest entry, the number 10 chart hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, “Cowboy Man”. Lovett has won four Grammy® Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album. It’s Not Big It’s Large was released in 2007, where it debuted and peaked at number 2 on the Top Country Albums chart. A new studio album, Natural Forces, was released on October 20, 2009 by Lost Highway Records.

John Hiatt is an American rock guitarist, pianist, singer, and songwriter. He has played a variety of musical styles on his albums, including New Wave, blues and country. Hiatt has been nominated for several Grammy®
Awards and has been awarded a variety of other distinctions in the music industry. He remains one of the most respected and influential American singer-songwriters.

For more information on Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, visit http://www.lylelovett.com/
And http://johnhiatt.com/

To see videos of Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt:

So, if you’re planning on going to the “Taste of St Lucie”, also taking place that night in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce, plan to stay for a little while longer, and enjoy one of the best Country duo’s in town. Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, together, for ONE NIGHT ONLY, at the Sunrise Theatre. Tickets are $59/$49 and go on sale to Sunrise Theatre Members, Friday February 3 at 10 AM, and to the General Public, Monday, February 13 at 10 AM.

2. Kevin Costner & Modern West
Kevin Costner Kevin grew up with a deep love for and interest in music. Learning piano and then guitar, young Kevin sang in church choirs and in school productions. Motown and The Four Seasons caught his ear growing up, along with the later sounds of Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, and Sting — artists that no doubt inspired Kevin’s love of strong, lyrically-driven melodies and harmonies.

A fortuitous meeting with John Coinman, at the onset of Kevin’s acting career, bonded the two men in their love of music and they began writing and performing together along with another friend, Blair Forward. Together they formed the band Roving Boy. As Kevin’s acting career took off and made ever-increasing demands on his time and focus, he was faced with a tough decision as to whether to continue acting or to follow his musical instincts. Acting won out and music became a private pastime, but the hobby would come front center once more in the years to come.

Ever loyal to his friends, Kevin continued to involve John Coinman in a musical capacity on various movie projects. A Few years ago, around the time of the shooting of The Guardian, Kevin’s wife, Christine, encouraged him to once again take up his guitar and pursue his love of music.

Kevin, John, and Blair got together and found they still enjoyed making their brand of music, and Kevin made the decision to form a new band. John recruited lead guitarist and producer Teddy Morgan, drummer Larry Cobb, and Park Chisolm, and Kevin Costner and Modern West was born. The group quickly developed an easy friendship and a shared love for the sound they created.

There’s an undeniable inherent curiosity factor among some members of the audience as to what a Hollywood actor/director/producer is doing performing in a band. But, no doubt, the Sunrise Theatre audience will be in for a special night and soon realize, that beyond Kevin’s good looks, charm and acting abilities, is a soulful musician with a passion for music. In fact, audiences the world over have appreciated the passion and exuberance of Modern West’s original music and performances.

Kevin Costner & Modern West shows are up-close and personal experiences. “I prefer our performances to be in intimate settings, where the audience can literally be “within reach” of the band,” said Costner.

Don’t miss this chance to create a connection with Kevin Costner & Modern West, for ONE night only, at the Sunrise Theatre in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce, Saturday, March 31st at 8 PM.

For more information on Kevin Costner & Modern West, visit http://kevincostnermodernwest.com/

To see a videos of Kevin Costner & Modern West:

Tickets are $49/$39 and go on sale to Sunrise Theatre Members, Friday February 3 at 10 AM, and to the General Public, Monday, February 13 at 10 AM.

Resourceful amateur sleuths Will and Betsy Black are back for another challenging adventure. A Calculated Conspiracy takes the intrepid couple to the Florida Keys where they once again inadvertently become embroiled with a venture involving members of a Colombian cartel.

Betsy is named as area president for WB Bank in Key West. Shortly thereafter bumbling lender Carson Crown introduces the bank to Club Tropic, the fastest growing real estate investment company in the Keys. Through common sense and their financial expertise, Will and Betsy quickly realize there is much more to Club Tropic than appears on the surface. Club Tropic is rehabbing commercial properties and offering deals to potential investors that appear too good to be true. Unsophisticated and unwary investors both in and out of the Keys are flocking to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity.

Will and Betsy find themselves involved head-over-heels in anon-stop escapade when Club Tropic employees and investors begin to turn up dead. New characters and old shape this thriller as Will and Betsy find themselves in harm’s way – but who exactly is out to get them? They soon find out that they are not only dealing with Club Tropic’s scheming management, but vindictive New Jersey hoods and even some familiar faces from a South American connection.

Will and Betsy validate the phrase caveat emptor in this exciting and often humorous journey through the Florida Keys that leads to an unexpected conclusion.

“The idea of making a full length feature film in Hollywood is a real dream come true for independent filmmakers,” said Terry Cronin, who is the director of the Megacon Indie Film Expo. “This is a really fun action-packed movie that has incredible potential for a series. A real franchise builder.”

BLOOD SHOT is the story of a cop named Rip, played by Brennan Elliott, whose life falls apart as he chases a terminator-like vampire, played by Michael Bailey Smith, who happens to be a hitman controlled by a CIA agent played by Lance Henricksen (Millenium, Alien) . The great Brad Dourif (The Lord of the Rings) plays a notorious Middle Eastern terrorist who is plotting a major attack on the U.S. that includes detonating a powerful nuke in the heart of Los Angeles; the only thing standing in his way is an unlikely duo formed by the mysterious vampire (Michael Bailey Smith) and the cop (Brennan Elliott) who is chasing him.

Michael Bailey Smith is excited about coming to the show, “It’s great to return to Florida and see all the cool stuff going on at Megacon. I think the fans will love BLOOD SHOT and I hope to meet everyone who comes out to the show.”

The film will show at the Orange County Convention Center as part of the Megacon on Saturday, February 18th from 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Brennan Elliot and Michael Bailey Smith will take part in the Indie Filmmaking Panel and will be available for autographs and photos on the show floor of Megacon.

The Megacon Indie Film Expo showcases numerous award-winning independent short films in the genres of action, anime, animation, comedy, horror, superheroes, science fiction, and suspense. The short films will be shown Friday, Feb 17th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. This selection of films is hosted by 3 Boys Productions the founders of the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival and the creators of the horror adventure comic series “Students of the Unusual”. Donations will be accepted for the Hero Initiative.

For more information go to www.megaconvention.com

or www.studentsoftheunusual.com

BLOOD SHOT IMDB- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1196124/

Standing under a brilliant orange Florida sunset, Romney delivered his longest sustained critique of the South Carolina primary winner to date – ticking through a list as if he were reading off Gingrich`s Wikipedia page, and undercutting each item as he got to it.” Politico.Com

“Eighty-four ethics charges were filed against Gingrich during his term as speaker, all by Democrats. Eighty-three of the charges were later dropped. After extensive investigation and negotiation by the House Ethics Committee, Gingrich was reprimanded and penalized $300,000 by a 395-28 House vote. It was the first time in the history of the House that a speaker was disciplined for an ethics violation.” Wikipedia

Sometimes presidential candidates engage in hyperbole to make their point, but Romney is spot on in his assessment of Newt Gingrich. The former Speaker of the House is a hapless buffoon, a fraud, and a disgrace to humankind.

Newt Gingrich may not have met the legal definition of a lobbyist, but nobody could convincingly argue that he wasn`t an influence peddler. Newt, with a straight face, claims that Freddie Mac paid him an obscene amount of money to serve as a historian for them.

Mitt Romney is finally realizing that when dealing with a bully you throw nuance out the window, and call a spade a spade. Romney should attack Gingrich on every front, he should attack the portly politician on his woeful ethics in the realms of politics and business.

In a speech in Florida Mitt hit Gingrich hard:

He was a leader for four years as speaker of the House. And at the end of four years, it was proven that he was a failed leader and he had to resign in disgrace. I don`t know whether you knew that, he actually resigned after four years, in disgrace.

That`s the ticket, Romney needs to hit Gingrich again and again, until like the typical bully he cries: Uncle.

When facing a huge bully you don`t slap him on the face, that`s not going to knock him down. You pick up a two-by-four and hit him upside the head. Romney needs to pick up Gingrich`s heavy baggage and clobber him senseless.

On the stump, and especially in the debates, Romney must lay out his case against Newt Gingrich. The America public has a short memory, and Romney must remind the electorate that Gingrich is an ethically-challenged fraud.

Gingrich won the South Carolina primary because he bullied the debate moderators (Juan Williams and John King), and his fellow presidential hopefuls. Unlike Gingrich Romney is a gentleman, but if he doesn`t want to lose in Florida, he must go after Gingrich tooth and nail.

Rick Santorum and Ron Paul would be advised to do the same, hit Gingrich hard and often. It would be a disaster for the GOP and our democratic process if a thug like Gingrich wins the Republican nomination.

I`m very liberal, and it would be to my benefit if Gingrich won the Republican nomination, because President Obama would make mincemeat out of him. But as a patriot and a believer in the democratic process, I hope that sanity prevails and Mitt Romney wins.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71802.html#ixzz1kINLyhqy

Follow Robert Paul Reyes on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertpaulreyes

WhyHunger’s “Artists Against Hunger & Poverty” Program To Benefit

When: Friday, February 24th, 2012 at 7pm
Where: Sunrise Theatre, 117 South Second Street, Fort Pierce, FL34950
Tickets: $25 advance/ $30 at the door, available at www.sunrisetheatre.com or 772-461-4775

Among the most unique and compelling interpretations of the late John Lennon’s music are those by The Nutopians, an eight-piece ensemble that will honor the genius and artistry of the icon’s song compositions at The Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce, FL. on Friday, February 24th.

Formerly The John Lennon Song Project, the band is celebrating its prestigious Independent Music Award for Best Tribute Album of 2010, an honor bestowed for its CD Imagined, just months after the band’s debut. The Nutopians are touring the U.S. throughout 2012.

The Nutopians, founded and led by Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare, are also celebrating the addition of its newest band member, 15-year-old “phenom” vocalist Maggie Coffin.

In a show that reviewers have called “magical,” “captivating” and “inspiring,” TheNutopians concertgoers are treated to exquisite lead singing, three-part harmonies and insightful song narratives, plus a host of multi-talented musicians on acoustic, electric and bass guitars; cello; violin; piano; mandola; accordion; chromatic harmonica and light percussion.

In concert The Nutopians perform their acclaimed renditions of many of Lennon’s most beloved Beatles songs, often weaving melody, lyric and song together in a series of singles and mini-medleys. These tunes are given surprisingly fresh treatments that often inspire a whole new appreciation for Lennon’s original lyrics. Selected songs from his solo years are also featured.

The band’s new name was suggested recently by Yoko Ono to honor Lennon’s social and political activism, and the couple’s fictitious country of peace, ”Nutopia.”

The group is also now actively supporting the “Artists Against Hunger & Poverty” program, which raises awareness and funds for WhyHunger, a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food. A portion of proceeds from the ensemble’s performances and CD sales benefit WhyHunger’s grassroots effort to inspire self-reliance and community empowerment.

The Band: Rex Fowler — rhythm guitar and vocals; Tom Dean – six- and 12-string guitars, mandola and vocals; Alana MacDonald — violin and vocals; Jordan Jancz — cello and percussion; Teg Glendon — bass guitar and vocals; Robby Coffin — electric and acoustic guitars and vocals; Gary Schreiner — piano, accordion and chromatic harp; Maggie Coffin — vocals and percussion.

About the Founders of The Nutopians:

Rex Fowler is half of the critically acclaimed folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step (ATS), which burst upon the scene with its self-titled debut album on Elektra Records in 1972. Fowler and his ATS partner Neal Shulman have continued writing and performing songs and releasing award-winning and well-reviewed albums for decades, including 1987’s Living in America (New York Music Award for Best Folk Album), 2005’s Days of Horses and others. Now in their 40th year of touring, the duo has spent a lifetime making meaningful music together. www.aztectwostep.com

For 30 years, Tom Dean was part of Devonsquare, with Alana MacDonald and the late Herb Ludwig. Signed to Atlantic Records by Ahmet Ertegun, Devonsquare toured the United States and Europe and released five CDs. A devoted fan base followed these musicians from coast to coast to hear the shimmering three-part harmonies and award-winning songs that earned them an international reputation. www.devonsquare.com

The Critics:

“With these intelligent heartfelt renditions of Lennon’s best-known songs, The Nutopians ranks right up there with the very best Lennon interpreters ever.” — Pete Fornatale, WFUV-FM

“Absolutely brilliant! I’ve been listening non-stop. I can’t wait to go on the radio and start spinning tunes from it. Album of the year!” — Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM

Website: www.thenutopians.com

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXGfgmpqm5U (Come Together/I Am The Walrus)

Make no mistake about it, Indian River Charter High Schumann School for the Performing Arts production of “Cinderella The Musical” is sure to be a hit. The show will be given at the Vero Beach Theater Guild February 2nd, 3rd and 4th at 7:00pm and February 4th and 5th at 2:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking on the “Ticket” tap at wwww.irchsonline.org.

Students performed a sneak peek of some of the popular musical numbers at By the River today and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the residents and guests. By the River is Sebastian’s affordable senior living community. It was the dream and vision of spiritual teacher Ma Jaya to have a place that seniors can call “home” and live comfortably in a vibrant community.

Julianne Zimei and Jernie Talles-Millan

The story of Cinderella has been told for more than a hundred years in countless cultures. Threatre director, Michael Naffziger, said that this year they had so many talented kids that he dual-cast all the roles, except for the Fairy Godmother.

Two of the Cinderellas, Kaitlin Ruby, l0th grader, and Julianne Zimei, llth grader, performed today. They are best friends and have not been competing, but rather cheering each other on. As Kaitlin said, “We tag each other. You’re ‘it’ today!”

Due to the volume of requests to take unwanted or unable to keep parrots in my area, I chose to open my own not for profit rescue. We also have a parrot store on eBay as well as an e- commerce store. The store sells parrot related items and food, not birds.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find the correct forever home for our feathered friends. All donations and re-homing fees are for the transportation, vet bills, and care of the parrots. Here we are all about the birds.

If you have a parrot you are unable to care for any longer, or are interested in adopting a feathered friend, or just wish to foster a bird, please contact us…below is a link to our stores, feel free to check it out and look at our feedback.

If you have a unwanted bird contact Kerry Lewis or Cindy Nichols.

Contact:
Cindy Nichols
Manager Kerry Lewis
9969 Sebastian River Dr
Micco, Florida 32769
772-646-0655

In addition, artwork may be viewed and purchased at the Palm House Gallery & Studio, January 17-21, from 10 am to 4 pm. A minimum of 30% of all sales are donated by the artists to Quail Valley Charities, Inc. to benefit 24 non-profit organizations for children and education in Indian River County.

Please call the Palm House Gallery for further information. (772) 231-6816 or view their website at www.palmhousegallery.com

We look forward to seeing you at 6pm on Wednesday, January 18th, at the Palm House Gallery located at 3227 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963

QUAIL VALLEY CHARITIES
2345 HIGHWAY A1A, VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32963