May Pops Concert at Windsor is huge success

On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, a record turnout of Vero Beach residents and visitors gathered on The Polo Field at Windsor on May 4th for the 19th annual May Pops concert to benefit the Indian River Medical Center.

With brilliant sunshine replacing last year’s rain which forced cancellation of the event, a surge of concert-goers drove attendance to nearly 1,500.

“This was our most successful May Pops ever,” said Kim Beckett, co-chair of the event. “There were more cabanas than ever before, more tables under the tent, more children than ever before. I think a lot of lawn tickets were purchased on the day of concert, as people realized it would be a fun thing to do on a beautiful day with the family and kids.”

From the $25 lawn seats to the $2,000 private cabanas, proceeds from May Pops – also a record -- went toward the Indian River Medical Foundation’s continuing effort to supplement the capital requirements of the rapidly expanding community hospital.

While VIP guests sipped Pinot grigio and snacked on brie at a preconcert reception under the big tent, folks with colorful blankets and wicker picnic baskets in hand staked out spots on the grass close to the flower-lined stage. Many others with beach chairs took up positions around the perimeter, some also hauling along various types of grills.

After a warm welcome from Indian River Medical Foundation Chairman Allen Jones, the crowd was eager for the music to begin and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra jumped right into their opening number, “Belle of The Ball.”

Following several instrumentals, jazz singer Michael Andrew, decked out in a dark indigo suit, took to the stage and belted out renditions of “My Way” and “The Lady is a Tramp” that would have made Old Blue Eyes proud.

Marilynn Glener, a classically trained pianist turned real estate agent, and her date Nick Gravino Jr., a retired Delta International Captain turned author, were among those who came from as far as Jupiter and Palm Beach for the Windsor concert.

“Michael Andrew is great. What a crooner,” said Glenner. Both longtime fans of Bobby Darin, Gravino and Glener were delighted to hear Andrew pay homage to him with “Beyond the Sea” and “Splish Splash.”

Prior to the nostalgic music, a new generation of concert goers could be seen frolicking on the Polo Field. As the sun set on this year’s May Pops, attendees made their way to cars and golf carts with memories as lasting as the music.