Best bets: This weekend in Brevard brings a car auction, jazz concerts, an improv show

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Hot wheels auctioned for a cool cause: The Brevard Zoo's aquarium

Online and telephone bidding starts July 6 for the rare 1968 L89 Chevrolet Chevelle that will be auctioned off to benefit Brevard Zoo’s aquarium, conservation and education programs.

The V-8, Matador Red vehicle, originally one of seven and now the last of its kind known to exist, will be auctioned in person Saturday, July 9, at Orange County Convention Center. The car was the subject of cover stories in “Muscle Car Review” and other publications.

“Matthew and Laura Nicoletti generously offered to donate the auction proceeds to support the Our Legacy Campaign,” said Keith Winsten, the zoo’s executive director. “The donation will go straight toward the zoo’s animal wellness, conservation and education programs as well as the building of our future Aquarium and Conservation Center.”

To view the car, visit bit.ly/3yfC3fv. Register to bid at bit.ly/3zYIbtK.

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Elton John tribute concert

Greggie and the Jets, a Brevard County-based Elton John tribute band, will give a free concert in Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, on Saturday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. The show will feature classic hits as well as deep cuts from Elton John's albums. Admission is free. Call 321-213-2436.

Rocking concert

Melbourne Municipal Band’s 12-piece Rock & Roll Revue ensemble will present a “Rockin’ July” concert of '50s and '60s goodies at 2 p.m. July 10 at Trinity Wellsprings Church, 638 S. Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach. Although admission is free, a good will offering is appreciated.

The group includes an eight-piece combo, singer Len Fallen, and the Swingtimers Vocal Trio of Connie Maltby, Diana Sageser and Dave Hutson. Call 724-0555 or visit MelbourneMunicipalBand.org for more details.

Meet the author

Brevard author Julio Torres will discuss his books “My Twisted Summer,” “Blueberries and Coffee” and “Forces” at the Melbourne Public Library, 540 E. Fee Ave., on July 8 at 10 a.m. The one-hour event will explain the writing process and include readings from each book. Call 321-952-4514.

Flick-N-Float ‘Luca’:

Watch the movie ‘Luca’ (PG) from the pool at McLarty Park Aquatic Center, 790 Barton Blvd., Rockledge, on Friday, July 8. Swimming starts at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 9 p.m. The cost to swim is $4, and the movie is free to watch whether you’re in the pool or on the lawn. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. No outside flotation devices are allowed, but tubes will be provided. The event may be canceled in the event of severe weather. Call 321-633-1874 or visit facebook.com/events/488840695920886.

Painting workshops planned in Cocoa Beach 

Get into a painting groove in air-conditioned comfort with July art workshops at Studios of Cocoa Beach, 165 Minuteman Causeway. 

During “Painting Florida in Acrylics,” instructor Jaymee Weinreich will guide students in a four-session “Painting Florida in Acrylics” suitable for beginners and experienced painters alike.

Weinreich will discuss techniques in painting sky, clouds and waves, with emphasis is made on mixing colors, blending and creating dimension, all with the goal of creating a finished piece of art.

For a shorter excursion into the world of painting, Weinreich has the answer with a “Morning Surfer” paint party from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 8.

No art experience is needed, since Weinreich will guide participants through the use of acrylic paints, helping them to mix colors to create a composition of clouds and waves.

The result is a finished artwork ready to go home. 

Fee for the evening is $45; materials are included.  

Weinreich, who holds a bachelor of fine arts from Florida International University and has been a professional artist for a quarter of a century, is an experienced instructor in a number of different mediums.

For information, call or text 321-588-3352. To register, visit studiosofcocoabeach.org.

Improv show at Surfside in Cocoa Beach

In homage to summer blockbuster films, Surfside Playhouse presents “Improvnado 3: The Somewhat-Less-Than-Perfect Storm,” the latest production by the Fearless Improv Brigade.

The show features an improvised summer spectacular, plus more, including the chance for the audience to help the players act sillier than normal.

The one-show run is at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 9, at the Playhouse, 301 Ramp Rd., Cocoa Beach.

Purchase the $15 tickets at surfsideplayhouse.com or call 321-258-2185.

Jazz concert on Merritt Island

Space Coast native Daniel Tenbusch and his group are the featured performers at Space Coast Jazz Society’s upcoming concert at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 10, at the Veterans’ Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island.

Tenbusch holds a bachelor’s degree in music with emphasis on jazz piano performance from Florida State University. He has performed extensively in New Orleans, as well as aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Joining Tenbusch on stage will be Ashton Bailey-Gould on drums and Thomas Milovac on bass.

Admission is $10 at the door for Jazz Society and Veterans’ Memorial Center members and $15 for guests. Students under 25 are admitted free.

The audience is encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, since tables will be provided.  For more, see spacecoastjazzsociety.org or visit danieltenbusch.com.

Vendors needed for Moonlight Yoga event

Vendors, particularly of health-related products, are welcome to register for the City of Melbourne’s First Moonlight Yoga event on Friday, Aug. 12, at Front Street Civic Center

The full moon will be out and Melbourne’s Parks and Recreation Department is organizing a fun and free evening with yoga for all levels in mind.

Vendor fee is $20. To register, contact recreation superintendent Kurt Bienias at 321-608-7420.

Fly-in breakfast in Titusville

Valiant Air Command Warbird Air Museum will host a Fly-in/Drive-In Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, July 9, at the museum's Vietnam Hanger, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville.

The cost of $12 and includes admission to the museum, which is until 5 p.m. See valiantaircommand.com or call 321-268-1941 for more details.

Do you have a community event? Email tgif@floridatoday.com and toastofthecoastfloridatoday@gmail.com at least two weeks in advance for consideration for the Best Bets roundup.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Space Coast events: Car auction for Brevard Zoo, jazz on Merritt Island