Entertainment a Big Part of the Treasure Coast

A focus on entertainment is definitely an important feature when prospective visitors select a destination for their holiday (as they say in the UK) or vacation. Believe it or not, there has actually been research done by leading research companies on this matter that proves this observation. The Treasure Coast certainly has a grip on this aspect of the destination product. Today’s guests enthusiastically agreed and are committed to making entertainment a big part of the regional scene.

Guest Renee Page, marketing director for the Sunrise Theatre, eloquently spoke about the history of this landmark located in downtown Ft. Pierce. The original founder/builder of the theatre, Rupert “Pop” Koblegard, who purchased a large amount of land on Hutchinson Island to develop, realized that there had to be an entertainment venue to make the area attractive. History certainly does repeat itself. Learn more by listening to the show.

Next up was the events coordinator of the downtown MusicFest Downtown Stuart, Desiree Bonnie, a former Martin county High School Academy of Travel and Tourism graduate, who along with Chris Frambes orchestrates the monthly MusicFest Downtown Stuart, which takes place every third Friday in Gazebo Park, which is adjacent to the Cultural Courthouse Arts Center on N.E. Ocean Boulevard. This fun, charming event is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. Desiree is truly excited about her contribution to making Stuart a “fun and entertaining” destination.

Surprise guest, famed Brazilian guitarist, now Martin County resident, Ari Mendez aka “The Boy from Ipanema," who provided the entertainment along with Steve Rose for the “Valentine’s Night in Italy” fundraiser held February 11th at Harborage Yacht Club, was in the studio and played a few licks on the guitar. Talkin' Tourism is going “top 10!" Not really, but it was different! Ari’s family owns and operates several hotels in Brazil. Ari was thrilled to help promote the Treasure Coast to his countrymen in South America.

It was another fun and enlightening show with many other “gems of tourism info” filling the hour.

If you didn't catch the live show, fire up your computer, click HERE, sit back, pour your favorite “boat drink” and escape to the paradise of the Treasure Coast.

NOTE:  Renee Page from the Sunrise Theatre was in the REAL radio studio (WPSL) for this interview, but she kindly supplied the photos below for the post-show blog. This is a group shot of a promotion the theatre did for the Wedding Singer. Six couples renewed their vows at the black box before the show. All the ushers dressed up in wedding gowns. Renee is the bridesmaid. Talk about living theatre!

This Week, It's all about Show Business!

Exciting destinations are know for creating a great mix of opportunities for visitors to relax, refresh and enjoy while “getting away from it all," from great recreation to dining and shopping, to thrills and adventures and more. An important part of the mix certainly is the opportunity to enjoy great entertainment. Entertainment venues abound on the Treasure Coast and this week, Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors spend time with two guests who represent this segment of the tourism industry.

Renee Page, the marketing director of the Sunrise Theatre in Ft. Pierce, will share with listeners the exciting shows that this Treasure Coast historic theatre brings to the Treasure Coast, and the role entertainment plays in creating a culturally rich destination.

Also, Desiree Bonnie (photo on the left), the special events coordinator of the downtown Stuart MusicFest, a popular monthly Friday music festival, will talk about how this casual and fun event got started and why it became so popular for locals and visitors alike. Yes, folks there is no business like show business, except for the tourism business!

As always…History Lady and Radio Man will keep you in the loop with everything you need to know about tourism happenings on the Treasure Coast and beyond.

Tune in Friday at 10 a.m.. You can catch the show live on your radio dial at 1590 AM (WPSL) or on your computer at http://www.wpsl.com/.

SUNRISE THEATRE PHOTO CREDIT:  Spencers Magic.