The critically acclaimed New York/New Jersey-based, all-female contemporary dance company Ariel Rivka Dance will perform at Riverside Theatre this Friday and Saturday at the Sixth Annual Riverside Dance Festival, the culmination of the Ballet Vero Beach/Riverside Theatre Intensive Summer Study Program. The program’s gifted young dancers have spent the summer studying ballet and contemporary dance technique under Ariel Rivka and Riverside’s faculty. 
They’ve participated in master classes and open rehearsals, and ultimately have created their own work, which will be presented with Ariel Rivka in a mixed repertory concert. The company is led by a married team: Ariel Grossman, artistic director/choreographer, and David Homan, executive director/composer. Performances from this all-female troupe will showcase their “unique storytelling and exceptionally structured contemporary dance works.” Cecly Placenti of Critical Dance called the troupe’s 1916 ninth season festival performance “a powerful evening of contemporary dance.” Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10.
The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra will present international musicians Francisco Vila-Haas, cellist, and pianist Steven Lin, performing together for the first time in “Summer of Love: Steven and Francisco in Concert” at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach, Thursday, Aug. 10. Vila-Haas will open the program with Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1, considered to be among the most profound of all classical music works, the prelude of which renowned cellist Christopher Constanza calls “possibly the most immediately recognizable solo work for the instrument.” Lin will then perform Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata, which the New York Times describes as “thrillingly brilliant.” Works by Dvorak, Saint Saens, Davidoff and others will follow. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 general admission; and free for 18 and under or with student ID.
The First Friday Gallery Stroll this Friday in Historic Downtown Vero Beach will feature an exhibit-opening reception for August guest artist Carolyn M. Shea-Kleinpeter, painter and photographer, in the Main Street Vero Beach Studios and Gallery on 14th Avenue. The monthly events provide the opportunity to meet the artists and chat about their work and the work of others. There are 10 galleries to explore, clustered within the three-block area, exhibiting a wide range of excellent works in various media, by some of the area’s top artists as well as works by national and international artists. On a pleasant evening walk along 14th Avenue, enjoy art, music and refreshments, and who knows, you might even come upon that special piece that calls your name. Several restaurants are within leisurely strolling distance, as well. The Gallery Stroll is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A beloved annual event in Indian River County is the Vero Beach Recreation Department’s Aerial Antics Youth Circus, now, unbelievably, in its 43rd year. The 2017 show, “Fire and Ice,” will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Gonzalez Activities Center gymnasium at Saint Edward’s School. The program is sponsored in part by Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the Recreation Department runs it at Leisure Square. In over four decades, generations – approximately 10,000 people from 3 to 33, says Rec Department Director Rob Slezak – have gone through the program, spending countless hours learning and training for the big annual show. Many start in pre-K and continue through high school and beyond, transforming from little kids learning to tumble into experienced gymnasts. Showcasing gymnastic, aerial and dance routines, “Fire and Ice” looks to be an exciting evening of family entertainment. You’ll enjoy the energy, enthusiasm and skill of this talented troupe. Show time is 7 p.m. all three nights. Tickets are $7 and $8.
How about dinner and a show, all in one place? This Sunday, Theatre-Go-Round Dinner Theatre at the Quilted Giraffe Restaurant is presenting “Forever in Blue Jeans, the Best of Neil Diamond,” featuring talented professional singers who’ll knock your socks off with their vocal abilities (and, this Sunday, have you humming “Sweet Caroline” or “Cracklin’ Rosie” under your breath). Reservations are suggested. Dinner is at 4:30 p.m. Show starts at 6 p.m. Theatre-Go-Round brings you “Suburban dining with a Broadway flair,” in classic cabaret style, on selected Sundays all year “round.” Dinner with a show is $55 per person. PLUS, the Quilted Giraffe has live music on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, as well.
