Riverside Theatre is the place on Saturday night for one of the area’s most anticipated annual fundraisers: “Dancing with Vero’s Stars.” Returning for its 2025 edition, the event pairs 10 local “star” dancers with professional instructors to compete in a dazzling evening of ballroom performances benefiting the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition. What began in 2009 at the Vero Beach Elks Hall has now grown into the Coalition’s signature event. Since its inception, Dancing with Vero’s Stars has become a cornerstone of the local philanthropic calendar, combining entertainment with purpose and highlighting the vibrancy of the Vero Beach community. Ticket are $225 and help fund maternal and infant health programs across Indian River County. The festivities begin with a 6 p.m. red carpet, pre-show reception and auction, followed by the main show at 7 p.m. The winning pair will receive the coveted mirror ball trophy around 10:15 p.m. Tickets are $225 and are available through the Healthy Start Coalition. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr. For more details, visit IRCHealthyStart.org.
“Aaron & Friends” piano concert begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Emerson Center. The concert features works by Space Coast Symphony Orchestra conductor Aaron Collins. The performance showcases five accomplished pianists: Dr. Alessandro Fonseca, winner of won several prizes in piano competitions in South America and also international prizes, such as first place in the 2019 Vienna Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition and the second prize in the Piano Section, from the 2021 Medici International Competition, Professional category; Dylan Rhodes, a sophomore from Melbourne, is pursuing a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in Piano Performance at Florida State University’s College of Music; Dr. Jacob Craig, director of music and arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach and director of the Vero Beach Choral Society; Jean Black, winner of the John Philip Sousa award for her work in the instrumental program and the Frederic Chopin award for her work as a student accompanist; and Philip King, who has as appeared on stage and served as music director for more than one hundred regional music theatre productions. The program features compositions that span Collins’ 25-year career. The program includes pieces for solo piano and piano four hands. The Emerson Center is located at 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. More information is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
The Treasure Coast Chorale’s concert “Singing with the Greats – The Beatles” begins at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the First Baptist Church, located at 2206 16th Ave., Vero Beach. The concert will celebrate the timeless music of the Beatles in a choral setting that’s sure to delight audiences of all ages. Doors open at 3 p.m., and while admission is free, a $10 donation is suggested to help offset production costs. Visit TreasureCoastChorale.org for more details.
The Environmental Learning Center is the place for the children’s production “Godspell Jr.” beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18. The production is by the Riverside Theatre’s Youth Ensemble. It runs for one hour at the ELC’s Education and Event Pavilion, with free admission to the center available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The ELC invites guests to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a spirited, family-friendly musical surrounded by nature. Designed especially for young audiences, the production blends engaging storytelling and music with important life messages. The Environmental Learning Center is located at 255 Live Oak Dr., Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-589-5050 or visit DiscoverELC.org.
