A USO-themed centennial event honoring World War II veterans and the legacy of the Naval Station Vero Beach tribute begins at 6 p.m. Friday, May 23, at the Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave. The event will feature big band music, dancing, refreshments and small bites, plus a spirited Mr. and Mrs. USO contest. Admission is $25, but veterans of the Second World War will be admitted free of charge. This nostalgic evening promises to transport guests back to the 1940s with a heartfelt salute to the Greatest Generation. More information is available at VeroHeritage.org or by calling 772-770-2263.
Ballet Vero Beach brings its “Young and Cool” production to at Riverside Theatre this weekend. The performance, which runs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, features a trio of pieces that challenge and inspire, inviting both seasoned ballet lovers and new audiences to experience the vitality of modern dance. Opening the program is “L’autre Côté du Miroir,” a French-inspired solo choreographed by Camilo A. Rodriguez. This new work blends elegance and mystery, offering a deeply personal narrative through movement. Next is the beloved “Le Corsaire pas de deux,” known for its dazzling technique and rich history – famously danced by legends Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. Closing out the performance is Artistic Director Adam Schnell’s “Crimson & Clover,” a contemporary piece marking its 20th anniversary. The piece received a rousing ovation during its last appearance at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Tickets are $10 to $85. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-269-1065 or visit BalletVeroBeach.org.
McKee Botanical Garden offers a family-friendly event that’s sure to enchant children and parents alike. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, the Pirate and Fairy Celebration invites young adventurers to come dressed in their “fairy best or swashbuckling gear” and explore their imaginations through fairy house building, crafts, live entertainment and more. The lush gardens provide the perfect backdrop for a magical day of make-believe. Admission is included with regular entry to the garden, which runs $15 to $20. McGee Botanical Garden is at 350 U.S. 1, Vero Beach. Call 772-794-0601 or visit McKeeGarden.org.
“The Best of John Williams: Side by Side,” an epic orchestral tribute to the music of John Williams, presented by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25, at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St. It will bring together more than 120 musicians, including select youth performers who will join their professional counterparts in the second half of the program. The repertoire spans decades of iconic film scores. Audience members are encouraged to dress in costume inspired by their favorite John Williams films, adding a playful element to this celebration of cinematic music. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, with free admission for attendees under 18 or with a college ID. Tickets are available online at SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at Marine Bank & Trust locations. For conductor and artistic director Aaron T. Collins, the concert is a fitting finale to the season, honoring one of the most influential composers in film history. “It’s impossible to overstate John Williams’ contribution to film music and modern orchestral music overall,” Collins says. “But even more than that, his music makes an impact every day on people all over the world. He is a giant.” For more information call 855-242-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.
