MEDIA RELEASE
Newport News Tourism Development Office • 700 Town Center Drive • Suite 320 Newport News • VA • 757-926-1400 • Toll Free • 888-493-7389 • Fax 757-926-1441 • www.newport-news.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: March 30, 2009 Media Contact: Suzanne Pearson Media Relations Manager 757-926-1429 or 888-493-7386 [email protected]
What’s Happening this Spring and Summer in Newport News, Virginia
Newport News, Va. – Now is a great time to explore Newport News! Intriguing exhibits, touring
Broadway shows, outdoor concerts, fun festivals and a full calendar of performing and visual arts events means there is something for everyone in the family.
Discover the world of inventions with The Gift of Black Inventors at The Newsome House
Museum & Cultural Center through June 1 and take a “tour” along an amazing river at the Virginia
Living Museum’s Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches (May 23 to September 7). You can also explore the art and science of shipbuilding with interactive activities and videos in Building
Better Ship s at The Mariners’ Museum (through December 31).
Spring and summer is also festival time in Newport News, starting with the 12th Annual Ella
Fitzgerald Music Festival . This year’s performers include Herb Alpert & Lani Hall (April 16) at the
Ferguson Center for the Arts and Freda Payne (April 18 and 19) in the new Ella Fitzgerald Theater at the
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. Other events at the Ferguson Center this spring include Garrison
Keillor (April 21); The Smothers Brothers (April 30) and Ain’t Misbehavin’ starring Ruben Studdard
(May 1 to 3).
May brings the 43rd Annual Newport News Greek Festival (May 28 to 31), plus two Virginia
Arts Festival events: the Richmond Ballet (May 29 to 30) and Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn
Colvin and Buddy Harris (May 30), both at the Ferguson Center. There will also be plenty of outdoor concerts and events, including Fridays @ The Fountain
(May 1 to September 11); the Colonial Craftsman’s Faire at Endview Plantation (May 16 and 17);
Summer Sounds at Port Warwick (June 3 to September 23) and Thursdays by the Lake at The
Mariners’ Museum (June 4 to July 30). The Summer Celebration Wine Festival returns to Lee Hall
(June 13), followed by the 8th Annual Classics at Lee Hall Car Show (August 8).
Among the many events that are perfect for the whole family are the 20th Annual Children’s
Festival of Friends in Newport News Park (May 2); the Armed Forces Day Toy Soldier Show at the
Virginia War Museum (May 16); the 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the James A.
Fields House and The Newsome House (June 20) and Family Films by the Fountain at City Center at
Oyster Point (August 1 to 22).
And we haven’t forgotten the visual arts! Three great summer exhibits include Sea Glass, Pieces
from the Collection at The Mariners’ Museum (April 4 to June 4, 2010); A Poet Speaks to Art at The
Newsome House (June 13 to July 27) and In the Line of Duty: The Art of America’s Armed Forces
at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center (July 18-November 1).
For more information on these and other events in Newport News this spring and summer, call
the Newport News Visitor Center at 888-493-7386 ext. 90, or go online at www.newport-news.org .
Hotel packages begin at $109.00 per room, per night, based on double occupancy. Request your 2009
Newport News Visitor Guide and experience the ocean, the ships, the history and the great outdoors, all in one Tidewater vacation, just minutes from Williamsburg and a short drive to Virginia Beach.
# # # Event Descriptions
Sea Glass, Pieces from the Collection The Mariners’ Museum April 4 – June 4, 2010; Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. The exhibition features a range of glass artifacts from the museum’s historical maritime collection. Included are decorative panels from the famous steamship United States ; a 19th century cobalt-blue rolling pin; a 19th century captain’s liquor chest and glassware recovered from the ironclad USS Monitor . Part of Art of Glass 2 , a regional collaborative effort among Hampton Roads museums to celebrate the very best in contemporary art glass. Included in regular admission. Adults, $14; AAA members, military, students, $13; seniors, $12; children (6-12), $8. The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, 757-596-2222, www.MarinersMuseum.org.
Herb Alpert & Lani Hall – An Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival Event Ferguson Center for the Arts Music & Theatre Hall April 16; 7:30 p.m. An extraordinary musician, Herb Alpert’s trumpet playing has earned him five number-one hits, eight Grammy Awards, fifteen Gold albums and fourteen Platinum albums. Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass propelled Latino music into the pop music limelight. Grammy-winning vocalist Lani Hall first rose to international fame as lead singer for Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66. All of Hall’s musical endeavors have highlighted her expertise as a powerful jazz/pop song stylist as well as a masterful interpreter. $22 to $47. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, 757-594 8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.
Freda Payne in A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald – An Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival Event Downing-Gross Cultural Arts April 17 – 18; Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Freda Payne, the celebrated R&B and jazz vocalist who shot to fame with her number-one hit “Band of Gold,” invokes the soulful spirit of Ella with her renditions of “A-Tisket, a-Tasket,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” and “Mack the Knife.” Payne has also starred in such Broadway shows as Jelly’s Last Jam , Sophisticated Ladies and Blues in the Night . General admission, $15; students, $10. Ella Fitzgerald Theater, Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Avenue, 757-247-8950; Ferguson Center Ticket Office, 757-594 8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.
An Evening with Garrison Keillor Ferguson Center for the Arts April 21; 7:30 p.m. For nearly 30 years, Keillor has transported millions of devoted fans to his mythical hometown, Lake Wobegon, Minnesota, through his immensely popular weekly radio program A Prairie Home Companion® and through his best-selling books. Lauded as one of today’s great storytellers, Keillor will share with you the latest news from that special place, where the women are strong, the men are good looking, and all the children are above average®. $37 to $53. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, 757-594 8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.
The Smothers Brothers Ferguson Center for the Arts April 30; 7:30 p.m. With their singular blend of comedic and musical talents, the irrepressible Dick and Tom Smothers have made a sweeping impact on diverse generations of fans. Such lasting power is a testimonial to their intuitive humor, natural warmth, superlative showmanship and the unadulterated joy they bring to audiences. The brothers have often been described as one of the most successful teams in history, comic geniuses, rare and peerless. Justifiably, time has provided another term, “An American Classic.” $37 to $47. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, 757-594 8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ starring Ruben Studdard Ferguson Center for the Arts May 1 – 3; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. This 30th Anniversary Tour of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Ain’t Misbehavin’ stars 2003 American Idol winner Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis, 2003 American Idol contestant and star of Rent on Broadway. The outrageously prodigious comic and musical soul of 1930’s Harlem is showcased in this rollicking and swinging revue set to the music of the legendary Fats Waller. $42 to $52. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, 757-594 8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.
Fridays @ The Fountain Concert Series City Center at Oyster Point May 1 to September 11; 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Begin your weekend here! Join us for free concerts by some of our region’s best bands. Bring your friends, lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes. Call or go online for specific performance dates and bands. Free admission; food and beverages for sale. Fountain Plaza. City Center at Oyster Point, Town Center Drive, 757-282-2822 or 757-873-2020, www.citycenteratoysterpoint.com.
20th Annual Newport News Children’s Festival of Friends Newport News Park May 2; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children ages 2 to 12 will enjoy over 100 hands-on activities, games, costumed characters and rides. All activities are free. $3 parking fee per vehicle; food and beverages for sale. Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Avenue, 757-926-1400, www.nnparks.com.
Armed Forces Day Toy Soldier Show Virginia War Museum May 16; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will be selling antique and contemporary toy soldiers and miniatures. Historical miniature kits and models in metal and plastic are also for sale. Join us for this salute to Armed Forces Day. Included in regular admission. Adults, $6; seniors (62+) and active duty military, $5; students (7-18), $4; children under 7 free. Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick Boulevard, 757-247-8523, www.warmuseum.org.
Colonial Craftsman’s Faire Endview Plantation May 16 – 17; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nationally recognized, traditional artisans will demonstrate and sell their wares. Artisans include a furniture maker, blacksmith, pewtersmith, chair maker and more. Fees to be announced. Endview Plantation, 362 Yorktown Road, 757-887-1862, www.endview.org.
Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches Virginia Living Museum May 23 – September 7; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take a “voyage” on the most biologically diverse river in the world, the Amazon River in South America. Encounter amazing creatures, including notorious piranhas, enormous anacondas, beautiful stingrays and mysterious pink dolphins, all in one amazing exhibit. Through hands-on interactive stations, multimedia presentations and fish-filled aquariums, visitors learn about the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon. Investigate the scientific, social and economic choices that shape the Amazon's future. This new exhibit from the Miami Museum of Science is an amazing bilingual exhibition that blends science and nature into one great family experience. Included in regular admission. Adults, $15; children (3-12), $12. Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, 757-595-1900, www.thevlm.org.
43rd Annual Newport News Greek Festival Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church May 28 – 31; Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m. The Newport News Greek Festival began in 1967 and has grown into one of the region's most elaborate and popular ethnic celebrations, with authentic Greek food, pastries, music, dance and entertainment. The festival also features a “plaka” (marketplace of imported gifts, including jewelry) and a country store, including filo, orzo, Greek olives, a variety of cheeses, olive oil and more. Shuttle service from satellite parking locations. Free admission; items for sale. Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Road, 757-872 8119, www.newportnewsgreekfestival.org.
Richmond Ballet: The State Ballet of Virginia – A Virginia Arts Festival Event Ferguson Center for the Arts Music & Theatre Hall May 29 – 30; Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Celebrating its 25th anniversary season, this critically acclaimed company is the pride of Virginia, and a hit on the road. The New York Times gave a “highly recommended” thumbs-up to their 2005 New York debut; and The Washington Post calls them “a company to which dance fans everywhere ought to pay attention.” The company's repertoire spans from the classics to the hottest contemporary choreographers. $20 to $35. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Virginia Arts Festival Box Office, 757- 282-2822, www.vafest.org.
Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller – A Virginia Arts Festival Event Ferguson Center for the Arts Concert Hall May 30; 8 p.m. Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller are “Three Girls and Their Buddy.” Four great singers and musicians, one great show! These superb artists draw on their long friendships and shared careers to create an intimate evening of songs, stories and memories. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear twelve-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris, irresistible singer-songwriter Patty Griffin and three-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin, together with their favorite musician and bandleader, Buddy Miller. $39 to $62. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Virginia Arts Festival Box Office, (757) 282-2822, www.virginiaartsfest.com.
Summer Sounds Concert Series Port Warwick June 3 – September 23 (Wednesdays); 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Grab a picnic basket, a bottle of wine, a chair or a blanket and come out for a great night of music and entertainment with some of today’s top local and regional bands in a family-friendly atmosphere. Free. Port Warwick, Loftis Boulevard at Jefferson Avenue; 757-875-9351, www.theportwarwickconservancy.com.
Thursdays by the Lake The Mariners’ Museum June 4 – July 30; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join the Museum for its annual free concert series on the banks of Lake Maury, overlooking the full- scale replica of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor . Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy live music. Adult beverages, soft drinks and food for sale. Arrive early and take advantage of free admission to the museum after 4 p.m. One of a series of special events celebrating the 75th Anniversary of The Mariners’ Museum. Free; items for sale. The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive; 757-596-2222, www.MarinersMuseum.org.
Summer Celebration Wine Festival Lee Hall Mansion June 13; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sample wines from some of Virginia’s best wineries, while enjoying musical entertainment, gift vendors, food, living history and more. $15 in advance; $20 at the gate. $10 for non-tasting tickets. Lee Hall Mansion, 163 Yorktown Road, 757-888 3371, www.leehall.org.
A Poet Speaks to Art The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center June 13 – July 27; Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This exhibit will feature photography and poetry by poet and publisher Nathan Richardson of Suffolk, Virginia. Free admission to opening reception (Saturday, June 17, time to be announced). Adults, $2 suggested donation. The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center, 2803 Oak Avenue, 757-247- 2360, www.newsomehouse.org.
6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration James A. Fields House and The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center June 20; Noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate “Unity in the Community,” the signature African-American event for Newport News. The festival includes reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, food vendors, live entertainment, exhibitors, craft and trade vendors and local historic interpreters. Tours of the James A. Fields House and The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center will also be available. Additional event location – Newport News Farmers Market, 2801 Jefferson Avenue. Free; items for sale. James A. Fields House, 617 27th Street, 757-245-1991; The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center, 2803 Oak Avenue, 757-247- 2360, www.newsomehouse.org.
In the Line of Duty: The Art of America’s Armed Forces Peninsula Fine Arts Center July 18-November 1, 2009 In the Line of Duty is a series of three exhibitions that focus on art and the military to show how art is used to record and interpret events of military conflict, including the work of artists who painted on site during the conflict and the work of artists who were eye-witnesses to the events. These are passionate works, some with the immediacy of capturing a moment in time, while others have a reflective and emotional weight. Included in regular admission. Adults, $7.50; seniors, students and active-duty military, AAA members, $6; children (6-12), $4. Free admission Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Drive, 757-596-8175, www.pfac-va.org.
Family Films by the Fountain City Center at Oyster Point August 1, 8, 15 and 22; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free “film-themed fun” starts the evening with pre-show entertainment and hands-on activities for kids. Enjoy classic and new family films under the stars on the beautiful Fountain Plaza. Scheduled movies include: Madagascar 2 (August 1); Hotel for Dogs (August 8); King Fu Panda (August 15) and Journey to the Center of the Earth (August 22). Admission and activities are free; food and beverages for sale. Fountain Plaza. City Center at Oyster Point, Town Center Drive, 757-926-1400. www.nnparks.com.
8th Annual Classics at Lee Hall Car Show Lee Hall Mansion August 8; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show is open to all makes, models and years of vehicles. The first 100 pre-registered vehicles receive goody bags, dash plaques and a special gift. Participant’s Choice judging for 30 awards to be presented at 2:30 p.m. Food and beverage vendors, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and much more. Proceeds benefit the continued restoration of Lee Hall Mansion. Spectator parking and admission free; house tours available for separate fee. To register a vehicle, call 757-247-8523 or 804-824-9198. $20 per vehicle registration fee. Lee Hall Mansion, 163 Yorktown Road, 757-888-3371, www.leehall.org.
Ongoing Events The Gift of Black Inventors The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center Continuing through June 1; Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This exhibit highlights the numerous contributions to science and industry by Americans of African descent. The product of more than 25 years of research by its curator, James E. Wright, Jr., the exhibit displays more than 125 items that feature inventions from the later 19th century through to the present. Adults, $2 suggested donation. The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center, 2803 Oak Avenue, 757-247-2360, www.newsomehouse.org.
Building Better Ships The Mariners’ Museum Continuing through December 31; Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. This special exhibition tells the stories of one of Newport News’ finest industries – shipbuilding. Highlighting this exhibition are the paintings of Thomas Skinner, as well as early photographs of the Newport News Shipyard (Northrop Grumman Newport News) and artifacts from the shipbuilding industry. The exhibition also features interactive activities and videos examining the art of shipbuilding. Included in regular admission. Adults, $14; AAA members, military, students, $13; seniors, $12; children (6-12), $8. The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, 757-596-2222, www.MarinersMuseum.org.
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