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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: March 26, 2008 Media Contact: Suzanne Pearson Media Relations Manager (757) 926-1429 or (888) 493-7386 [email protected]

Celebrate Spring with , Dinosaurs and More in Newport News, Virginia

Newport News, Va . – America’s signature music will soar and dinosaurs will roar this spring and summer in Newport News, Virginia! The 11th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival, April 19 to 25, and the return of dinosaurs to the Virginia Living Museum, beginning May 24, are just two of the many events, attractions and exhibitions that offer “family-friendly fun” at affordable prices. Visitors to

Newport News from April through August can choose from dozens of events and activities, including

Grammy-award winning artists at Newport News’ annual tribute to her native daughter, Ella Fitzgerald.

Opening the Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival on April 19 will be The Quartet, with a special performance by the Jae Sinnett Trio. April 20 brings the infectious beat of salsa music with Bio

Ritmo. The Kenny Garrett Quartet & New York Voices take the stage on April 23, followed by “PBS’

Legends of Jazz” with the Trio, Fourplay and Paquito D’Rivera on April 24. Closing out the festival will be “Ella’s Birthday Celebration” with , Cassandra Wilson and the Cindy

Blackman Quartet. All performances will be at the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport

University. Now in its eleventh year, the festival honors the legacy of the “First Lady of Song.”

Dinosaurs will rule at the Virginia Living Museum throughout the spring and summer. Opening

May 24 and running through September 1, DINO-MANIA! will feature some of the most life-like robotic dinosaurs ever. These dinosaurs act and interact with captivating realism. A companion event to

DINO-MANIA! will be The Really BIG Dinosaur Puppet Show, from June 28 through August 10. This special program will feature plenty of giant puppets and lots of audience participation. Among the many other special events in Newport News from April through August are Itzhak

Perlman, April 14; Historic Garden Week, April 19 through 27; a live taping of NPR’s “From the Top,”

May 15; the Colonial Craftsman’s Faire, May 17 and 18; the 42nd Annual Newport News Greek

Festival, May 29 through June 1; the Summer Celebration Wine Festival, June 14; and 4th of July Stars in the Sky. You will also find free outdoor concerts at Port Warwick, May 21 through October 1; at The

Mariners’ Museum, June 5, 12, 19 and 26; and at City Center at Oyster Point, June 6, 13, 20 and 27.

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, and include complimentary breakfast. Request your 2008 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 Itzhak Perlman Ferguson Center for the Arts April 14; 7:30 p.m. Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman is sought after by audiences the world over who respond to both his flawless technique and irrepressible joy of making music. A rare opportunity to experience the master in recital with piano accompaniment. $65.00 to $85.00. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, (757) 594-8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia Various locations in Tidewater April 19 – 27; Hours to be determined America’s oldest and largest house and garden tour program, begun in 1929 by The Garden Club of Virginia. Hampton/Newport News tours on April 23; other Tidewater and Hampton Roads area tours throughout the week. Ticket prices to be determined. (804) 644-7776, www.vagardenweek.org.

The Dave Brubeck Quartet with special opening performance by the Jae Sinnett Trio Ferguson Center for the Arts April 19; 7:30 p.m. The first jazz figure ever to make the cover of Time Magazine , Dave Brubeck has for nearly half a century been a major figure as pianist, composer, and leader of perhaps the most widely known and well-traveled quartet in the history of jazz. Drummer and composer Jae Sinnett has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard and Chuck Mangione. $37.00 to $47.00; CNU students, $5.00; other students, $15.00. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, (757) 594-8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.

Bio Ritmo Ferguson Center for the Arts Music & Theatre Hall April 20; 3 p.m. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Bio Ritmo a.k.a. “the Salsa Machine” writes and performs songs using essential elements from the 1970’s, the golden age of salsa. With the chemistry that comes from 15 years of performing experience, these nine musicians present a raucous fusion of Afro-Cuban beats, Brazilian samba, and classic jazz harmonies spiced with electronica, explosive brass, and improvised jam sessions. $30.00; CNU students, $5.00; other students, $15.00. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, (757) 594-8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.

Kenny Garrett Quartet & New York Voices with the CNU Jazz Ensemble Ferguson Center for the Arts Music & Theatre Hall April 23; 7:30 p.m. Kenny Garrett is the one of the most consistently scintillating and inspiring saxophone force in the genre. Garrett’s music is roll up your sleeves, hard bop blowing of rippling melodic songs. Formed in 1987, New York Voices is the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing. The Kenny Garrett Quartet and New York Voices will be joined on stage by CNU’s award- winning Jazz Ensemble. $27.00; CNU students, $5.00; other students, $15.00. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, (757) 594-8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.

PBS’ Legends of Jazz with the Ramsey Lewis Trio, Fourplay and Paquito D’Rivera Ferguson Center for the Arts April 24; 7:30 p.m. Grammy Award winning composer and pianist Ramsey Lewis has been referred to as “the great performer,” a title reflecting his performance style and musical selections which display his early gospel playing and classical training along with his love of jazz. Fifteen years ago, Grammy nominated Fourplay launched the smooth jazz movement with a debut album that shot straight to the top of the Contemporary Jazz charts. Perhaps the most successful Cuban artist to soar to jazz glory in the U.S., reeds player Paquito D’Rivera has won eight Grammy Awards, becoming a marquee performing artist around the world. $23.00 to $43.00; CNU students, $5.00; other students, $15.00. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, (757) 594-8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.

Ella’s Birthday Celebration with Al Jarreau, Cassandra Wilson and the Cindy Blackman Quartet Ferguson Center for the Arts April 25; 7:30 p.m. Al Jarreau's unique vocal style is one of the world's most precious treasures. His innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting and critically-acclaimed performers of our time. Cassandra Wilson’s mix of smoky, knowing vocals and expansive, lush music is transfixing. Supremely innovative and comfortable, she easily masters the realms of jazz, funk, rap and blues. One of the most powerful and creative drummers on the scene, Cindy Blackman has upheld the backbeat and created texture for a veritable Who’s Who in jazz. Her rising star has been seen by millions of people all over the world. $37.00 to $47.00; CNU students, $5.00; other students, $15.00. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Ticket Office, (757) 594-8752, www.fergusoncenter.org.

DINO-MANIA! Virginia Living Museum May 24 – September 1; Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tremble at a growling, 12-foot-tall Albertosaurus. Then watch three dinosaur mothers tend their broods. There’s even a nest full of eggs ready to hatch. Kokoro dinosaurs don’t just look like dinosaurs, they behave like dinosaurs. Walking, feeding, roaring, fighting, hatching and caring for their young – Kokoro models act and interact with captivating realism. Included in regular admission. Adults, $15.00; children (3-12), $10.00. Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, (757) 595-1900, www.thevlm.org.

The Really BIG Dinosaur Puppet Show Virginia Living Museum June 28 – August 10; Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This program from Rainbow Puppet Productions uses original songs and over 20 giant puppets. Lots of audience participation. Included in regular admission. Adults, $15.00; children (3-12), $10.00. Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, (757) 595-1900, www.thevlm.org.

From the Top – A Virginia Arts Festival Event Ferguson Center for the Arts May 15; 7:30 p.m. Hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O'Riley, “From the Top” partners gifted young classical musicians with renowned classical artists in radio broadcasts that capture the top-notch musicianship, offbeat humor and insights of America's best rising and established performers. Here's your chance to see the show taped live! $15.00 to $35.00. Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 University Place; Virginia Arts Festival Box Office, (757) 282-2822, www.vafest.org.

Colonial Craftsman’s Faire Endview Plantation May 17 – 18; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nationally recognized, traditional artisans will demonstrate and sell their wares. Artisans include a furniture maker, floor cloth maker, blacksmyth, pewtersmyth, silhouette cutter, basket maker, chair maker, weaver, spinner, tinsymth and more. Mini-workshops, costumed participants, re-enactors, Continental and Crown soldiers, camp life, military drills and firing demonstrations. Admission fees to be determined. Endview Plantation, 362 Yorktown Road, (757) 887-1862, www.endview.org.

Summer Sounds Concert Series Port Warwick May 21 – October 1 (Wednesdays); 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Grab a picnic basket, a bottle of wine, a chair or a blanket and come out for a great night of music in Styron Square 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.

42nd Annual Newport News Greek Festival Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church May 29 – June 1; Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 8 p.m. Authentic Greek food, pastries, music, dance, entertainment. Plaka (marketplace of imported gifts, including jewelry). Country store, including filo, orzo, Greek olives, a variety of cheeses, olive oil and more. Free admission; items for sale. Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Road, (757) 872-8119, www.newportnewsgreekfestival.org.

Summer Concert Series The Mariners’ Museum June 5, 12, 19 and 26; 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join the Museum for its annual free concert series on the banks of Lake Maury overlooking the new 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. Free. The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive; (757) 596-2222, www.marinersmuseum.org.

Fridays @ The Fountain City Center at Oyster Point June 6, 13, 20 and 27; 6:30 p.m. Begin your weekend here! Join us for four free concerts by some of our region’s best bands. Bring your friends, lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes. Free admission; food and beverages for sale. Fountain Plaza. City Center at Oyster Point, Town Center Drive, (757) 282-2822, www.citycenteratoysterpoint.com.

Summer Celebration Wine Festival Lee Hall Mansion June 14; 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. $15.00 in advance; $20.00 at the gate. $10.00 for non-tasting tickets. Lee Hall Mansion, 163 Yorktown Road, (757) 888-3371, www.leehall.org.

4th of July Stars in the Sky Victory Landing Park July 4; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Virginia Peninsula’s biggest July 4th event features nationally known entertainers, food vendors, children’s rides and fireworks over the James River. Free admission; fees for children’s rides; food and beverages for sale. Victory Landing Park, 50 26th Street, (757) 926-1400, www.nnparks.com.