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News from Newport News
03-28-2008Celebrate Spring with Jazz, 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 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 Dave Brubeck 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 Ramsey Lewis Trio, Fourplay and Paquito D’Rivera on April 24. Closing out the festival will be “Ella’s Birthday Celebration” with Al Jarreau, 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.
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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
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