Virginia Arts Festival

The event and layout was great...PLEASE PROVIDE MORE PORTA JOHNS. This is a beer drinking event and no one likes to stand in line for 30min just to "recycle" the beer we've been drinking. Most people would agree...I think...that they would be willing to pay just a few dollars more so that more porta potties could be provided. I don't think you could have too many.

We highly recommend this unique event in the hope that it will be an annual one. We were not so sure what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised!! It was a wonderful evening of cool weather, gorgeous sunset, incredible music, excellent narration, marvelous flying of vintage aircraft, & the spectacular fireworks finale! The planning took so many of the details into consideration! We would have only tweaked a few of the details & synchronizations to make it absolutely perfect. For instance, it could have included a few more familiar pieces of music & the music should have been extended into the fireworks show for a longer time. The drive & walk onto the field for parking was rough on elderly folks & wheelchairs. Those who had not paid for VIP seating were allowed to infringe on that area on the sides & not kept back far enough from the area where the aircraft were being parked.

Sorry to combine 2 separate events...but one followed on the heels of the other. I was awestruck at both the terrific talent displayed and the wonderful arrangements of all the music and the participants. The fun from the Tonga contingent and the Germans, combined with the thrill of the Alpine Horns. The combination of the Bagpipes and Rhythms was also very fun, and the interpretive dance of the Governor's School was a gentle counterpart to the music played at that time. I also enjoyed Zorba the Greek as played by the Band of the Brigade of the Gurkhas, as well as the demonstrations from the Security Force Regiment and the Navy Ceremonial Honor Guard Drill Team. The sounds of the Fife and Drums was better than I have heard before but the dominant theme was of the Pipes and Drums - it was mesmerizing and set the blood warm. I really left the Scope with that powerfully in mind. The pageantry was splendid and even the distractions of the "old folks ambling" was fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening - but it was the Marches of the Bagpipes and Drums that dominated - it roused the spirit. I downloaded some Marches from the Internet - Scotland the Brave and Three Retreats. But with the news later that night that the US had vanquished it's foe, well, it just seemed a Victorious sort of theme - somehow, to me, these were linked. For me, it was a weekend never to be forgotten.

The energy of the lead singer was terrific, as was the Symphony. Chrysler Hall is a wonderful venue and my experience with its acoustics has always been memorabl - I recall in particular when Joan Baez appeared here and sang arpeggio, it was truly amazing. Unfortunately on this occaision the sound left more than something to be desired. It could not have been the theater itself, but perhaps the engineering - nevertheless it marred the evening for us to a certain extent. Perhaps the sound engineer could comment......

very well done, very entertaining and a lot of fun!!!

I would recommend this show for all ages, especially families. James Delisco backed by the VSO and our local girl Felecia Barton had the folks dancing in their seats...Everyone involved with this production gave all they had to entertain you.

The concert was one of the best concerts that I have ever seen! The Symphony was extraordinary and the Michael Jackson impersonator was wonderful! The entire concert was full of energy and the performers did a great job of including the audience. The guys that did the light show were great too! Everything individually was great but when you put it all together, it was SPECTACULAR! BEST SHOW! I wish I had known it was gonna be that good and I would have brought more friends and family.

I had a blast watching this show, Delisco truly embodies Michael's essence in voice and dance. The Virginia Symphony added to a fantastic ensemble of artists, including Felicia Barton who was also able to showcase her own vocal talents in a few featured songs. If you ever have been a fan of Michael's music, particularly his early works, then this concert is a MUST SEE!

Amazing! We had such a good time. The headliner was great, and the dancer and idol contestant where true hjighlights. Of course the VA ochestra was absolutely wonderful. Good time for us.

What an evening! Lots of excitement and looked like a full house! Loved the performers, James Delisco was very high energy and sincerely interpreted the music of Michael, the legendary singer, songwriter, dancer and humanitarian. . He could not look like Michael Jackson but did his very best to perform all the right notes and all the right moves. Loved the contribution of the Virginia Symphony mixing in with the pop/rock feel of the entire evening, and the contributions of the various children who came on stage. And Michael Jackson would have LOVED that this performance took place on Earth Day. I just wish it were more than a one-night event! Please do your best, Arts Festival, to bring this show back to Norfolk.

This show was truly worth seeing. They did performed some really unique dance moves.

Excellent performance! I thoroughly enjoyed it. They brought a new twist to ballet!

My husband and I had purchased tickets for this show and then WON 2 more through Pilot online (our first contest we entered!) I really enjoyed it and thought all the voices were fantastic and it covered many poignant moments about the civil war. My only disappointment was that there was no music from that time period. My sister thought it would be more like a play.

A really wonderful musical that made for a great Sunday afternoon for our family with kids ages 9 and 11. Appreciated the subtitles so the kids could follow the story.....

Outstanding performance! A good depiction of the Civil War and its impact on the people of the South. The backdrops were unique and added much. Orchestra tops!

A well-balanced look at the Civl War in one county in VA

The show was awesome and only needed an opening act to build up to what this gang of musician put on Friday night. What a funky sencond half.

What a wonderful show! The songs were great and musicians were incredibly talented, as were the singers. Jae Sinnett has struck gold with this group. The Attucks theater was the perfect venue. Every seat was great.

The previews said we would be rocking and dancing in our seats with old school soul music. I didn't do much standing up. The music arrangement was okay. The first two songs were extremely long and seemed to repeat the same lyrics thruout. The vocalist is very good but the songs were average. Horn section was average, Didn't have that soulful sound I was expecting. Needed some more brass. Guitars were real good. Good show but not great. Bring more funk.

The show was really entertaining. Wish it was a little longer. The lead singer sent chills all through me. She had an amazing range and was truly soulful. The horn section did the damn thing but I am partial to the trumpet. Interestingly enough the horn section were all music educators at CNU. I was pleasantly surprised that for educators they played extremely well. That could be my ignorance. Jae played in the zone and he took me there with me. What a trip!!! As much as I enjoyed Jae, his keyboard/piano player, GENIUS. I would go just to see him. I can't wait until he comes into his own. Only let down was the title of the show was a little misleading. I was expecting to hear 70's funk.

This attempt of portraying the Civil War through the perspective of several different people through song was disappointing. Historically accurate, but the lyrics and music fell short of being a dynamic statement or one that is novel. The female vocalists have lovely voices, especially Aundi Marie Moore. It seemed like Faith Sherman was asked to sing beyond her comfort zone at one point, but for "I Listen" she was very good. Kevin Moreno also has a very rich baritone.

My wife and I are not normally fans of opera, but we were highly pleased with the presentation of Rappahannock County. The performance, vocals and muscians, were of outstanding quality. There were some segments where the vocal arrangements did not seem to suit the situation, however, for the most part the performance was conducted with excellence in movement and content

The Wells Theater is a beautiful venue. The stage was set simply and effectively. I loved the dynamic between the two characters and was super impressed by their ability to command the stage for such a long time by themselves. The material of CS Lewis is heavy and intellectual, yet the writing/acting made the material interesting, accesible and sometimes humorous. I especially enjoyed the Q and A by the main actor after the performance. It is always nice to get insight into the actors/development/mission of the theater. I was amazed how well a book such as the Screwtape Letters could so effectively be adapted to a theatrical peformance.

I can't count how many Tattoos we have been. But it is a lot! We thoroughly enjoy them and look forward to each year. We have already sent in our order for tickets for 2013 and are also getting tickets for our daughter and granddaughter for 2013 because they have never been. Wonderful performances - love all the precision!

Seeing 4 virtuosos on stage at the Roper was what I call a peak musical experience. I wanted my daughter (who plays bass in the HS orchestra) to see Victor Wooten play bass. As someone else said, when all 4 were playing, you almost didn't know where to look - they were all amazing. Memorable - and a shared memory with my daughter that is priceless.

I have not seen Bela Fleck and the Flecktones live in over 20 years so I had to see them. We had pretty good seats and the performance being part of the Virginia Arts Festival made the whole occasion that much better. Just like decades ago, the group was amazing - tight sets, perfect timing, and great/original music. They played approx 70% new stuff, and the rest was some oldies but goodies. We also really liked Bela's solo tribute to Earl Scruggs - blue grass banjo at its best and an excellent example of Bela's versatility. Bravo and keep it coming .... please!

I loved everything about this concert: the band, the venue, the music! My only (small) complaint is that the sound was not as tight as it should have been. My husband and I were surprised the sound board was off to the side of the stage. It's no wonder the sound wasn't balanced. There were times that Levy's harmonica couldn't be heard, and Futureman's beats sometimes overwhelmed the sound of Wooten's bass. Aside from that, the band - as to be expected - was so amazingly tight that several times I found myself staring with dropped jaw at their musical prowess. It was like being surrounded by an instantaneous celebration of joy - except then you remember how much hard work it must really take to be as excellent as they are!

The sound system at this venue could not handle Victor Wooten's bass. Everything in the venue seemed to be nice EXCEPT for the sound system. The show got off to a slow start, but they pulled things together after the first few songs and played a solid show after that.

This was one of the most artisticly fulfilling musical experiences I've ever had. I love these guys. I hope they do another tour next year.

Simply put, four guys playing their hearts out and taking the audience on an amazing journey.

Performances were AMAZING! The sound system left a little to be desired.

Very entertaining and unusual-- excellent musicians!

Jake Shimabukuro takes the ukulele to places you would NEVER dream a simple 4 string instrument could go. He was simply amazing. Anyone who has the chance to see him should go! What a talent! F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!!!

This is the third time I've seen Lynda in concert. She is so gifted and always does a great job. The Williamsburg Lodge is a wonderful venue and the atmosphere was perfect. I only wish it would have been published that she would be signing CDs after the show. I never carry cash and, of course, CD sales were cash only. Major disappointment. Lynda is a must see! Can't wait until she is in the area again.

BBVD were excellent. I had seen them outdoors before but inside the VA room of the Williamsburg Lodge the sound was fantastic. It was also great that so many people danced every song. The energy and skill of this group is so refreshing when you consider the musical "talent' that is popular with so many young people today. Go see this band if they ever come near your city, you will be glad you did.

The music makes you move in your seat and swing. Exhillerating, superb vocals and instrumentals. A show NO One should miss. I can not wait until next year. Bring them back to the BEach

This performance was breath taking and so filled with excitement that we could barely contain ourselves! The dancers were magnificent and the energy was invigorating. Truly the program was the highlight of the season for us.

Very good concert-pianist and winds were all top-notch! Wish I had gone to more VA Arts Festival concerts!

Chick and Gary played their usual great music, jazz standards, some little knowns and some originals. The venue is actually a ballroom stuffed with chairs on a level floor. Not good for a concert. Could have worked if the stage was higher.

This show was amazing and I'm so glad I got tickets at the last minute! Corea and Burton reflected each other, one instrument and extension of another. Fantastic!

I first saw Chick Corea with Return to Forever in 1977 and immediately became a fan. Seeing him again, this time with Gary Burton, was magical. After hearing this concert, I can see why Chick and Gary have won four Emmys together. How fortunate we are to have jazz superstars like this performing in Hampton Roads.

The concert was outstanding! It was awesome to hear two jazz legends in Williamsburg. Thank you Virginia Arts Festival!!!

Fantastic - these legends lived up to their reputations and more!

I have seen the duet before, as well as Burton and Chick in various other settings. I had seen the duet in Chapel Hill, NC a few years ago. It thought this show in Williamsburg was better -- perhaps 8 out of 10. Chick seemed to take a few tunes to warm up. Said the hotel had been too cold for him all day. Burton was on fire. Great sound on the vibes as always. Opened with "Love Castle". Brazilia was one of the highlights. They played a new tune by Chick called "Mozart Goes Dancing"; very nice. Encore was "Straight, No Chaser". Nice way to end the night with an easy soulful blues improv after all the complexity of Chicks other works. 39 years together and still getting better.

Chick Corea and Gary Burton gave an unforgettable performance! They're are unbelievable musicians, and the audience responded accordingly. One of my favorite concerts ever.

this was our 2nd year at the Williamsburg Winery coffee concert. was a little disappointed, a i wanted to see more of the Women of the VSO, and JoAnn Falletta (she wasn't here this concert). but those that were there were very talented, as usual. typically, i don't enjoy Beethoven piano concertos, but Schub does such an incredible job performing this. The venue is intimate, acoustics very good for an open hall, and ambiance relaxing - though the seats are not very comfortable (but at least you can move them around)

The actors did a phenomal job bringing the characters to life, but the virginia symphony orchestra is what blew me away. Ive never heard mozart's music live, and it was better than I could have imagined. I wish they would have depicted the part in the movie where mozart was writing his last piece (the requiem mass) on his death bed.

I recently attended the Alvin Ailey Dance performance at Chrysler Hall. The performance was great and exceeded my expectations.

This performance combines three art forms into one perfect treat--live orchestra, a stage show, and a choral presence. What more could you ask with one ticket price? Of course, Mozart's music is sublime.

The combination of wonderful music and fabulous acting was a spellbinder. I kept looking/listening to the orchestra - the cast- the orchestra - the cast. A wonderful night of entertainment.

Having been a long time fan of the movie, and in love with the music. I wasn't sure how it would translate to the stage. I must say I was astonished. The acting was wonderful and very believable and with the Virginia Symphony and Chorus as a backdrop, I couldn't have been more pleased. The combination of the great acting and the incredible music made it a very emotion-filled experience. Bravo to all involved.

Sunday afternoon's performance of Amadeus by the Chataqua Theatre group and the Virginia Symphony and Chorus was nothing short of amazing. The staging was simple, yet the actors and musicians were so captivating that I was on the edge of my seat through the entire show. I was delighted to be close enough to catch every nuance -- there were many nuances, and every one was worthwhile. Mozart himself was deliciously foolish, yet Joanne Faletta's music so sublime that the tension built, moment by moment. Patrick Moody's Salieri was compelling, and he played out a classic tragedy of hubris and consequence. Huzzah!

From the advertising I thought there would be a lot more of the Scottish pipe bands. I travelled all the way from New Jersey and didn't feel it was worth the effort or as advertised. What did the young dancers dressed up as elderly people with walkers have to do with a military tattoo, or the balloon tossing dance, or the pathetic German dancing and Austrian horns? The pipers played the oddest selection of music with only a few Scottish numbers. The hullabluo 2 hours before the show was a good idea, but there were only a few displays. I planned to eat dinner there, but was disappointed that the choice was pizza and some other fast food. We ate closeby instead and missed the pipe bands.

The performance was outstanding. Ever since taking my wife to her first Tatoo, she wants to go every year since. The sounds and visual display are truly outstanding. Well worth the time and money.

I cannot say enough about YoYo Ma and Kathryn Stott. The music was not just played, it was felt down to each and every note. What a pleasure it was to listen to them share their passion with us.

Katie Thiroux was wonderful! Great voice and player! The Venue is an intimate and emotional atmosphere, moving Jazz, can't wait for the next event!

Loved it! Would be great to see them in a less formal setting.

Had the most wonderful time watching these amazing performers. High energy and great musicians, singer, and dancer.

This was a fantastic show!! Far exceeded my expectations. Lots of energy and great music.

The presentation was unusual in that I had never heard it spoken, or imagined any kind of scenery, additional noises, or movement. I had to adjust to a kind of voice that was different from the voice in my head. The experience was very stimulating!

This is definitely a 2nd or 3rd tier band. Program was different than advertised; far less familiar pieces; litte Ellington, Basie, etc. Bandleader unimpressive, didn't know the program. No color. Lead singer solid on lower notes but off-key on higher notes. Horn section very good, remaining musicians marginal

This show was not as represented. The music was not representative of the era. The dialogue was amatuerish and not at all informative

The Bomb, very creative, just a brilliant way to portray the book. The cast kept my interest in every moment of the performance. The interview on Saturday was a special treat for my guest and myself. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Hope to see more from these people.

This was my first time there since the remodel the park. Its more like an open field now with no trees! There was no shade and it was hot which made standing in the long lines for a sip of bear almost unbearable. I guess the city said we will show the homeless a lesson and turn the park into an open field.

Dougie is a very engaging artist and does a great job of involving the audience. His voice is lovely and his songs entertaining. It was a wonderful evening of music!

Having read the book years ago I couldn't for the life of me figure out how this could be made into a play. I shouldn't have been concerned. It was done magnificently. Thank you so very much. We brought our 13 year old daughter and she was blown away as well.

I love-i mean LOVE-beer festivals. Can't tell you how many I've been to. This is the worst one. In a nutshell, they should have posted not only the breweries, but WHAT the breweries were bringing. Worse than that, AT the festival, there were no signs saying what beers were there. Thus, you waited in crazy long lines, only to get to the front and still have no idea what to taste. The volunteers were rude and impatient while you were figureing out what was being offered. There were no Brewers, no one with knowledge, no SWAG!!! No swag? What kinda (bleep) is that? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the outdoors, the location, etc. But just a poorly organized festival since you're asking me.

We haven't been to many chamber concerts since leaving Europe so we were somewhat skeptical about the performance prior to arriving. However, it was a phenomenal concert. The quartet, young, vibrant, energetic and Mr Schub...what can we say. If they appear again in the Hampton roads area, we will be first in line! The backdrop for the concert was exeptional as well. If you haven't toured the buildings in Portsmouth and realize the historical significance in shaping of our great nation...do so!

First off, the number and quality of beers available was nice. However, the lines to wait for any of the samples was too long! There was no time to talk with friends then go get another sample to rejoin friends. You basically had to go get a sample and get in the next line to wait and wait and wait. Really disappointing. Wait times for samples or the restroom exceeded ten minutes each and every time. Not sure that I'll attend again.

The play was amazing. My husband and I loved it. He had read the book, but I had not.

What a complete waste of money! Festevents overbooked the event and we had to wait 45 minutes to try one glass of beer! Clearly it's all about the money to these people. The event is only four hours and we ended up leaving after 2 1/2 hours and went to Granby where we DIDN'T have to wait for a glass of beer and it was a lot cheaper. Save your money!

This event was a complete waste of money in my opinion. I was highly upset with the quality of this event. The souvenir "beer drinking glasses" were pretty much shot glasses, not made for beer. There was absolutely no structure or organization to the beer and food tents, hundreds of people just standing around in a crowd and if you're lucky you will make it to the front of a line to get a beer "sample" in less than 2 hours. Also, $15 pitcher of beer?! I don't think so! I would not attend another Virginia Beer Festival until it is given a serious "make-over."

Pretty good selection, especially for a novice beer drinker. The lines were long, and the people working the taps didn't know anything about the beer they were serving (volunteers). Food selection was pretty minimal as well.

I purchased our tickets for the Screwtape Letters a couple of weeks prior to the date, and had forgotten that Max McLean would play the part of Screwtape. What a treat! The story is from a demon's point of view (Screwtape) and how he advises his nephew (another demon) in preventing a particular human (the 'patient') from getting to know God. Brilliant! I also appreciated that Max McLean came out after the play and spent about 15 minutes answering questions from the audience.

We both totally enjoyed the performance. We would like to see more theater like this. The actors were seasoned and believable.

Loved it! We go every year. VERY ENTERTAING FOR ALL AGES.

I usually don't attend the theatre but saw an article on the Screwtape Letters and decided to take the wife out for the evening for dinner and a show. I am glad I did. I didn't know what to expect from the play, but what I got was entertained, stimulated and had a wonderful evening. They did an outstanding job.

BF and TF killed it live. Out of this world performance. A must see for anyone who enjoys good music.

I felt that the dialogue was simple and never philosophically went below the surface

I was mesmerized by the acting in this phenomenal play. Having read the book, I was curious to see how the playwrights would streamline this intellectually & spiritually stimulating story. It was perfect! My friends and I would highly recommend this to anyone, even people who are not familiar with the works of C.S. Lewis. The lead actor is such a delight to watch, one could savor his performance again and again.

Screwtape Letters brought to life one of my favorite Lewis books. The adaptation pulled the greatest highlights from the book and theatrically enhanced it. It was well done and a great show. I hope people come away with a desire to read the book and discover other great books of CS Lewis. It was simply amazing to see.

This was a superb experience, and one that will stay with me. The actors were exciting to watch, and the message is unforgettable!

We shouldn't be required to add text! The actors were quite good as were the choral voices and symphony players!

What a wonderful way to spend an evening! The musical selections were engaging and the performance was superb. Add to that the intimacy of the venue and it was a real winner. The explanantion before Mr. Richard Danielpour's work by the composer himself and knowing it was written with the musicians in mind made listening to the piece pure pleasure.

This production had everything - beautiful music and singing as well as talented acting. The meshing of the three elements was amazingly good.

We would recommend this event to others. Our seats were excellent. The music melded extremely well with the dialog and enhanced the production of the story.

I was somewhat hesitant to see this as I really enjoy the film and did not think I would appreciate the translation to the stage production. It was beyond any expectations I had. The acting was exceptional, especially the actor playing Salieri. Combined with the live performance of the VSO, I was spellbound for two and a half hours and was ready to see it all over again. The music, the vocals and the staging elevated this dramatic play to such a superlative and I highly recommend seeing it to anyone who has the opportunity.

We enjoyed this play very much. Joann did a great job of integrating the music into the play.

Ground-breaking and creative, the talented genius of two women ( V. Benesch & J. Falletta) yielded the most entertaining evening I have ever enjoyed: drama, symphony and opera rolled into one. The orchestra, chorus and soloists enhanced the wonderful performance of the cast. Bravo! Please take this on tour!

This was perhaps the best theater/symphony event we have ever attended! The actors were superb (Salieri was outstanding!), the music was beautifully played and sung, and the coordination of the music and the play was wonderful It was a night to remember, and I hope that you do it again and again. Perhaps Virginia Stage Company would be interested in a collaboration to bring it back next year or the following year. We thoroughly enjoyed every part of the evening! Thank you.

This was a wonderful evening of top quality entertainment. The script, acting, and orchestra were exceptional. The vocals were equally superb - wished there were a few more vocal "notes"...

This show closely resembled the movie by the same name. My 12 year old son loved it and the length of time was perfect. The level of music was clearly top notch. Thank you va arts festival for bringing such grace to our venue.

We really enjoyed the whole performance by the actors and the symphony alike. High degree of professionalism all the way around. Just a pleasure to hear and see. Please more shows like this!

Music was fabulous! Play was interestingly staged...and well performed. While the play was not recommended for anyone under 16... At least one scene could have been offensive to many, not just inappropriate for those under 16. Overall, it was done well and the music and as I said previously was exquisite!

I was almost brought to tears when the chior in the background started to sing the Mass. It was beautiful. Mozart was excellent, the monolouges were lovely. The only thing that I wanted to hear was Don Giovanni. They play'd the song without the words...that was the only minor disappointment. But that is MY taste - and I am greedy about my Mozart. All in all it was very nice. I hope they play this again. I hope they adapt Immortal Beloved to a musical. That would be EPIC!

Spectacular, great story line. Fabulous staging, Virginia Symphony and Chorus were spot on! Mozart over the top?

I took my oldest daughter to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for the first time and it was not a disappointment. As always the dancers were incredible and the music was sensational. I cannot wait until the next tour we will be there! It's hard to believe that 'Revelations' is celebrating 50 years I love this performance. This was my first time seeing 'Sweet Otis' and I must say that I LOVED IT! No words can describe the joy that it was to see this performance nor the anticipation that I carry waiting to see it again next season with all of my girls!

I've wanted to for years. Let me tell you good things do come to those who wait. It was amazing, the dancers, music & costumes. Tickets were a Mother's Day gift from my husband for me and our daughter. She is 27 with a 2 year old & has wanted to see them since she was in the 8th grade. Our top 2 best Mother's Day gift. Last year she got me ticket to see the Color Purple Production in a word awesome.

The first half of Alvin Ailey's performance on May 15 at the Chrysler in Norfolk was stunning. The dancers are unbelievably strong and adept at technically demanding and visually beautiful pieces. The choreography is fresh and exciting. My daughters and I actually gasped at some of the moves, they were so unexpected. The music was fabulous and complemented the choreography well. However, I was disappointed that the 2nd half of the show was an exact repeat of the show we saw in the same venue several years ago, including the movie. I understand the significance of Mr. Ailey's efforts and appreciate his encouragement of black dancers and his creation of an arena for giving voice and expression to the black American story. I am sensitive to what his accomplishments mean to the black community. And I get that Revelations is a corner stone of the company. However, the movie and the pieces in Revelations felt tired and dated. In my opinion, mounting a show full of exciting, provocative, new pieces would do more to showcase Mr. Ailey's achievements than continuing to rehash Revelations. I will not pay to see the show again if only half of it will be new.

The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater performance Sunday was truly awesome! I enjoyed everything about it, the dancing, the music, everything. If you have not seen the performance don't miss it the next time you have the opportunity.