Where America began and History lives. Williamsburg, is well represented by world-class accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and golf. The beautiful city of Williamsburg is a family destination significant for much more than just its' prestigious historical past.
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This April, the Virginia Opera is putting on Porgy and Bess, Gershwin's most famous work. (You've probably heard the tune "Summertime," from this work.) I can think of no better way to welcome summer than to attend this masterful performance.
This opera's sad and beautiful plot, told through Gershwin's masterful Jazz, takes us back to 1920s Charleston, to the craps games and swindling lawyers that plague the poor folk of that town. Of course, the story centers around the love between the two main characters, Porgy and Bess. I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I won't summarize the plot here.
Gershwin envisioned Porgy and Bess as an "American Folk Opera," and the work truly was visionary. He first put the opera on with an all-African American cast in 1935, which was itself daring in those days, and opera incorporated Jazz and Blues into what had traditionally been a genre that used only classical music. Gershwin's great work didn't truly gain widespread acceptance until the 1970s, when major American opera companies began performing the work. Now, of course, it is widely regarded as one of the best pieces of music that our country has ever produced. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is proud to open 2010 with the esteemed Jerry Taliaferro's talent of his exhibit Women of a New Tribe. Women of a New Tribe is a stunning national exhibition celebrating the physical and inner beauty of African American women presented in the 1930s to 1940s glamour, fine art black and white photography styles through the award winning lenses of Jerry Taliaferro. In an effort to honor Peninsula African American women, 24 local women were picked to be an addition to his normal exhibit.
The exhibit will be on display February 2, 2010 through March 31, 2010 in the Anderson Johnson Gallery.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Cost: $5 Adults/$3 Children
Tickets are available for purchase at the gallery on the day of admittance. For more information, contact Lauren Cecora at 757-247-8950.
Virginia Arts Festival: Bela Fleck at the Williamsburg Lodge
Contributed by CW Burke
Béla Fleck is a living legend, widely held to be the most proficient and exciting banjo player in the world. For over 30 years now, Fleck has been recording and performing with his banjo, sometimes alone and sometimes with others, in a wide range of musical style ranging from bluegrass to jazz and occasionally lighter-rock. Throughout the many years and albums and performances, the banjo has remained and the banjo-playing has only improved to previously-unfathomable levels or expertise.
In the past few years, Fleck has traveled to Africa to learn the history of his favorite instrument, the trip resulting in a great full-length documentary, Throw Down Your Heart, a new acoustic album of the same name, the third album in his on-going Tales from the Acoustic Planet series, and a new triple-concerto live album with renowned Celtic bassist Edgar Meyer and Indian percussionist Zakir Hussain. All three of these recent works continue Fleck's legend and showcase the ways he continues to grow as an artist.
In support of his recent releases, Fleck will be performing with recent collaborators Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain on May 28th at the Virginia Arts Festival Virginia Room in the Williamsburg Lodge. Performing their triple-concerto, a surprising and breathtaking mixture of jazz, Indian folk forms, Appalachian folk and classical music, along with other songs from their respective catalogues, the trio, led by the masterful Béla Fleck, is not to be missed. Buy your tickets before it's too late!
Béla Fleck, banjo The Melody of Rhythm with Zakir Hussain, tabla, and Edgar Meyer, double-bass
Friday, May 28th at 8:00 PM Williamsburg Lodge Virginia Room, Williamsburg, VA
The mission of the Virginia Arts Festival is to bring world-class performing arts to our citizens and visitors, impact the lives of students through outstanding educational programs, commission new works of national and international significance, and make a tangible difference in Hampton Roads through regional partnerships and positive economic impact through the generation of cultural tourism.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Williamsburg at the Green Leafe in New Town.
All are welcome to the best St. Patty's Day part in town. Put on your best green attire and celebrate all things Irish!
Wednesday, March 17th
Enjoy a traditional Irish buffet, Irish beverages and Irish music.
* Traditional Irish buffet will be served beginning at 5:00 p.m. * Authentic Irish live music from 7-11 p.m. * Food is $12/person
I also have to personally recommend the Irish drinks for the evening. Of course there will be specials on Guinness and Smithwicks. But as a special bonus, you can purchase limited edition Tulip Guinness glasses which are available for $10. Then you can enjoy refills of your favorite Irish brews all night. What can be more Irish than that? Also, be sure to brush up on your Irish toasts - click here for some great ones.
If you're looking for a fun night with a great group of people then make plans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Green Leafe!
Green Leafe Cafe New Town | 4345 New Town Avenue | Williamsburg, Virginia
cents and tell us all about it.
Béla Fleck is a living legend, widely held to be the most proficient and exciting banjo player in the world. For over 30 years now, Fleck has been recording and performing with his banjo, sometimes alone and sometimes with others, in a wide range of musical style ranging from bluegrass to jazz and occasionally lighter-rock. Throughout the many years and albums and performances, the banjo has remained and the banjo-playing has only improved to previously-unfathomable levels or expertise.
