Press Room

Welcome to the Press Room of the Virginia Arts Festival and Virginia International Tattoo. Here you can access press releases, images, contact information. For more information about any of our events or to be added to our press list to receive press releases and media alerts, please contact Alli Pereira, Public Relations Manager, at apereira@vafest.org or 757-282-2804.

In the News—Click for more

Virginia Arts Festival benefits region’s business culture
November 1, 2019: Inside Business
https://www.pilotonline.com/inside-business/vp-ib-vaarts-festival-1104-20191030-2mv3h2mmgveqnh3vttjpujer74-story.html

Virginia Arts Festival 2020: Performers from 16 countries showcase culture from around the world
November 8, 2019: Virginian Pilot / Daily Press
https://www.pilotonline.com/entertainment/festivals/vp-db-virginia-arts-fest-2020-20191108-2xgcg6xx6ffafk33sixk7rdney-story.html

Nobuntu’s Enduring Message of Peace, Love, & Hope
VEER Magazine: September 15, 2019
https://veermag.com/2019/09/nobuntus-enduring-message-of-joy-peach-hope/

Each fall, thousands of Hampton Roads students get first-hand arts experience
Virginian Pilot/Daily Press: August 31, 2019
https://www.pilotonline.com/entertainment/arts/vp-db-virginia-arts-season-0901-20190831-s2lwwtqdzrfejcnlnvuhqsc2ua-story.html

Dance Theatre of Harlem sets tone for Future of Ballet
Broadway World: May 30, 2019
https://www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/article/BWW-Review-Dance-Theatre-Of-Harlem-Sets-Tone-For-The-Future-Of-Ballet-20190530

In Kennedy Center’s Ballet Across America, a women’s movement
Washington Post: May 29, 2019
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/in-kennedy-centers-ballet-across-america-a-womens-movement/2019/05/29/0f71d98e-822c-11e9-9a67-a687ca99fb3d_story.html

Dance Theatre of Harlem and Miami City Ballet: Ballet Across America
CriticalDance: June 3, 2019
https://criticaldance.org/dance-theatre-of-harlem-and-miami-city-ballet-ballet-across-america/ Dance Theatre of Harlem Kicks off Ballet Across America in New ballet by Claudia Schreier

Pointe Magazine: May 28, 2019
https://www.pointemagazine.com/claudia-schreier-passage-dth-2637913341.html

Discovering Hampton Roads: The Attucks Theatre
July 12, 2019: WAVY TV

Attucks Centennial Film presents local St. Josephs School History
New Journal and Guide: July 11, 2019

Attucks Jazz Club Returns to historic theater
Va Pilot: July 10, 2019

Norah Jones begins again with singles
June issue: VEER Magazine

Parker Millsap and Mandolin Orange open for Williamsburg Live headliners
Virginia Gazette: June 17, 2019

Williamsburg Live presented by Virginia Arts Festival
Alt Daily: June 13, 2019

A Day in Colonial Williamsburg
Style Weekly: June 11, 2019

Noon Interview: Williamsburg Live
WVEC 13 NewsNow: June 11, 2019

Collaboration is everything for I’m With Her
May 21, 2019: VEER Magazine

Harmony is everything for Americana trio I’m With Her
May 21, 2019: Virginian Pilot

Feinstein coming to Virginia Beach
May 17, 2019: Virginian Pilot

HandleBards making their US Debut
May 17, 2019: WY Daily

Getting a handle on a dream
May 2019: VEER Magazine

VAF presents Antony & Cleopatra
May 13, 2019: Alt Daily

More details about Williamsburg Live
May 10, 2019: WY Daily

Virginia Arts Festival presents Transfigured Nights
Alt Daily: May 6, 2019

Bluegrass meets Jazz
VEER Magazine: May 6, 2019

Reduced Shakespeare Company brings laughter to Zeiders
May 8: Flagship News

Dance Theatre of Harlem celebrates 50th Anniversary
VEER Magazine: May 3, 2019

Dance Theatre of Harlem premieres a piece that evokes the fight and fortitude of Virginia’s – and America’s – new beginnings
Virginian Pilot: May 3, 2019

Shakespeare Takes Over Virginia Arts Festival!
Coastal Virginia Magazine: May 2, 2019

A touching performance and preview of the Virginia International Tattoo
WTKR Coast Live: April 19, 2019

Virginia International Tattoo recognizes the long road women have fought to serve in the military
Virginian Pilot: April 19, 2019

Arts Conversations with Rob Fisher
April 11, 2019: WHRO

American Legion to attend Tattoo next week
American Legion: April 18, 2019

A Musical Heritage: Olga Kern
Alt Daily: April 9, 2019

Up in the Attucks: A restored Norfolk Theatre starts its second century in the Spotlight
Preservation Magazine: April 1, 2019

Help the Virginia International Tattoo honor women in the military
Virginian Pilot: April 2, 2019

Letter to the editor: Saluting women in the military

Alston says Farewell with new dance
VEER Magazine: March 15, 2019

Courage Commitment and Leadership Forum
March 25, 2019: Alt Daily

Legion to have presence at Virginia International Tattoo
March 21, 2019: The American Legion

Sir Richard Alston talks about the music
March 20, 2019: WHRO Arts Conversations

Richard Alston Dance returns to Virginia Arts Festival
March 14, 2019: Outwire 757

Basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar coming to Attucks Theatre
March 11, 2019: WAVY TV

Kareem at Attucks. Here’s when.
March 11, 2019: Southside Daily

International Women’s Day: Innovation Thru Inclusion
March 5, 2019: Alt Daily

Parker Millsap to open for Norah Jones June 21 at Williamsburg Live
February 28, 2019: Virginia Gazette

One of the world’s golden voices coming to Virginia Beach
February 22, 2019: Virginian Pilot

A Preview of the Norfolk Theatre Festival
February 12, 2019: WTKR’s Coast Live

Inaugural Theatre Festival showcases the city on stage
February 11, 2019: Daily Press

Attucks Theatre Celebrates 100 years
13 NewsNow: February 8, 2019

Spring is Showtime at Virginia Arts Festival
Recreation News: February 4, 2019

Virginia International Tattoo announces details for 2019
Student Band Orchestra Magazine: February 6, 2019

Attucks at 100
Alt Daily: February 4, 2019

If you love theatre, you will love Norfolk in February
Va Pilot: February 1, 2019

VAF announces Mermaid Juried Art Competition
Alt Daily: January 31, 2019

Attucks at 100
Alt Daily: February 4, 2019

This year’s Tattoo in Norfolk salutes Women in the Military
Southside Daily: January 26, 2019

Virginia International Tattoo back for 23rd year
13 NewsNow: January 25, 2019

Virginia International Tattoo to honor women in the military
Virginian Pilot: January 26, 2019

The King’s Singers return to Hampton Roads!
December 19, 2018: WHRO

The King’s Singers will perform this weekend
December 19, 2018: Bach FM

Virginia Arts Festival: Soweto Gospel Choir Review
December 21, 2018: Artsong Update

December 21, 2018: Southside Daily
December 19, 2018: WHRO

Dance Theatre of Harlem defies expectations- and genres
December 9, 2018: Distinction Magazine

Frommer’s Best Places to Go in 2019
November 28, 2018: Frommers.com

Check out these highlights of the 2019 Virginia Arts Festival!
November 4, 2018: Southside Daily

23rd Virginia Arts Festival Season Headliners
November 5, 2018: The Hampton Roads Show

History, Faith, and Spirit- the Soweto Gospel Choir performs at the Historic First Baptist Church
October 26, 2018: Alt Daily

Sharón Clark with the John Toomey Trio at the Historic Attucks Theatre
October 22, 2018: All About Jazz

Mazel Tov: Olga Kern is Virginia Arts Festival’s new Connie & Marc Jacobson Chamber music director
October 22, 2018: Jewish News VA, Page 5

New VAF chamber director has big plans, major enthusiasm
Virginian Pilot PULSE: October 12, 2018

She is full of surprises
Alt Daily: October 9, 2018

Virginia Arts Festival announces new Director of Chamber Music
Virginian Pilot: October 9, 2018

North Shore Point House Concerts, best backyard concerts in Norfolk
June 2018: Virginia Living Magazine

Singer banished her boozy alter ego and re-focused her sound; concert in Norfolk is Saturday
July 13, 2018: Virginian Pilot

Funhouse Fest more than delivered the music
June 27, 2018: Va Gazette

What’s in store for Funhouse Fest? Let Bruce Hornsby fill you in
June 20, 2018: WY Daily – audio interviews

Wood Brothers Bring Truth to Funhouse Fest
June 15, 2018: VEER Magazine

Maestro Adam Turner leads Virginia Symphony Orchestra with Bruce Hornsby
June 19, 2018: WCVE – Richmond Public Radio

Funhouse Fest returns with Alison Krauss
June 19, 2018: Daily Press

Funhouse Fest starts Friday. Here’s what you need to know.
June 18, 2018: WY Daily

Guitarist Gibb Droll ready to take center stage again at this year’s Funhouse Fest
June 17, 2018: Daily Press

Celebrate Summer at the 2018 Funhouse Fest!
June 14,2018: Alt Daily

Funhouse Fest returns June 22-23 with Bruce Hornsby, Alison Krauss, and more!
June 13, 2018: WVEC Noon News

Beer trend: craft beers made like wine spirits
June 13, 2018: USA Today (Photos 23 and 24)

Twin Pianists Christina and Michelle Naughton Command the stage at Virginia Arts Festival!
May 31, 2018: WHRO’s Opening Night with Rebecca Evans

What’s Up for the Weekend
May 18, 2018: 97.3 The Eagle

Norfolk Fringe Festival brings talent to Norfolk this weekend!
May 18, 2018: Virginian Pilot

Mal and the Mysterious Scott Silven
May 17, 2018: WHRO- Mal’s World

96X talks all things Virginia Beer Festival
May 16, 2018: 96X WROX

The biggest beer fest in Virginia is this weekend. Here’s what to drink.
May 16, 2018: Virginian Pilot

Exceptional piano work on display at winery coffee concert
May 16, 2018: Virginia Gazette

Norfolk Fringe Festival
May 14, 2018: Jim Morrison, VEER Magazine

Brewers Collaborate for Virginia Beer Fest
May 14, 2018: VEER Magazine

Virginia Arts Festival unveils full Funhouse Fest lineup
May 14, 2018: Virginia Gazette

Saturday’s Beer Fest in Norfolk is Mid-Atlantic’s largest
May 15, 2018: Southside Daily

The roots of the Blues comes to Portsmouth
May 14, 2018: Alt Daily

Williamsburg’s Funhouse Fest sets full lineup
May 14, 2018: WY Daily

Five days of Fringe at the NEON
May 14, 2018: Alt Daily

Medal of Honor Recipients recognized at Virginia International Tattoo

Blues concert that touches on gospel, country and electric comes to Portsmouth
May 14, 2018: Virginian Pilot

Brooke Shields latest challenge to come on stage in Virginia Beach
May 10, 2018: Virginian Pilot

Pianist bidding adieu to Virginia Arts Festival with Mozart concert
May 10, 2018: Virginian Pilot

Virginia Arts Festival presents superb chamber works by Mozart, Schulhoff and Schumann
May 7, 2018: WHRO

A Fond Farewell to André Michel Schub
May 9, 2018: Alt Daily

Virginia Arts Festival presents Christina and Michelle Naughton
May 9, 2018: Alt Daily

Bernstein on Broadway this weekend!
May 9, 2018: Alt Daily

The sound of steel drums as we preview PANFest on Coast Live!
May 8, 2018: WTKR’s Coast Live

When Mal met Harry Potter
May 3, 2018: WHRV’s Mal’s World

13 News Now’s Ashley Smith talks to Virginia Arts Festival’s Alli Pereira about May Festival events! (5:25)
April 29, 2018: 13 NewsNow WVEC: Coastal Connections

Fringe Festival to take over Norfolk’s NEON District
May 1, 2018: Outwire 757

Virginia International Tattoo reaches out to special needs community
April 25, 2018: Alt Daily

NATO and Norfolk equals fun. Here’s why
April 23, 2018: Southside Daily

Virginia International Tattoo moments you won’t want to miss
April 22, 2018: Virginian Pilot

Dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet on Coast Live!
April 18, 2018: WTKR’s Coast Live

Beach Family explores their Scottish Roots by performing at Virginia International Tattoo!
April 18, 2018: Virginian Pilot’s VB Beacon

Behind the scenes with a star of the Birmingham Royal Ballet!
April 19, 2018: Virginian Pilot

Celebrating 100 years of Leonard Bernstein with Virginia Arts Festival
April 20, 2018: WHRO

Norfolk NATO Festival is back!
April 18, 2018: Alt Daily

Bernstein at 100 was worth the wait!
April 17, 2018: Va Gazette

Above and Beyond the Call of Duty: The Virginia International Tattoo Returns to Norfolk!
April 17, 2018: Virginian Pilot: Flagship News

VAF Fringe Returns to Norfolk
April 18, 2018: Visit Norfolk articles

Virginia Arts Festival presents the Birmingham Royal Ballet Romeo and Juliet
April 13, 2018: Alt Daily

Virginia Arts Festival presents Semi-Toned!
April 13, 2018: Alt Daily

Wayla Chambo talks to Virginia Symphony Music Director JoAnn Falletta about Bernstein at 100!
April 12, 2018: WHRV Arts Conversations

Cathy Lewis talks to Mishy Harman and Yochai Maital of Israel Story Live
April 11, 2018: HearSay with Cathy Lewis

Israel Story Live creators Mishy Harman and Yochai Maital chat with Coast Live
April 11, 2018: WTKR’s Coast Live

Virginia Symphony Orchestra remembers Leonard Bernstein at 100
April 12, 2018: The Virginian Pilot

Bernstein at 100 Celebration Show
April 12, 2018: The Daily Press

A Spectacular Birthday Celebration!
March 23, 2018: Jewish News

A Bernstein Celebration Like No Other
April 4, 2018: VEER Magazine

Bernstein at 100
April 9, 2018: Jewish News

Virginia Arts Festival presents Israel Story Live
April 10, 2018: Alt Daily

Virginia Arts Festival presents Israel Story Live!
April 10, 2018: Alt Daily

JoAnn Falletta Discusses the Bernstein at 100 Celebration with the Virginia Arts Festival
April 6, 2018: WCVE Richmond Public Radio

Review: The Neo-Futurists at VAF Fringe at ODU
March 31, 2018: WHRO - Opening Night with Rebecca Evans

Scott Jackson, Producer/Director Virginia International Tattoo talks to Kristina Robinson
March 25, 2018: WVEC 13 NewsNow Coastal Connections

A Spectacular Birthday Celebration for Leonard Bernstein!
Jewish Newspaper: March 23, 2018

Mishy Harman Returns to Tidewater for Israel Story Live April 15
Jewish Newspaper: March 23, 2018

Funhouse Fest adds Amos Lee and Deva Mahal to lineup!
March 23,2018: Va Gazette

Virginia Arts Festival announces new partnership with Old Dominion University: VAF Fringe at ODU!
March 19, 2018: Alt Daily

Highlights of the Virginia Arts Festival’s Upcoming Season!
March/April 2018: Coastal Virginia Magazine

Virginia Arts Festival Honors Leonard Bernstein
March/April 2018: Coastal Virginia Magazine

World Renowned Dance Company inspires local students with performance!
Friday, March 2, 2018: WVEC-TV

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs for 2,000 Hampton Roads students!
Friday, March 2, 2018: WAVY-TV

Woodside Graduate returns home with acclaimed dance company Alvin Ailey!
February 25, 2018: The Daily Press

Dr. King’s Life Humanized in Mountaintop
February 23, 2018: VEER Magazine

Brooke Shields to star in Virginia Beach concert honoring Leonard Bernstein
February 23, 2018: The Virginian Pilot

Va International Tattoo 2018 Preview
February 2, 2018: The Daily Press

Virginia Arts Festival announces 2018 Funhouse Fest dates and headliners
February 2, 2018: WTKR News Channel 3

America’s annual Beer Festivals
February 2, 2018: USA Today Eats

Bruce Hornsby to bring Alison Krauss to Williamsburg in June for Funhouse Fest
January 31, 2018: The Virginian Pilot

Virginia Arts Festival and Bruce Hornsby announce 2018 Funhouse Fest
January 30,2018: Style Weekly, Richmond

Alison Krauss, Wood Brothers join Bruce Hornsby for 3rd annual Funhouse Fest
January 29, 2018: Southside Daily

Funhouse Fest returns featuring Alison Krauss, Bruce Hornsby
January 30, 2018: The Virginia Gazette

Alison Krauss, Wood Brothers join Bruce Hornsby for 3rd annual Funhouse Fest
January 29, 2018: WY Daily

Alison Krauss joins Funhouse Fest lineup with Bruce Hornsby, Wood Brothers
January 30, 2018: The Daily Press

Enjoy a variety of arts, take in a patriotic show!
January 28, 2018: Recreation News

Virginia International Tattoo to salute Medal of Honor recipients
January 26, 2018: WVEC-TV 13 News Now

Virginia International Tattoo to Host First Changing of the Guard Ceremony Outside of Arlington Cemetery
January 26, 2018: Southside Daily

Virginia Arts Festival’s Education Outreach makes Learning Leap to Life!
December 18, 2017: Jewish News

Vienna Boys Choir closes its 11-week North American Tour in Virginia Beach
December 31, 2017: Virginia Beach Beacon

Changing the Arts Landscape, a conversation with Rob Cross
December 30, 2017: Tidewater Women Magazine

VAF Honors MLK with National Tour of The Mountaintop in February
January 4, 2018: New Journal & Guide

Charlie Young with the John Toomey Trio at the Attucks Theatre
January 4, 2018: All About Jazz

Vienna Boys Choir unveils demanding program!
December 21, 2017: The Virginia Gazette

“A Christmas in Vienna” travels to Williamsburg
December 20,2017 – The Virginia Gazette

Vienna Boys Choir is bringing Austrian Christmas to Hampton Roads! December 10 – The Daily Press

St. Joseph’s Golden Agers Planning Spring Trip to 2018 Virginia International Tattoo! December 4, 2017: Oswego Newspaper

Birmingham Royal Ballet announces International Tours to Virginia and Japan in spring 2018! December 3, 2017: Phoenix Newspaper

Nellie McKay will perform December 2 in another partnership between Virginia Arts Festival and North Shore Point House Concerts
November 30, 2017 – Virginian Pilot

13NewsNow WVEC’s Ashley Smith talks to Virginia Arts Festival’s Alli Focke about holiday events and the 22nd season! (20:20)
November 19, 2017 - 13NewsNow WVEC: Coastal Connections

Virginia Arts Festival announces 22nd season, Funhouse Fest Return
November 3, 2017 – Virginia Gazette

Virginia Arts Festival Season Included Hefty Dose of African-American Cultural Appeal November 16, 2017 – New Journal and Guide

Virginia Arts Festival announces 22nd season
October 31, 2017 – The Daily Press

Virginia Arts Festival announces lineup for 2018 season
October 30, 2017 – Virginian Pilot

Engaging with Art
August 2017 – Tidewater Women

North Shore Point House Concerts to bring backyard coziness to Virginia Arts Festival
September 7, 2018 – Virginian Pilot

Go to In the News Archives

Tattoo in The News

Courage and Commitment: A Salute to Women in the Military: An Insider’s Guide
Alt Daily: April 23, 2019
https://altdaily.com/courage-commitment-a-salute-to-women-in-the-military-an-insiders-guide-to-the-2019-virginia-international-tattoo/

209 Virginia International Tattoo and NATOFest
American Legion: April 29, 2019
https://www.legion.org/honor/photos/245513/2019-virginia-international-tattoo-and-natofest

PNC Rohan Among Women Veterans Honored in Virginia
American Legion: April 29, 2019
https://www.legion.org/womenveterans/245520/pnc-rohan-among-women-veterans-honored-virginia

Women in the Military: We want to do our part
American Legion: April 29, 2019
https://www.legion.org/womenveterans/245521/women-military-%E2%80%98we-want-do-our-part%E2%80%99

Do you hear bagpipes? The Virginia International Tattoo is pounding the drums at Scope in Norfolk
Virginian Pilot: April 26, 2019
https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/festivals/article_630a7fa6-6521-11e9-b928-47e17cefa1fe.html

Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums at the Virginia International Tattoo
WCVE Radio: April 19, 2019
https://ideastations.org/music/classical/colonial-williamsburg-fifes-drums-virginia-international-tattoo

TRADOC Army Band at the Virginia International Tattoo
WCVE Radio: April 24, 2019:
https://ideastations.org/music/classical/us-training-and-doctrine-command-band-brass-quintet-virginia-international-tattoo

Diane Carlson Evans talks to WMBG
WMBG: April 27
https://www.dropbox.com/s/26ddtaagbfcwxxo/Diane%20Carlson%20Evans%20interview%20with%20Robert%20Hodge.mp3?dl=0

Tattoo Dream Team members talk to All News 102 All News 102
April 19, 2019:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/higzqm5av0yiq3b/TATTOO_INTERVIEW%20Edited%20W.mp3?dl=0

Air Force Jazz Ensemble Rhythm in Blue
WMBG Super Sound Showcase: April 18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKvV-C0kFKQ

Alli and one of the Highland Dancers from Australia went on-air on Monday, April 22 on three radio stations in the Max Media cluster: 92.9 The Wave, 106.1 The Eagle, and 100.5 Hot FM. Romania on The Hampton Roads Show
WAVY TV: April 22, 2019: https://www.wavy.com/hr-show/virginia-international-tattoo/

WTKR’s early morning TV features three segments about this year’s Tattoo:
WTKR TV: April 24, 2019:
https://wtkr.com/2019/04/24/virginia-international-tattoo-festival-brings-military-performances-from-around-the-world/

One of the Tattoo’s Honorary Chairs, Captain Lauran Glover talks to Lisa Godley
WHRV Another View with Barbara Hamm Lee: Friday, April 19, 2019:
https://www.listennotes.com/bn/podcasts/another-views/lauran-glover-RXrCGhvVu8t/

HearSay with Cathy Lewis chats with Honorary Chair Diane Carlson Evans
WHRV HearSay with Cathy Lewis: April 17, 2019
http://www.hearsay.org/post/Notre-Dame-Zeiders-American-Dream-Theater-Diane-Carlson-Evans.aspx

TRADOC Army Band female performers on WTKR’s Coast Live
WTKR Coast Live: April 17, 2019
https://wtkr.com/2019/04/19/a-touching-performance-and-preview-of-the-virginia-international-tattoo-on-coast-live/

Quantico Military Band soloist Adiza Jibril on WVEC
WVEC Noon News: April 22, 2019:
https://www.13newsnow.com/video/news/local/noon-interview-virginia-international-tattoo/291-fc72ef4e-f1c9-49c5-abeb-f58589f5f586

WVEC TV at Virginia International Tattoo
WVEC TV: April 24, 2019
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/virginia-arts-festivals-virginia-international-tattoo-to-salute-women-in-military/291-372639dc-2741-406c-b56c-188acd141f72