Your 2024 spring and summer arts guide for all things music, exhibits, festivals and more (2024)

Pop the Champagne! Our Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press spring and summer arts guide is filled with significant anniversaries, which means even annual performances will pack a bit more oomph.

Whether you are a faithful Journey fan, go bonkers for baroque or are a warrior for World War II history, you will find something to enjoy. The list takes us through the sweltering days of July, when walking through a cool museum or taking in an opera or musical will be welcoming. The list can’t include every event but has plenty of choices — dance, from contemporary to ballet; music, from classical to country; and lectures, art exhibitions and more.

The guide lists standard ticket prices for adults, but almost all venues offer discounts for the military, older adults and children. Several events include a TBA mention, which means details such as ticket prices or locations haven’t been announced. Events and dates are also subject to change, so check before you go.

Cheers!

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MUSIC

March

• “Carmina Burana.” March 8. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the Virginia Children’s Chorus take the stage for Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” a depiction of a raucous medieval paradise. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News; March 9. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk; March 10. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $25. 757-892-6366. virginiasymphony.org.
• Attucks Jazz Club featuring Troy Roberts. March 16. Attucks Theatre, Norfolk. $25. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• St. Patrick’s Celtic Celebration. March 17. Acclaimed Celtic harpist and composer Maeve Gilchrist will perform her “Celtic Harp Concerto” and Irish folk singer-songwriter legend Karan Casey will showcase her soulful interpretations of Irish traditional singing. With the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $25. 757-892-6366. virginiasymphony.org.
• Celtic Angels Ireland. March 17. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Start at $33.50. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
• Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary Tour. March 19. A blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music that echoes the country’s rich musical and cultural heritage. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $47.757-385-2787. sandlercenter.org.
• Bruce Hornsby & yMusic present: BrhyM. March 21. Bruce Hornsby is joined by yMusic, a contemporary classical ensemble, for collaborative compositions plus favorites from Hornsby’s catalog. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Start at $42.50. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
• March 22-23. A live orchestra performs John Williams’ score from the motion picture. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $44.50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• The Bobby BlackHat Music Series. March 24. Featuring the Bobby BlackHat Band, Roberta Lea with the BKS Band and the Jason Cale Band. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. $20. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
• “Randy Rainbow For President.” March 29. Randy Rainbow is a four-time Emmy- and Grammy-nominated comedian, producer, actor, singer, writer, satirist, host and New York Times bestselling author, known for his popular web series, “The Randy Rainbow Show.” Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. Start at $41. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.

April

• AJR: The Maybe Man Tour. April 2.Scope, Norfolk. Start at $46.50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• Tamia & Joe. April 5. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $69. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• Black Violin: The Experience Tour. April 7. The two-time Grammy-nominated duo Black Violin, Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste, invoke a fusion of classical sounds and hip-hop beats. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $28.50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• Keiko Matsui. April 10. Celebrated pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui shares her dream for unity, serenity and happiness with her new recording, “Euphoria.” Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $38. 757-385-2787. sandlercenter.org.
• Symphony orchestra concert. April 16. Performances by Virginia Symphony and Old Dominion University orchestras. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Tickets TBA. 757-451-4711. gsarts.org.
• Virginia International Tattoo. This year’s tattoo is “an emotional and grateful Celebration of Freedom,” commemorating the D-Day landings 80 years ago and the founding of NATO 75 years ago. April 18-21. Scope, Norfolk. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• John Mellencamp. April 21. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $45.50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• A Baroque Celebration. April 23. Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Norfolk. $35. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Grisha Goryachev, guitar. April 24. Robin Hixon Theater, Clay & Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk. $35. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• The Piano Guys. April 25. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $49. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• Journey Freedom Tour 2024. April 26. Legendary rock band Journey on its 50th anniversary tour, featuring Toto. Scope, Norfolk. Start at $49.50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• Symphonicity Concert V, “Pianorama Pops!” April 28. The piano showman and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra music director, David Stewart Wiley, joins maestro Daniel Boothe to present Broadway and cinematic classics, from Wiley to Weber to James Bond and Bernstein. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $25. 757-385-2787. sandlercenter.org.
• Les Violons du Roy with Miloš. April 29. Norfolk Academy, Norfolk. Start at $25.757-282-2822. vafest.org.

May

• Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta and Dolly, featuring Miko Marks and Kristina Train. May 1. Perry Pavilion, Norfolk. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• The Music of “Star Wars.” May 4. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Start at $25. 757-892-6366. virginiasymphony.org.
• Brandy Clark. May 7. Perry Pavilion, Norfolk. Starting at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Takács Quartet with Olga Kern, piano. May 8. Williamsburg Regional Library, Williamsburg; May 9. Robin Hixon Theater, Clay & Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk. $35. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• The Chenaults, duo-organists. May 12. Christ & St. Luke’s Church, Norfolk. $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Jessie Montgomery with the Virginia Arts Festival Chamber Players. May 16. Robin Hixon Theater, Clay & Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk. $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Ellington 125: The Attucks Jazz Orchestra Celebrates Duke Ellington’s 125th Birthday. May 18. A gifted composer, band leader and pianist, Duke Ellington shaped the sound of American music for more than 50 years, and refused to be limited to jazz. Among the stages he graced: the Attucks Theatre. Attucks Theatre, Norfolk. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Coffee Concert I: Apollo’s Fire Chamber Ensemble. May 23. St. John’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth; May 24, Williamsburg Regional Library, Williamsburg. $25. 757-282-2822.vafest.org
• Rhythm Project Showcase. May 25. Perry Pavilion, Norfolk. Start at $15. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Mipso. May 28. Perry Pavilion, Norfolk. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Adrienne Warren. May 30. Attucks Theatre, Norfolk. Start at $35. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Storm Large. May 31. Perry Pavilion, Norfolk. Start at $25. Adult content; children younger than 13 not admitted. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.

June

• “Light in the Eastern Sky”: A Day of Music and Workshops curated by Aoife O’Donovan featuring Aoife O’Donovan, Eric Jacobsen, Yasmin Williams, The Wildmans. June 1. Perry Pavilion, Norfolk. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Music From the Operas of Anthony Davis. June 2. Music from Anthony Davis’ critically acclaimed operas performed by longtime collaborator and pianist Alan Johnson with singers Christine Jobson and Carl DuPont. Attacks Theatre, Norfolk. $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Hauser: Rebel with a Cello tour. June 4. Hauser combines classical, pop and rock, and has played international arena concerts. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $49. 757-385-2787. sandlercenter.org.
• Wu Han, piano; David Finckel, cello; Olga Kern, piano. June 4. Robin Hixon Theater, Clay & Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk. $35; June 5. Miller Studio Theatre at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Joss Stone. June 5. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $39. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Coffee Concert IV: Olga Kern, piano, with VAF Chamber Players. June 6. Robin Hixon Theater, Clay & Jay Barr Education Center, Norfolk; June 7. William & Mary Concert Hall, Williamsburg. $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Ben Folds. June 7. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $33. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Coastal Virginia Bluegrass & Brew Festival: June 7. Damn Tall Buildings; June 8. Chicken Wire Empire. The American Theatre, Hampton. Start at $35. 757-838-4203. hamptonarts.org.
• Samara Joy. June 8. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $35. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Bonny Light Horseman. June 11. Perry Pavilion, Norfolk. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Chris Thile with Virginia Symphony Orchestra. June 13. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk; June 14. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach; June 15. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Williamsburg Live. June 21-23. The lawn of the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Headliners include the Beach Boys and Laufey. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.

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DANCE

March

• Grand Kyiv Ballet: “Giselle.” March 11. Classical ballet tells the story of a peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a commoner. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $32. 757-385-2787. sandlercenter.org.
• Ballet Virginia: “Cinderella.” March 16. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $22. 757-385-2787. sandlercenter.org.

April

• Rhythm: The Heartbeat of the Orchestra, a Peanut Butter & Jam concert. April 7. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $12. 757-892-6366. sandlercenter.org.
• Step Afrika! April 14. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $20. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Dance Theatre of Harlem. April 30. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News; May 3-5, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $25. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.

May

• Martha Graham Dance Company with Virginia Symphony Orchestra. May 11. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $20. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Spring dance concert. May 16-18. Tidewater Community College, Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk. TBA. 757-451-4711. gsarts.org

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VISUAL ARTS

March

• “Chris Kraft: Hampton’s Unlikely Space Hero.” Open now. Exhibit marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Hampton native Christopher Columbus Kraft Jr., a preeminent NASA scientist who helped develop the system of manned space flight. Hampton History Museum, Hampton. $5. 757-727-1102. hampton.gov/history_museum
• 2024 Hampton Arts League member exhibition.Through March 30. Artwork of the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center’s member organization, showcasing emerging and established area artists. Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, Hampton. Free. 757-727-1490. hamptonarts.org.
• “Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm.” Through April 7. 250 images from McCartney’s collection. Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk. Free. 757-664-6200. chrysler.org.
• “The Pigeon Comes to Portsmouth: A Mo Willems Exhibit.” Through May 5. Inspired by the art and characters of the beloved children’s book author and illustrator; organized by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Signage in English and Spanish. Children’s Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth. Start at $5. 757-393-5258. childrensmuseumvirginia.com.
• Blow Up ll: Inflatable Contemporary Art Exhibit. Through May 5. The exhibit explores ways that air and unusual materials can be used to create large-scale sculptures. The artworks use the perception of space to open a dialogue about pop culture and social norms. Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, Portsmouth. $3. 757-393-8543. portsmouthartcenter.com.
• Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: “Journey to Nature’s Underworld.” Through June 9. The exhibition explores the friendship and passions of two renowned artists across more than three decades. It unites sculptures, installations and paintings that tackle ecological issues.
• “Fantastic Creatures of the Venetian Lagoon: Glass 1875-1915.” Through Aug. 18. Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk. Free. 757-664-6200. chrysler.org.

May

• Annual student film festival. May 19. Naro Expanded Cinema, Norfolk. TBA. 757-451-4711. gsarts.org.

July

• “Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience. ” July 5-Sept. 5. Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach. Start at $35. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.

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STAGE (theater, lectures, comedy shows)

March

• Ken Ludwig’s “The Three Musketeers.” Various dates through March 24. Virginia Stage Company and Norfolk State University Theatre Company. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. Start at $15. 757-627-1234. vastage.org
• “Madama Butterfly.” March 8-10. Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. Start at $25. 866-673-7282. vaopera.org.
• Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour. March 14. Dance, sing and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes cities unique and special. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Start at $29. 757-594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
• Wanda Sykes: Please and Thank You Tour. March 15. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $36.50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• “Jesus Christ Superstar.” March 22. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News. Start at $50. 757- 594-8752. fergusoncenter.org.
• “A Murder is Announced.” Various dates from March 22-April 14. An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock’s Victorian house. A classic Agatha Christie puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, a second death and a determined inspector grimly following the case’s twists and turns. Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. Start at $9. 757-428-9233. ltvb.com
• “Hadestown.” March 26-31. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best Musical, and the 2020 Grammy for Best Musical Theater album. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $40. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.

April

• C.S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In. April 13. Actor Max McLean portrays the magnetic personality, eloquence and self-deprecating wit of C.S. Lewis, one of the most influential thinkers of the past century. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Start at $65. 757-385-2787. sandlercenter.org.
• “Sweeney Todd” — orchestra concert with Broadway soloists. April 13. Broadway music director Rob Fisher leads singers and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, with Sondheim’s score front and center. Virginia Arts Festival. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $39. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.

May

• “Jersey Boys.” May 3-5. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach. Start at $25. 757-340-5446. vmtheatre.org.
• 360 Allstars. May 10. A new kind of circus: World champion and world record-holding athletes and artists mix BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more. Tidewater Community College, Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk. Start at $35. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• Virginia International Panfest. May 10-11. Virginia Beach Oceanfront Stage, Virginia Beach. Free. 757-282-2822. vafest.org.
• “The Book of Mormon.” May 10-12. The musical comedy follows a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway across the world to spread the Word.Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• Leanne Morgan. May 16-17. Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. Start at $36.75. 757-665-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• “Indecent.” Weekends May 17-June 2. Paula Vogel’s play was inspired by the true events surrounding the controversial 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s “God of Vengeance” — a play seen by some as a seminal work of Jewish culture, and by others as an act of traitorous libel. Generic Theater, Norfolk. Start at $15. 757-441-2160. generictheater.org.
• “The Outsider.” Various dates May 17-June 9. Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. Start at $9. 757-428-9233. ltvb.com.
• Jerry Seinfeld. May 18. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $55. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• Kountry Wayne: The King of Hearts Tour. May 24. Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Start at $35.50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• “Something Rotten.” May 24-26. Wells Theatre, Norfolk. TBA. 757-451-4711. gsarts.org.

June

• Cirque du Soleil OVO. June 13-16. In the colorful OVO ecosystem, insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love, with noisy action and quiet emotion. Scope, Norfolk. Start at $59. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.

July

• Sebastian Maniscalco: “It Ain’t Right” Tour. July 11. Scope, Norfolk. Start at $49.50. 757-664-6464. sevenvenues.com.
• “Kinky Boots.” Various dates July 19-Aug. 11. Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. Start at $12. 757-428-9233. ltvb.com.
• “Little Shop of Horrors.” July 26-28. After a failed crush, meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn falls for a singing, carnivorous plant that promises fame and fortune as long as he keeps feeding it human flesh and blood. Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach. $25. 757-627-5437. hurrahplayers.com.