Local Tidewater Virginia Happenings

COMMUNITY EVENTS / FESTIVALS

Now thru Mar 29 - Winter Orchid Display 2015, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk. Don’t miss the opportunity to see beautiful blooming orchids in the Norfolk Botanical Garden Tropical House. Many of the orchids provided by the Tidewater Orchid Society, and Old Dominion University Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory and Research Greenhouse. This winter exhibit is FREE with regular Garden admission.

Now thru May 25 - Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog, Children’s Museum of Virginia, 221 High St., Portsmouth. Everyone’s favorite big red dog is coming to Portsmouth! Visitors young and young at heart will recognize all the sites and characters in “Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog” based on PBS’s hit series. From the Ferry and the Pier to Clifford and his dog house, visitors to Birdwell Island will enjoy all the sights and sounds in this exhibit. Targeted to children 2 - 8 year and their caregivers, the exhibit aims for immersion into the lives of Emily Elizabeth and Clifford while promoting Clifford’s Big Ideas. These simple ideas include: Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe in Yourself, Be a Good Friend and Help Others. Join us on opening day for a Big Red Party, with Museum Members receiving the first chance to view the exhibit starting at 8 am.

Mon-Sat, Mar 9-14 - 2015 MEAC Basketball Tournament, Scope Arena, 201 East Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk. This year marks the 44th year of the tournament on the men’s side and the 36th year for the women.http://www.meachoops.com/home/default/

Fri, Mar 13 - Chesapeake Bay Art Association’s 2015 Spring Member’s Exhibition, d’Art Center, 6 - 8:00 pm, 208 East Main Street, Norfolk. Free and Open to the Public.

Fri, Mar 13 - AquaFire 2015, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, 6 - 9:00 pm, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk. Join Norfolk Botanical Garden as we present AquaFire! Come to a ‘HOT’ Nighttime Event on Friday, March 13. Enjoy live acoustic music by David Welsh & Mack Against the Wall as fire blazes in the Garden’s Renaissance Pond. Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs and blankets. Food, Beer and Wine available for purchase. Adults $12.00, NBG Members $10.00, Children 12 and under are free! Pre-sale tickets available until March, 11, 2015.  After March 11, 2015, tickets will be sold at the door only. Food and drinks available for purchase. No coolers please. You are encouraged to bring a flashlight or battery operated lantern.

Fri, Mar 13 - Shamrockin’ in Ghent, 6 - 10:00 pm, Between Gates and Shirley Avenues, on Colley Avenue, Norfolk. We block off Colley Avenue (between Shirley and Gates Avenues) so you and all your friends and neighbors can come out and help Hope House celebrate all things Irish. We will have live music by the Deloreans, the Fighting Jamesons, and Newport News Pipes and Drums, as well as festive food and libations-and there isn’t even an admission fee! Yes, you read that right, Shamrockin’ in Ghent is FREE and open to the public. But wait, there’s more! ALL beer proceeds from Shamrockin’ in Ghent benefit Hope House Foundation!

Fri, Mar 13 - Night Hike at Chesapeake Arboretum, 7 - 9:00 pm, 624 Oak Grove Road, Chesapeake. Explore the Chesapeake Arboretum in the dark of the night and learn how nocturnal wildlife have adapted to thrive. Enjoy a short interpretive program next to the red barn and then head out for a short guided hike (about 2 miles). Bring a flash light. Please RSVP to (757) 421-7151. This event is weather dependent. Program will be canceled for unfavorable conditions. Those that RSVP will receive a phone call 24 hours prior if the hike is canceled.

Fri, Mar 13 - MOCA Teen Takeover Night, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 7 - 9:00 pm, 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach. Hampton Roads teens take over the MOCA for an evening extravaganza of art, music, mocktails, free eats, and live music by Latin for Beginners . Come celebrate surf and skate culture and the DIY ethic with activities inspired by MOCA’s current exhibition Ryan McGinness: Studio Visit. Acclaimed artist McGinness is a Virginia Beach native whose art has deep roots that extend into the influences on his childhood Teen Takeover is a free event exclusively for teens in middle and high school, hosted by students from Virginia Beach schools. For additional information, call 757-425-0000 ext. 329 

Fri, Mar 13 - Art and “Wine-ing” Workshop: Matisse and Merlot, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 7 - 9:00 pm, 110 W. Finney Avenue, Suffolk. Create a masterpiece at the Suffolk Center! This is not your typical paint night event. You can breathe in the inspiration of Henri Matisse with a new understanding of their life and their brush. Attendees will receive a bit of perspective with instruction on how to paint using the technique of Matisse. Each participant, guided by a local art instructor, chooses their picture, so no two need be alike! Perfect for all skill levels including beginners, and for those who just want a fun night out with friends! $45 ($35 Early Bird Special) Registration: 757.923.0003

Fri/Sat, Mar 13/14 - Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour, 2:00 pm, Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 North Main Street. See Suffolk through the eyes of years gone by. Suffolk’s rich heritage dates back to the early 17th century, when Captain John Smith first encountered the Nansemond Indians on the Nansemond River. Even now, you can trace Suffolk’s legacy through our historic homes and neighborhoods, churches and Virginia Civil War Trails. Guided by a Suffolk historian, you meet the people and places that made Suffolk the city it is today. Highlights of this windshield tour include Cedar Hill Cemetery, Riddick’s Folly House Museum, Constant’s Wharf, College Court and Suffolk’s Historic Lakeside neighborhood. $8 Adults / $6 Seniors, Military and Children 9-12. 757.514.4130 

Fri/Sat, Mar 13/14 - History Days in Downtown Suffolk, 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 North Main Street. History is on the move in Virginia as the Civil War 150 HistoryMobile rolls into Suffolk for a two day visit. The exhibit, an initiative of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, will be located at the Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 North Main Street. Admission to the HistoryMobile is free and open to the public. These “history days” are presented by the Suffolk Division of Tourism partnering with the Suffolk Public Library, Riddick’s Folly House Museum and the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront. In addition to the HistoryMobile exhibit, the event also includes tours and a living history reenactment at Riddick’s Folly House Museum; guided tours of historic Downtown Suffolk and the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; and a genealogy workshop and a history presentation. Stop by the Historic Seaboard Station Railroad Museum to browse the large selection of Historical Society publications and learn about the importance and history of railroads in Suffolk while viewing the HO scale railroad model of 1907 Suffolk.

Fri/Sat, Mar 13/14 - Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk, Suffolk Visitor Center, 6:00 pm, 524 North Main Street. A hair-raising encounter with the spirited side of Suffolk. Follow a costumed guide through the shadows of historic Main Street discovering stories, legends and “unexplained occurrences” by lantern light. Tales of unsolved mysteries and unresolved affairs abound throughout Suffolk’s historically hip Ghost Walk. Reservations Required.  757.514.4130 

Fri-Sun, Mar 13-15 - 11th Annual Virginia RV Show, Hampton Roads Convention Center, Fri 12 - 8:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am - 5:00 pm, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. The Virginia RV Show is back in 2015 with great deals on motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels! Now is the time to plan your family’s summer fun. Stock up on all the essentials and gather great ideas for your next RV vacation. Come ready to shop the newest in accessories for RVs, as well as campgrounds. Insurance and financing will also be available on site. Plus, attend daily seminars to pick up some new info and tips to help with your purchase. Everything you need for your outdoor adventure is at the Virginia RV Show!

Sat, Mar 14 - 2nd Saturday Hampton Arts Walk, Downtown and Phoebus Hampton. Join us for a day of creative people doing creative things in our community.  This monthly, free, self-guided walking tour event runs throughout Downtown Hampton and partners local businesses with artists working in all mediums.  A number of events will be held inside our business, attractions, and in the public realm.  2nd Saturday’s occur the second Saturday of each month. 757-727-1271

Sat, Mar 14 - GBFA Fishing Flea Market, Hickory Ruritan Club, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, 2752 S Battlefield Boulevard, Chesapeake. Come out for the 6th Annual GBFA Fishing Flea Market! Come buy, swap, meet, greet and eat. This rain or shine event will host vendors featuring custom lures, freshwater and saltwater gear, new & used rods and reels, and a variety of boats and trailers. Refreshments available for purchase. Admission: $3 for adults; 12 and under free. (757) 287-0330

Sat, Mar 14 - 48th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm, Ocean View, Norfolk. From Northside Middle School, located on Westmont Avenue and Granby Street, units will proceed north on Granby Street, left onto A View Avenue, turn left on First View Street, right onto W. Government Avenue, ending at the intersection of First View and Government Avenue. Government Avenue from First View Street to Hickory Street will remain closed until 4:30 pm. On-street parking is available on most of the adjacent blocks along the parade route. Off-street parking is available at the Sarah Constant Beach Park, Ocean View Beach Park, and Ocean View Elementary. Don’t miss the After Parade Party 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.,  at the Knights of Columbus grounds for live music, food, and fun. There will be a variety of food vendors and live music. This year’s bands will be: Tidewater Drive (inside the Hall) and The Embers (outside). The party is held immediately following the parade and is hosted by The Columbian Club of Ocean View, 211 W. Government Ave. This event is free and open to the public (21 and up).

Sat, Mar 14 - Family Day, Chrysler Museum of Art, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. Our Spring Family Day is rated E For Everyone. Dress up as your favorite video game character to compete in our Cosplay Contest judged by Dave & Buster’s. Limber up those thumbs and beat your high score during the GameStop video game competition. Learn more about serious gaming at The Alien Angel Podcast Network’s panel discussion. Take a selfie with Mario, Luigi, or Abraham Lincoln. Add in free activities for children, including face painting, balloon artistry, and crayon portraits, and our Spring Family Day offers something for everyone!

Sat, Mar 14 - Celebrate National AG Day, Virginia Beach Farmers Market, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, 3640 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach. Celebrate National AG Day with live animals, AGtivities & More!!!! FarmMrkt@vbgov.com / (757) 385-4388

Sat, Mar 14 - Community Day, The Mariners’ Museum/USS Monitor Center, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News. Take the family on a voyage of exploration to The Mariners’ Museum. Admission is only $5 per person for residents of Hampton Roads and kids 3 and under are free during The Mariners’ Community Day. Explore the USS Monitor Center, handcrafted ship models, maritime paintings, rare figureheads, small craft from around the world and much more. This discounted admission price is only available during Community Day and no other discounts apply. For more information: MarinersMuseum.org or call (757)596-2222.

Sat, Mar 14 - Celebration of the Arts, Children’s Museum of Virginia, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, 221 High St., Portsmouth. A day full of fun, hands on educational and entertaining performances. Includes two Teacher Workshops - Interactive Learning through the Arts - offering educators the opportunity to learn and participate in arts-in-education models and techniques. Presented by Young Audiences of Virginia & Children’s Museum of Virginia. For more information please call 757-393-5258 or visit www.childrensmuseumva.com

Sat, Mar 14 - 2nd Saturday Family Event: Minecraft Construction Kids! Hampton History Museum, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. Come learn in creative mode about the real world applications of construction by participating in Minecraft and construction-themed activities such as how the first English settlers used wattle and daub to make structures, decorate a stained glass window, and take on our larger project of creating a model section of the city of Hampton with recycled materials. Family activities are free of charge and take place in the museum’s Great Hall and courtyard. 757-727-1610

Sat, Mar 14 - Archery Demo Day, Great Neck Recreation Center, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, 2521 Shorehaven Drive, Virginia Beach. Ever wonder if you could shoot a bow & arrow and hit your target? Stop by and give it your best shot during our FREE Archery Demo Day! All equipment provided. Membership or day pass not required. Open to anyone ages 6 & up, but those under 16 must be with a parent.? fun@VBgov.com / (757) 385-5940

Sat, Mar 14 - St. Patrick’s Day Landlocked Boat Parade and Pub Crawl, 6:00 pm, Queen’s Way, Downtown Hampton. The St. Patrick’s Day Landlocked Boat Parade and Pub Crawl will be on Saturday March 14, and is billed as the world’s shortest parade! After the Boat Parade we will have a costumed Pub Crawl. It will be free and all the bars will have specials for costumed crawlers. There will be a costume contest and St. Patrick will lead the way to each stop right after we help him throw some snakes into the Hampton River.

Sat, Mar 14 - Skywatch at Northwest River Park, Sunset - 11:00 pm, Northwest River Park & Campground, 1733 Indian Creek Road, Chesapeake. Join Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA) as they bring their scopes and expertise to bear on the Galaxy weather permitting at the Equestrian Area at Northwest River Park. Call (757) 421-7151 to confirm. Several large telescopes are set-up and guests get a tour of the night sky, while learning about telescopes and astronomy. The event begins around sunset and ends at 11:00 PM. BBAA will hold a “Telescope 101” beginning 90 minutes before sunset.

Sat/Sun, Mar 14/15 - The Grand National Cheer & Dance Championship by the Sea 2015, Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach. The Cheer and Dance EXTREME Company is hosting the exciting Grand Cheer & Dance Nationals Championship by the Sea. The Virginia Beach Convention Center will be bursting with enthusiastic cheers and rousing dance numbers. Teams and individuals of varying levels are invited to compete in an event that focuses on true competitive spirit rather than just scores. Prepare to be stunned by stunts and mesmerized by synchronized dancing all in an effort to win the only national title awarded by CDE.

Sat, Mar 14-21 - Suffolk Restaurant Week: A Culinary Showcase. From Suffolk’s best-kept culinary secrets to national award winning restaurants, Suffolk Restaurant Week promises a savory blend of the city’s signature flavors. The Spring 2015 Suffolk Restaurant Week is slated for March 14-21. During this culinary showcase, participating eateries offer three-course, price fixed menus at the deluxe ($10 lunch/$20 dinner) or premier ($15 lunch/$30 dinner) levels for lunch and/or dinner. No coupons, vouchers or tickets are needed—simply order from participating restaurant’s Suffolk Restaurant Week menu.

Sun, Mar 15 - One City Marathon, Newport news. Take a tour of Newport News marathon style! The inaugural Newport News One City Marathon takes to the streets on March 15, 2015. Runners will begin their journey in the stunning setting of Newport News Park, venturing to Warwick and onward to the beautiful neighborhoods of Hiddenwood and Deep Creek, where runners will approach the thriving campus of Christopher Newport University (CNU). Winding their way along the James River, One City runners will continue to sample the city’s offerings as they bound alongside The Mariners’ Museum, through Historic Hilton Village and enter the Huntington neighborhood before making their final approach to the world-class Newport News Shipyard. The finish line will await their arrival at Victory Arch. http://onecitymarathon.com/

Sun, Mar 15 - 39th Annual Family Oyster Roast & St. Patrick’s Day Party, Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1 - 5:00 pm, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach. This is the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad’s (VBVRS) largest fundraiser for the entire year, and we would not be able to provide our unparalleled level of free, pre-hospital emergency medical care without your support expressed through events like this. Get tickets when you make your donation at: [http://www.vbvrs.org/oysterroast]. (You’ll be able to select how many tickets you want at checkout.) Featuring: Several styles of cooked and raw oysters (All you can eat!), Fried chicken, North Carolina BBQ, and all the fixin’s (All you can eat!), Cold draft beer and soft drinks (All you can drink!), Local artisan wares, Auctions, raffles, and prizes, Live music, Tours and demonstrations of the tools we use every day, That tingly pride from knowing you helped an organization that responded to 13,000 911 calls last year and was a part of the effort that helped 48 people walk out of the hospital following a cardiac arrest in Virginia Beach—that’s four times the national average! Special this year: We’re adding a costume contest! To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, wear your dapperest Irish attire!

Sun, Mar 15-30 - Tiny Treasures: A Juried Miniature Exhibition, Hermitage Museum & Gardens, 7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk. Join us for this two week exhibition featuring miniature artworks from across the region juried by our Chief Curator Colin Brady. Featuring local works from the Tidewater Art Alliance. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional works must adhere to the 1/6th rule for miniature works. In other words, the image or sculpture must be smaller than 1/6 of the actual size of the image or object depicted. (Ex. The human head is approximately 9” high, as a miniature it would be approximately 1.5” high).

Mon, Mar 16 - Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour, 2:00 pm, Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 North Main Street. See Suffolk through the eyes of years gone by. Suffolk’s rich heritage dates back to the early 17th century, when Captain John Smith first encountered the Nansemond Indians on the Nansemond River. Even now, you can trace Suffolk’s legacy through our historic homes and neighborhoods, churches and Virginia Civil War Trails. Guided by a Suffolk historian, you meet the people and places that made Suffolk the city it is today. Highlights of this windshield tour include Cedar Hill Cemetery, Riddick’s Folly House Museum, Constant’s Wharf, College Court and Suffolk’s Historic Lakeside neighborhood. $8 Adults / $6 Seniors, Military and Children 9-12. 757.514.4130 

Tue, Mar 17 - Yoga in the Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, 8:45 - 9:45 am, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. Join Tenesha Bazemore for yoga classes in a beautiful setting. Suitable for all skill levels, and free for Museum Members, we’ll do this every Tuesday morning in March.

Tue, Mar 17 - MOCA Nights with Eats the Streets 757 & Bonfire Magazine, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 4 - 9:00 pm, 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month, when the Museum is open from 5-9pm with FREE admission. Each MOCA NIGHT offers different experiences for visitors including open-mic performances, conversations gallery tours led by educators, hands-on art-making, grown-up scavenger hunts and a cash bar in our Atrium. MOCA Nights now features a 757 Eat the Streets Food Truck Rodeo and event sponsor Bonfire Magazine who will bring live music and other community partners to “celebrate living a full and rich life in Hampton Roads.” Come share your words, thoughts and music to inspire in an open and supportive environment. Open Mic Sign-up starts at 6:30pm or in advance on the Facebook event page.

Wed, Mar 18 - Surry County Chamber of Commerce Membership Drive & Business Appreciation, Bacon’s Castle, 6 - 8:00 pm, 496 Bacon’s Castle Trail, Surry. Annual Membership Drive and Business Appreciation event hosted by Bacon’s Castle.  Join Chamber members and guests for light refreshments, brief presentation, networking time and tour of Bacon’s Castle.

Thu, Mar 19 - Third Thursday, Chrysler Museum of Art, 5 - 10:00 pm, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. Museum from 5-10 pm, Glass Studio events begin at 7 pm. In a nod to our wine and jazz events of years gone by, we’re offering a jazz concert in the Museum and flaming fun at the Glass Studio. At the Museum, dine at Wisteria or mingle in Huber Court with a glass of your favorite vintage and listen to the high-energy ensemble 504 Supreme, starting at 7 pm in what we’re calling Swingin’ Jazz and Wine. Arrive early and join Museum Director Erik Neil on a gallery tour featuring some of his favorite works. His tour will begin at 6:15 pm. At the Glass Studio, conceptual artists Sarah Gilbert and Patrick “Pato” Hebert collaborate to create A Fragile Bubble/A Thousand Calamities. Watch as they make delicate and daring drawings with light and heat to the musical accompaniment of the Hot Gumbo Brass Band. Third Thursday is always free for Museum Members, $5 for all others. There’s a cash bar in both venues.

Thu, Mar 19 - 3rd Thursday at Jesters Gallery Shop: Featuring Neil Duman, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 5:30-7:30 pm, 110 W. Finney Avenue, Suffolk. Free. Join us in the Jester’s Gallery Shop at the Suffolk Center to meet our resident artist, Neil Duman. Registration: 757.923.0003

Fri, Mar 20 - Bow Creek Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 3 - 9:00 pm, 3427 Club House Road, Virginia Beach. The new $28 million Bow Creek Recreation Center is a 67,743 square feet state-of-the-art facility. ​Join City dignitaries in the gymnasium for the official dedication and opening ceremony with speakers to include Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. and City Councilmember Shannon Kane. Following the ceremony, the center will open for tours. Be among the first to see the all new Bow Creek Recreation Center! Free shuttles will be available from Bow Creek Presbyterian Church (315 S. Rosemont Road) to Bow Creek Recreation Center from 2:30 – 7 pm.​ Learn more about the new recreation center atwww.VBgov.com/BowCreek​.

Fri, Mar 20 - Selden Offsite Gallery opening at the World Trade Center, 6 - 8:00 pm, 101 W. Main St. Ste. #180, Norfolk. The Selden Gallery has relocated to the World Trade Center temporarily during construction of The Main.  Join us for an opening reception. Our first exhibition at the new Selden Offsite Gallery will be a joint exhibit of the work of Roy Baugher and Manuela Mourao March 20 – April 24, 2015.

Fri, Mar 20 - Suds & Buds, Three Great Causes, One Great Party, Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6 - 10:00 pm, Norfolk. The party will feature craft beer, wine and other beverages, food from local restaurants, music, and other surprises. This event will celebrate the first day of spring, and help kick off the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s 2015 theme of “Incredible Edibles.” The Suds & Buds party is a rain-or-shine event that will flow from Rose Garden Hall to the patio behind it. The garden grounds will be open for strolling or tram rides. There is ample free parking just outside Rose Garden Hall as well as a drop-off area at the door. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online or by check. Proceeds will be shared by Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Rotary Club of Norfolk and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

Fri-Sun, Mar 20-22 - The 2015 Yuengling Shamrock Marathon & Anthem Half Marathon and TowneBank Shamrock 8k, Virginia Beach Convention Center & Oceanfront. Come celebrate with us as we bring the Luck of the Irish to all runners in Virginia Beach, Virginia on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. ShamRock On! Racing Highlights: 30,000 Participants, Yuengling Beer (over 21 only), Murphy’s Irish Stew, 2 Day Sports & Fitness Expo, Speaker Series at Expo, Course Entertainment, Post Race Bands, Boston Qualifier, New King Neptune Challenge, Walker Friendly.http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/registration/

Fri-Sun, Mar 20-22 - Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market 2015, Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach. features over 150 fine artists and craftspeople from across the nation offering fine arts, handcrafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, clothing, toys, folk art and specialty foods. Exhibitors introduce new lines and special accessories for the home and garden including wrought iron, welcome wreaths, garden statuary, birdhouses, outdoor furniture, pottery and wind chimes. Meet the artisans, learn the stories behind their work and shop for the best in fine arts and fine crafts - from simple to lavish - you’ll find one-of-a-kind creations for every budget. Admission: $6.00 for adults (children under 12 free) Free parking and shuttle bus in the convention center parking lots. Receive 50¢ off admission by bringing a canned food donation for the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.

Sat, Mar 21 - Great Dismal Swamp Safari, 9:30 - 1:30 pm, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (off of White Marsh Road), Suffolk. The Great Dismal Swamp is anything but dismal. The narrated Swamp Safari, one of Suffolk’s most popular attractions, fills up quickly. This four-hour tour is led by a biologist specializing is the unique habitat of the Great Dismal. Learn about the history, lore, vegetation and wildlife with this adventure that includes a brief walk to Lake Drummond. Sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. A small snack and beverage is provided. This tour is not recommended for very small children. Reservations are required and cancellations are expected no less than 48 hours prior to scheduled tour. Call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130 to reserve your spot.

Sat, Mar 21 - Guided Walking Tour of the Isle of Wight County Courthouse Complex, beginning at 10:00 am at Boykin’s Tavern, 17146 Monument Circle, Isle of Wight. Join us as we explore this 19th, 20th and 21st century site and share the story of its beginnings as well as a few tales of capers and duels. This tour begins and ends at Boykin’s Tavern. The Isle of Wight County Museum is pleased to offer several FREE guided walking tours of the county’s historic sites and events throughout the year. Led by local historians and museum staff, the tours offer an in-depth look and a hands-on experience at these important and well-preserved properties. Reservations are not necessary. For further information call 757.357.0115.

Sat, Mar 21 - Calvary Cemetery Walking Tour, 10 - 11:30 am, 1600 St. Julian Avenue, Norfolk. Join Bobette Nelson for a pleasant walk through the pastoral grounds of historic Calvary Cemetery, est. 1877.  Visit the final resting places of several Norfolk Notables. Includes information on memorial art symbolism and Calvary Cemetery history between stops. $5 suggested donation to the Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation. Students free.

Sat, Mar 21 - Town Center’s Spring Fling, 12 - 2:00 pm, Fountain Plaza, Central Park Avenue, Virginia Beach. Come out to join us in the Fountain Plaza for a Spring Fling just for you and the kids! We will have an egg hunt, crafts, store discounts, live entertainment, giveaways and a special surprise…! This family friendly event is FREE and open to the public

Sat, Mar 21 - Guided Walking Tour of Nike Park, beginning at 2:00 pm, 13036 Nike Park Road, Carrollton. Visit one of the Cold War’s few surviving Army Air-Defense Posts. Local historian Albert Burckard hosts a short presentation and a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, administration and recreation building, officer/non-commissioned officer family housing, fueling area and underground missile magazines. Event held at Nike Park. The Isle of Wight County Museum is pleased to offer several FREE guided walking tours of the county’s historic sites and events throughout the year. Led by local historians and museum staff, the tours offer an in-depth look and a hands-on experience at these important and well-preserved properties. Reservations are not necessary. For further information call 757.357.0115.

Sat/Sun, Mar 21/22 - Southeastern Guns & Knives Show, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. Founded in 1982 by “Doc” Mendelson, SGK Shows carry on the uniquely American tradition of Gun Shows. Catering to dealers and public alike, SGK currently produces gun shows on the East Coast. For the public, we strive to bring the best assortment of firearms and related products together for home defense, collecting, and sport shooting. $10 Adults, $7 Ages 13-17, Free admission for children 12 & under accompanied by an adult 21 yo. 757-315-1610 / http://www.guns-knives.com/

Sun, Mar 22 - "Civil War in Isle of Wight County - An Historical Update" at the Isle of Wight County Museum, 2:00 pm, 103 Main Street in downtown Smithfield. Isle of Wight County has a rich Civil War history. The Isle of Wight County Museum, in conjunction with the Virginia Sesquicentennial initiative, has dug deeper into the Civil War’s impact on the area. Join Curator Tracey Neikirk as she reveals how a torpedo boat in the Pagan almost sank the flagship of the Union fleet and the importance of Fort Boykin’s telegraph to the commanders in Richmond. For more information call 757.356.1223.

Mon, Mar 23 - Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour, 2:00 pm, Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 North Main Street. See Suffolk through the eyes of years gone by. Suffolk’s rich heritage dates back to the early 17th century, when Captain John Smith first encountered the Nansemond Indians on the Nansemond River. Even now, you can trace Suffolk’s legacy through our historic homes and neighborhoods, churches and Virginia Civil War Trails. Guided by a Suffolk historian, you meet the people and places that made Suffolk the city it is today. Highlights of this windshield tour include Cedar Hill Cemetery, Riddick’s Folly House Museum, Constant’s Wharf, College Court and Suffolk’s Historic Lakeside neighborhood. $8 Adults / $6 Seniors, Military and Children 9-12. 757.514.4130 

Tue, Mar 24 - Yoga in the Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, 8:45 - 9:45 am, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. Join Tenesha Bazemore for yoga classes in a beautiful setting. Suitable for all skill levels, and free for Museum Members, we’ll do this every Tuesday morning in March.

Wed, Mar 25 - Great Dismal Swamp Safari, 9:30 - 1:30 pm, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (off of White Marsh Road), Suffolk. The Great Dismal Swamp is anything but dismal. The narrated Swamp Safari, one of Suffolk’s most popular attractions, fills up quickly. This four-hour tour is led by a biologist specializing is the unique habitat of the Great Dismal. Learn about the history, lore, vegetation and wildlife with this adventure that includes a brief walk to Lake Drummond. Sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. A small snack and beverage is provided. This tour is not recommended for very small children. Reservations are required and cancellations are expected no less than 48 hours prior to scheduled tour. Call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130 to reserve your spot.

Wed, Mar 25 - Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council Awards Luncheon, Chesapeake Conference Center, 12:00 pm, 700 Conference Center Drive, Chesapeake. The Chesapeake Environment Improvement Council (CEIC) is honoring individuals, community groups, schools, and businesses for outstanding environmental projects at its annual Awards Luncheon. Reservations are $20 each or $180 for a table of 10. Information: 757-382-6411 

Thu/Fri, Mar 26/27 - Chesapeake Super Pickleball Challenge Tournament, Western Branch and Deep Creek Community Centers, 4437 Portsmouth Boulevard, and 2901 Margaret Booker Drive, Chesapeake. Open to: Ages 18 and Above for Open Play, 50+ for Senior Play, Men’s and Women’s Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Fees: $20 for Chesapeake Residents; $25 for Non-Residents. Entry Deadline: Fees Due by 5:00 pm, March 20, 2015. Info: For additional information, please call 757-382-6411.http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Assets/documents/departments/parks_rec/athletics+misc+files/Pickleball-Flyer-Application.pdf

Sat, Mar 28 - "Love is in the Air", Virginia Zoo, 3 - 6:00 pm, Norfolk. Join us for Love is in the Air, a special program about the wild ways animals date & mate. This adults-only opportunity will explain animal courtship habits in an honest and humorous forum. This adults-only program will examine the wild ways of animal courtship. The event includes a Zoo tour, wine and appetizers, and an presentation on animal courtship by Tidewater Community College biology professor Lisa Behm. Space is limited; pre-registration required. 21 and up only. •Cost per pair is $55 for Zoo Members and $65 for Non-members. •Ticket price includes a bottle of wine (red or white), appetizers, a Zoo tour and presentation. Contact us at (757)441-2374, ext. 253.

LOCAL THEATER / CONCERTS / TALKS

Now thru Mar 15 - The Taming of the Shrew, By William Shakespeare, Adapted & Directed by Patrick Mullins, Virginia Stage Company, Tue 7:00 pm, Wed-Sat 8:00 pm, Sat 4:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm, Wells Theater, 110 East Tazewell Street, Norfolk. Find out who really wears the pants in Shakespeare’s witty tale of romance, sibling rivalry and strong women. Patrick Mullins takes us on a whirlwind ride, presenting this quick and quirky battle of the sexes romp set to original music.

Now thru Mar 15 - "The Diviners", Regent University Theatre, Thu-Sat 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2:30 pm, Studio Theatre, Communication and Performing Arts Center, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach. By Jim Leonard Jr., Directed by April Wolfe. In a town longing for revival, an unexpected friendship between a damaged boy and a disenchanted preacher brings both redemption and heartache. 757.352.4245 

Now thru Mar 29 - "Clybourne Park", by Bruce Norris, Generic Theater, Thu-Sat 8:00 pm, Sun 2:30 pm, 215 St. Paul’s Blvd, Norfolk. This beautiful play is a follow-up to Raisin in the Sun, one of the great classics of all time. In Raisin in the Sun, Mama Younger buys a house in a white neighborhood in 1960. Clybourne Park takes us into that house. It starts just before Mama moves in and follows it ahead 50 years to show how the whole neighborhood, and the whole world, has changed around it. It won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2012. selling tickets for $7 for opening weekend starting Friday and $9 for the following weekend.  You can see the details here:http://www.NORFOLKHOTDEALS.COM/Generic-Theater—Norfolk/Norfolk/23510/deals/Clybourne-Park—Tony-Winning-Play-at-The-Generic-Theater-in-Norfolk—OPENS-FRIDAY/87726/3726

Thu, Mar 12 - Riverwalk Landing Cabin Fever Concert for March, Freight Shed, 7 - 8:30 pm, 331 Water Street, Yorktown. Wipe the winter blues away with a free concert in the Freight Shed at Riverwalk Landing in historic Yorktown. Local musicians engage and interact with the audience during this unique experience.  Tonight’s entertainment features “Kim Person & Lana Puckett” Sponsored by York County. Limited seating, no tickets or reservations, first come-first served. 757.890.3500

Thu, Mar 12 - Women of Ireland, Ferguson Center for the Arts, 7:30 pm, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. Women of Ireland is an innovative and exciting full-stage concert production which showcases the next generation of Ireland’s leading female performers. The show demonstrates the wealth of talent that exists within Ireland’s traditions of music, song and dance. The common theme inherent in all performances is the presentation of the most revered qualities of Ireland’s ethnic music which will be transported from the Irish fireside to the international concert hall platform. In addition, special significance is placed on depicting the pure qualities of Irish music in a contemporary setting.

Thu, Mar 12 - Marcus Johnson, Attucks Theatre, 8:00 pm, 1010 Church Street, Norfolk. Over the last decade, Marcus Johnson has released 15 successful studio albums. Johnson is the owner of a music label, Three Keys Music, and has emerged as one of the young lions of the “DIY” music world.  His unique self-taught style of piano play has earned him distinction among his peers, praise from the media and accolades across the music industry.  Marcus is on the cutting edge of ‘Euro Jazz’ having formed JURIS, a musical collaboration with acclaimed Parisian DJ and producer Young Pulse. The duo quickly developed a name within the international music community, enjoying large-scale performances and preparing a Q3 release of their latest project entitled “Eiffel Tower.”

Thu, Mar 12 - VSO: Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante, Phi Beta Kappa Hall, 8:00 pm, 601 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg. Four stars of the VSO stage join forces to perform Haydn’s charming Sinfonia Concertante, a work that allows each of them to display their virtuosity as musicians.  The beautiful voices of the Virginia Symphony Chorus will also be featured in two works by Brahms: Nanie and Schicksaslied. JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Vahn Armstrong, violin; Michael Daniels, cello; Sherie Lake Aguirre, oboe; Laura Leisring, bassoon; Virginia Symphony Chorus

Thu, Mar 12 thru Mar 28 - "The 39 Steps", Williamsburg Players, Thu-Sat 8:00 pm, Sat 2:00 pm, 200 Hubbard Lane, Williamsburg. Adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow from an original concept by Simon Corble & Nobby Dimon, presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. What happens when every character from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller is played by a cast of just four actors and all of the on-screen action is presented on a theater stage? A madcap take on a suspense classic! Directed by Abigail Schumann

Fri-Sun, Mar 13-15 - The Hurrah Players present Disney’s: “MULAN”, TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, Fri/Sat 7:00 pm, Sat/Sun 3:00 pm, 340 Granby St, Norfolk. The Hurrah Players introduce another Disney treasure to the Hampton Roads Community. Based on the 1998 Disney film and the ancient story Fa Mulan by Robert D. San Souci - Hurrah presents the stage-musical adaptation of Disney’s MULAN. Disney’s MULAN brilliantly weaves together classic fairy tale elements with fiery new characters, heart-pounding adventure, and unforgettable music to delight audiences of all ages. Defying the village matchmaker, young Mulan takes up arms and disguises herself as a boy in order to spare her father from having to serve in the army. The Huns have invaded, the Ancestors are watching, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the Emperor.

Fri, Mar 13 thru Mar 17 - Virginia Opera presents: “La Traviata”, Harrison Opera House, Fri 8:00 pm, Sun 2:30 pm, Tue 7:30 pm, 160 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk. To close this stunning season of stylistic highlights, Virginia Opera premieres [co-produced with, Des Moines Metro Opera] a brand new, glittering and glamorous traditional staging of La Traviata directed by Virginia Opera audience favorite, Lilian Groag, who stunned audiences last Spring with a vibrant and stylish Marriage of Figaro- Ms. Groag has worked with Virginia Opera for over 20 years and the tradition continues with this brand-new La Traviata. Conducted by Andrew Bisantz, in his Virginia Opera debut, this exciting American conductor enjoys a significant opera career and continues the Virginia Opera tradition of presenting major new talent.

Fri, Mar 13 thru Apr 5 - "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", by Tennessee Williams, Little Theatre of Norfolk, Fri/Sat 8:00 pm, Sun 2:30 pm, 801 Claremont Ave, Norfolk. A family gathers at the Pollitt Plantation for the sixty-fifth birthday celebration of Big Daddy, its ailing patriarch. Despite the festivities, conniving family members scramble to secure their part of his estate. As tensions mount between alcoholic former football hero Brick and his beautiful but sexually frustrated wife Maggie “the Cat, a shock wave of secrets is finally revealed. * Contains Adult Language / Situations

Sat, Mar 14 - Women’s History Month Film Fest: “Top Secret Rosies: The Female Computers of WW II”, Virginia War Museum, 1:00 pm, 9285 Warwick Boulevard in Huntington Park, Newport News. The museum will host a film festival during the month of March featuring films with depicting women’s roles in the military.  All movies are free with each day’s paid admission. March 14: Top Secret Rosies: The Female Computers of WWII. In 1942 a secret U.S. military program was launched to recruit women to the war effort. This clandestine search targeted female mathematicians who would become human ‘computers’ for the U.S. Army. From the bombing of Axis Europe to the assaults on Japanese strongholds, women worked around-the-clock six days a week, creating ballistics tables that proved crucial to Allies’ success.

Sat, Mar 14 - Ballet Virginia International: “Sleeping Beauty”, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 2:00 & 7:30 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. Ballet Virginia International presents a ballet fit for a Princess… Be transported to a land of fairies, royal pageantry and a fated princess. Watch as the Lilac Fairy saves Princess Aurora and her kingdom from Carobosse’s evil and jealous spells. See Prince Florimund awake his Sleeping Beauty from her slumber. Love follows and a “happily ever after” brings the story to a spectacular end.

Sat, Mar 14 - "A Raisin in the Sun", Willett Hall, 3 & 8:00 pm, 3701 Willett Drive, Portsmouth. Set on Chicago’s South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis and matriarch Lena. When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur has other plans, however: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school. The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American Drama. Sacrifice, trust and love among the Younger family and their heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration.  (757) 393-5144

Sat, Mar 14 - Jr. Walkers All-Stars & The Winstons Greatest Motown Revue, Attucks Theatre, 7:00 pm, 1010 Church Street, Norfolk. The Winstons & Their Orchestra: Performing the hit song - “Color Him Father” and featuring “The World’s Greatest Motown Revue.” Let The Winstons take you down memory lane with the classic hits of The Temptations, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and many others…

Sat, Mar 14 - VSO: Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante, Regent University, 8:00 pm, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach. Four stars of the VSO stage join forces to perform Haydn’s charming Sinfonia Concertante, a work that allows each of them to display their virtuosity as musicians.  The beautiful voices of the Virginia Symphony Chorus will also be featured in two works by Brahms: Nanie and Schicksaslied. JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Vahn Armstrong, violin; Michael Daniels, cello; Sherie Lake Aguirre, oboe; Laura Leisring, bassoon; Virginia Symphony Chorus

Sat, Mar 14 - ‘Dana Leong Trio’, The American Theater, 8:00 pm, 125 E Mellen St, Hampton. Composer, cellist and trombonist Dana Leong fuses jazz, classical and pop to create a signature boundless sound. Often referred to as a “hi-def Yo-Yo Ma,” Dana’s pioneering collage of musical styles has garnered critical acclaim and wowed audiences around the world. Dana Leong Trio, featuring Dana (cello/trombone/laptop), John Shannon (guitar) and DJ Icewater (turntables), is the latest incarnation of Dana’s ever-expansive compositions, bringing together an exciting electro-acoustic blend of jazz, classical and pop.

Sun, Mar 15 - Peter Yarrow of ‘Peter, Paul and Mary’, The American Theater, 2:30 pm, 125 E Mellen St, Hampton. Peter’s talents as a creative artist - both with Peter, Paul & Mary and as a solo performer - are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs Peter, Paul & Mary have recorded, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done,” “Light One Candle,” and “The Great Mandala.” As a member of the renowned musical trio, he has earned many gold and platinum albums, and has been awarded numerous Grammys and been nominated for several more. More important to Peter, however, is the acknowledgment of the central role that he and his partners have played in bringing the folk renaissance of the 1960s to the hearts and homes of the American public.

Sun, Mar 15 - Virginia Symphony Orchestra: “Mayhem at the Music Shoppe”, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 3:00 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. What happens when a curious ferret invades an instrument repair shop at night? Sidesplitting adventure is sure to ensue as the creature explores the shop’s menagerie of instruments - taking the audience along for the ride!  Join us as the PB&J series concludes with Gregory Smith’s hilarious and zany presentation, “The Animated Orchestra.”

Mon, Mar 16 - Mal Vincent presents…”Virginia is for Movie Lovers”, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 6:30 pm, 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach. “I’m No Angel” (1933), starring Mae West and Cary Grant. MOCA is delighted to partner again with film critic Mal Vincent for this three-part film series in celebration of our Virginia-centric exhibitions. Mal will introduce each film and share personal stories and the inside scoop on the film and actors featured. Come to the museum early to see the current exhibitions and enjoy a cocktail. Mar 16, 23, & 30. Doors open with cash bar & concessions 6:30 pm. Film/introduction 7:15 pm. Tickets: $10 per person, MOCA Members $5. Purchase a combo ticket to all 3 films and SAVE!

Tue, Mar 17 - An Evening with Sarah McLachlan, Ferguson Center for the Arts, 8:00 pm, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. Sarah McLachlan is one of the most celebrated singer songwriters in entertainment with over 40 million albums sold worldwide. She is an eight-time Juno Award winner and a three-time Grammy Award winner. McLachlan’s landmark fifth album, the 10x-platinum SURFACING, contained two Grammy Award-winning tracks: “Building a Mystery” and “Last Dance.” In addition to her personal artistic efforts, she founded the Lilith Fair tour showcasing female musicians which raised over $7 million for local and national charities over its 3 years and in 2002 founded her non-profit organization the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

Wed, Mar 18 - Conference on the Black Family, Controlling Diabetes: A Call to Action for Minority Families, Hampton University. The keynote speaker is Assistant Surgeon General Rear Admiral Pamela Schweitzer. Learn about lifestyle changes and services to help manage the diabetes properly. Cost: Individual - Pre-registration $25 (Deadline March 13) On-Site $50 Military and Senior Citizens, $15. 757-727-5071 /http://news.hamptonu.edu/release/Hampton-University-Black-Family-Conference-focuses-on-Controlling-Diabetes

Wed, Mar 18 - Norfolk Society of Arts Lecture Series: “Degas/Cassatt: An Impressionist Pas-de-Deux”, Chrysler Museum of Art, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. Featuring Kimberly A. Jones, Associate Curator of French Paintings, The National Gallery of Art, Washington. Discover how Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt shaped and improved each other’s art and audiences at home and abroad. Come at 10:30 a.m. for a coffee reception to learn more about the NSA and its April 13 benefit luncheon and silent auction. The free talk in the Kaufman Theater begins at 11 am.

Wed, Mar 18 - Lunch in Time: “Construction of Fort Monroe”, Hampton History Museum, 12 - 1:00 pm, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. Join W. Robert Kelly, Casemate Museum historian, Fort Monroe Authority for “The Construction of Fort Monroe: An Archival Investigation.” Hear the history of how the “Gibraltar of the Chesapeake” was built. Fort Monroe is a masterpiece of military engineering and is the largest masonry fort in America spanning 63 acres. Free and open to the public - bring a bag lunch! 757-727-1610

Wed, Mar 18 - Front Porch Music Series: ‘Otis Brooks Trio’, Hampton History Museum, 6 - 8:00 pm, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. Otis Brooks uses Rock, Jazz, Blues, R&B and Funk elements in his musical expression and has been playing in his trio and as a band mate in Rock, Blues and Jazz bands for the better part of a decade.

Thu, Mar 19 - Chris Brown featuring Tyga: Between the Sheets Tour, Hampton Coliseum, 7:00 pm, 1000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. The Between The Sheets Tour date at Hampton Coliseum originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 has been postponed to Thursday, March 19 at 7 pm. Due to the postponement, Trey Songz will not be able to perform in Hampton. This date will feature Chris Brown with special guest Tyga. Refunds available at point of purchase for fans unable to attend rescheduled date.

Thu, Mar 19 - Washington Saxophone Quartet, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. WSaxQ is the most widely heard saxophone quartet in the United States. Since 1997, recorded arrangements by the Washington Saxophone Quartet have aired daily throughout the United States on NPR’s broadcasts of “All Things Considered.” Concert audiences enjoy their connection to WSaxQ when they discover they’ve been listening to the quartet’s music during afternoon “drive-time.” And it often comes as a surprise that they’ve been hearing four saxophones! The instruments evoke the refined sounds of a string quartet, the rich harmonies of an organ prelude, and the excitement of a jazz sax section.

Thu, Mar 19 - Phoebus Film Club Series: “Casablanca”, The American Theater, 7:30 pm, 125 E Mellen St, Hampton. An undisputed masterpiece and perhaps Hollywood’s quintessential statement on love and romance. In World War II Casablanca, Rick Blaine, exiled American and former freedom fighter, runs the most popular nightspot in town. The cynical lone wolf Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable letters of transit. When Nazi Major Strasser arrives in Casablanca, the sycophantic police Captain Renault does what he can to please him, including detaining a Czechoslovak underground leader Victor Laszlo. Much to Rick’s surprise, Lazslo arrives with Ilsa, Rick’s one time love. Rick is very bitter towards Ilsa, who ran out on him in Paris, but when he learns she had good reason to, they plan to run off together again using the letters of transit.

Thu, Mar 19 - Distinguished Speaker Series: General Colin Powel - “Leadership: Taking Charge”, Ferguson Center for the Arts, 7:30 pm, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. For over 50 years, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) has devoted his life to public service. Having held senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations, Powell’s deep commitment to democratic values and freedom has been felt throughout the world. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell attended the City College of New York where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. It was not until he joined the Army ROTC program at CCNY that he discovered his calling and launched his incredible military career.

Fri, Mar 20 - Movie in the Pool: “Lego Movie”, Williams Farm Recreation Center, 6 - 8:00 pm, 5252 Learning Circle, Virginia Beach. Enjoy a special feature while floating in the pool. Membership or day pass needed, but no additional cost. Open to all ages, but those age 9 & under must be directly supervised by someone age 16 or older.​​​ 7573852950

Fri, Mar 20 - VSO: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Benjamin Rous-conductor, Alexandre de Costa-violin, Ferguson Center for the Arts, 8:00 pm, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. It is perhaps the most-played violin concerto of all time and one of the more demanding works for the violin virtuoso - Tchaikovsky’s Concerto for Violin - remarkable for its unwavering melodic inspiration and passionate expression of human feeling.  In it, Tchaikovsky speaks to us from the heart, using the voice of the solo violin as his medium.  Also on the program is the light and playful 9th Symphony by Shostakovich.

Fri, Mar 20 - Hampton Spring Jam, Hampton Coliseum, 8:00 pm, 1000 Coliseum Dr., Hampton. Featuring Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, 112 and Avant hosted by Doug E Fresh is Friday, March 20, 2015 at 7:30 pm. Don’t miss the concert party that’s kicking spring off right! *Artists scheduled to appear are subject to change.

Fri, Mar 20-Apr 12 - "Other Desert Cities", Little Theatre of Virginia Beach, Fri/Sat 8:00 pm, Sun 2:30 pm, 550 Barberton Drive, Virginia Beach. Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs after a six year absence to celebrate Christmas with her parents, her brother, and her aunt. Brooke announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and damaging event in the family’s history—a wound they don’t want reopened. This is a crackling contemporary family drama that will charm, disturb and delight.

Sat, Mar 21 - Opera Tales: “The Princess and the Pea”, Harrison Opera House, 9:30 am, 160 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk. To end this first season of Opera Tales we will present The Princess and the Pea, another Hans Christian Andersen favorite in a humorous adaption by Dr. Glenn Winters. A young girl, whose royal blood could only be confirmed by testing her sensitivity to a pea, becomes a short opera sure to bring many laughs to young audiences. Pre-Show Activities at 9:30 am, Program at 11:00 am.  866.673.7282

Sat, Mar 21 - "Treasure Island" by The Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 11:00 am, 110 West Finney Avenue, Suffolk. Set sail on an adventure with this retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story of buccaneers and buried gold. A high-energy and hilarious play that has something for every age-swordplay, danger, comedy, puppets and pirates. $5.  757.923.2900

Sat, Mar 21 - Women’s History Month Film Fest: “Lioness”, Virginia War Museum, 1:00 pm, 9285 Warwick Boulevard in Huntington Park, Newport News. The museum will host a film festival during the month of March featuring films with depicting women’s roles in the military.  All movies are free with each day’s paid admission. March 21: Lioness. How did five female Army support soldiers, mechanics, supply clerks and engineers, end up fighting alongside the Marines in some of the bloodiest counterinsurgency battles of the Iraq War?  An intimate look at war through the eyes of the first women in U.S. history sent into direct ground combat, despite a policy that bans them from doing so.

Sat, Mar 21 - “STOMP”, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 2:00 & 7:00 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP, the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.

Sat, Mar 21 - Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, Merchants Square, 2:30 pm, Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg. Members of Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums visit Merchants Square one Saturday each month. Beginning approximately 2:30 p.m., the Fifes and Drums play music and interact with onlookers in the Square, answering questions from the audience.

Sat, Mar 21 - Southern Gospel Concert, Green Lakes Baptist Church, 6:30 pm, 1610 Hodges Ferry Rd, Portsmouth. FREE concert featuring KEEPERS OF THE FAITH, a gospel quartet from Washington state.

Sat, Mar 21 - Hermitage Instrumental Recital Series: Organ, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, Hermitage Museum and Gardens, 7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk. Join us for a private concert on the Hermitage’s 1926 Moller player pipe organ, one of very few organs of its kind remaining in the area in working condition. John Dixon, Dean of the American Guild of Organists, Tidewater Chapter, will perform traditional and contemporary works. Arrive early to browse the collection, mingle and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Sat, Mar 21 - VSO: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Benjamin Rous-conductor, Alexandre de Costa-violin, Chrysler Hall, 8:00 pm, 215 Saint Pauls Boulevard, Norfolk. It is perhaps the most-played violin concerto of all time and one of the more demanding works for the violin virtuoso - Tchaikovsky’s Concerto for Violin - remarkable for its unwavering melodic inspiration and passionate expression of human feeling.  In it, Tchaikovsky speaks to us from the heart, using the voice of the solo violin as his medium.  Also on the program is the light and playful 9th Symphony by Shostakovich.

Sat, Mar 21 - Grits: The Musical, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 8:00 pm, 110 West Finney Avenue, Suffolk. $25 ($35 for VIP). Its four women, four generations and four different views. It’s your mother, your sister, your Grandma, your best friend. It’s sweet tea, collard greens, fresh tomatoes and banana puddin’. Its stories you’ll recognize and tales from the past. Its country music, jazz tunes, old time blues and toe tappin’ rock. It’s the old, the new and some things in between. It’s about love and laughter, revelation and grace. A four woman cast spanning age groups from young women in their 20’s to mature women in their 50’s and 60’s.  Each woman is an individual storyteller and vocalist. Every story carries a song. 757.923.0003

Sat, Mar 21 - Attucks Jazz Club Series: Howard Levy, harmonica, with John Toomey Trio, 8:00 pm, Attucks Theatre, 1010 Church Street, Norfolk. Multiple Grammy Award-winning harmonica player Howard Levy has been referred to as “the most radical single technical innovator in the history of the instrument”. Perhaps most well-known for his work with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Levy’s innovative style has brought the harmonica to a whole new level. See him rock the house in this intimate jazz club setting at the Attucks!

Sun, Mar 22 - Galleria Seasons, Willett Hall, 3:00 pm, 3701 Willett Drive, Portsmouth.  Featuring the Vega String Quartet with abstract artist Timothy Raines. Vivaldi’s landmark composition, “The Four Seasons,” is accompanied by the creation of two unique acrylic-on-canvas pieces for every concert, live on stage. Finished art to be donated to the presenter. Galleria Seasons is a cutting-edge, crowd pleasing multimedia music and art event. (757) 393-5144

Sun, Mar 22 - Chris Tomlin “Love Ran Red Tour”, Hampton Coliseum, 7:00 pm, 1000 Coliseum Dr., Hampton. Grammy and Dove® award-winning, Christian worship sensation Chris Tomlin hits the road again this spring for his “Love Ran Red” Tour, featuring Tenth Avenue North and Rend Collective. The highly anticipated night of worship will feature new songs from Tomlin’s new release, Love Ran Red album along with an array of hits from the past. Opening the show will be Tenth Avenue North, headliners in their own right with four studio albums and multiple Dove Awards, and energetic worship favorites Rend Collective.

Sun, Mar 22 - The Inspiration of Broadway, Ferguson Center for the Arts, 7:00 pm, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. The Inspiration of Broadway will be a wonderful evening of vocal music featuring J. Mark McVey from “Les Miserables” and the inspirational quartet styles of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. A musical evening, featured songs include: “Climb Every Mountain,” “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat,” “Get Happy,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Bring Him Home,” “Blue Skies,” “I Got the Sun In Morning,” “Blow Gabriel Blow,” “Seasons of Love” and “Old Man River.” This new show will be an uplifting night for people of all ages.

Sun, Mar 22 - VSO: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Benjamin Rous-conductor, Alexandre de Costa-violin, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 8:00 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. It is perhaps the most-played violin concerto of all time and one of the more demanding works for the violin virtuoso - Tchaikovsky’s Concerto for Violin - remarkable for its unwavering melodic inspiration and passionate expression of human feeling.  In it, Tchaikovsky speaks to us from the heart, using the voice of the solo violin as his medium.  Also on the program is the light and playful 9th Symphony by Shostakovich.

Mon, Mar 23 - Mal Vincent presents…”Virginia is for Movie Lovers”, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 6:30 pm, 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach. “The Great Santini” (1979) starring Robert Duvall and Blythe Danner. MOCA is delighted to partner again with film critic Mal Vincent for this three-part film series in celebration of our Virginia-centric exhibitions. Mal will introduce each film and share personal stories and the inside scoop on the film and actors featured. Come to the museum early to see the current exhibitions and enjoy a cocktail. Mar 16, 23, & 30. Doors open with cash bar & concessions 6:30 pm. Film/introduction 7:15 pm. Tickets: $10 per person, MOCA Members $5.

Tue, Mar 24 - Welch Fusiliers Topic of Lecture at the Yorktown Victory Center, 7 - 9:00 pm, 200 Water Street, Yorktown. Lt. Gen. Jonathan Riley, Ph.D., will speak on the subject of his book, ‘“That Astonishing Infantry’: The History of The Royal Welch Fusiliers, 1689-2006” General Riley, served in the British Army from 1973 to 2009 and in the 1990’s was the commanding officer of the 1st Royal Welch Fusiliers. He is the author of 19 books. Free  757.253.4838.

Tue, Mar 24 - The Norfolk Forum Lecture Series: Sanjay Gupta, M.D., Chrysler Hall, 7:30 pm, 215 Saint Pauls Boulevard, Norfolk. Dr. Sanjay Gupta is the multiple Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN. Gupta, a practicing neurosurgeon, plays an integral role in CNN’s reporting on health and medical news for American Morning, Anderson Cooper 360°, CNN documentaries, and anchors the weekend medical affairs program Sanjay Gupta, MD. Gupta also contributes to CNN.com and CNNHealth.com. His medical training and public health policy experience distinguish his reporting on a range of medical and scientific topics including brain injury, disaster recovery, health care reform, fitness, military medicine, HIV/AIDS, and other areas.

Tue, Mar 24 - A Celebration of the Centennial of NACA, Virginia Air & Space Center, 7:30 pm, 600 Settler’s Landing Road, Hampton. The next Sigma Series Lecture will highlight A Celebration of the Centennial of NACA, featuring historians Roger Launius, John Anderson, and Tom Crouch. No cost and no reservation. - See more at: http://www.vasc.org/events/sigma-series#sthash.as2eUmVR.dpuf

Tue, Mar 24 - KODO, One Earth Tour: Mystery, Ferguson Center for the Arts, 7:00 pm, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. Kodo, the “taiko” drumming pioneers from Japan’s remote and inspiring Sado Island, have powerful mastery over their instruments. Since 1981, the group has roused and moved audiences around the globe. “Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery” brings a wondrous and sacred realm to the stage using the “mystery” created by folk arts since ancient times, presenting a world of darkness, light and reverberations with theatrics and new forms of expression. “Mystery” fuses Kodo’s dynamism of taiko expression with the beauty and true charm that lie within ancient Japanese traditions. Be prepared for a voyage to the extraordinary, to a mysterious realm that lies in the beyond, through this stunning spectacle and vibrant expression of artistic excellence.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Sat, Mar 14 - Williamsburg Farmers Market, Every Sat 8:30am to 12:30pm. Merchants’ Square, Williamsburg. In the heart of historic Williamsburg, Virginia.  Flowerbeds and benches offer a tranquil setting for this open-air, Virginia producer-only market.  Over 35 vendors offer a variety of local products, among which are fresh seasonal produce, chicken, beef, bison, pork, oysters, fish, crabs, prawns, herbs, potted plants, baked goods, confections, honey, cheese, cut flowers, handmade soaps, and more.http://www.williamsburgfarmersmarket.com/

Sat, Mar 21 - Old Beach Farmers’ Market, Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, Beginning November 2014 and running through May 2015 your market will be open every third Saturday, 9:00 am to Noon, on the corner of 19th Street and Cypress Ave, Virginia Beach. Old Beach Farmers Market (OBFM) features seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, meats (pork, bison, beef, chicken, turkey, sausages, charcuterie), eggs, seafood, cheeses, a wide assortment of baked goods (biscuits, pies, cakes, brownies and cookies), artisanal breads, and savory foods from local chefs (pasta, sauces, salsas, salads, tamales), soap, and flowers. Founded in 2008, Old Beach Farmers Market is run entirely by volunteers as an independent 501(c)6 organization. We support local family farms, watermen, and Virginia wineries. Old Beach Farmers Market is a certified Virginia Green market, encouraging eco-friendly practices. Walk over or ride a bike. Bring a reusable shopping bag. Come discover the taste of fresh, seasonal fare.

Sat, Mar 21 - Smithfield Farmers Market’s “Vintage Market”, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Bank of Southside Virginia parking lot, 115 Main Street in downtown Smithfield. Offering vintage, antique & repurposed Items, plus great food by From the Hearth pizza, Creekside Catering, Truly Scrumptious,  Yummaries, Rogue Elephant Coffee, live music by Reg Lanning & more! The Smithfield Farmers Market season opens in the same location the following Saturday & runs through October. For further information call 757.375.3031.

Sat, Mar 21 - Williamsburg Farmers Market, Every Sat 8:30am to 12:30pm. Merchants’ Square, Williamsburg. In the heart of historic Williamsburg, Virginia.  Flowerbeds and benches offer a tranquil setting for this open-air, Virginia producer-only market.  Over 35 vendors offer a variety of local products, among which are fresh seasonal produce, chicken, beef, bison, pork, oysters, fish, crabs, prawns, herbs, potted plants, baked goods, confections, honey, cheese, cut flowers, handmade soaps, and more.http://www.williamsburgfarmersmarket.com/

Sat, Mar 28 - Smithfield Farmers Market’s “Season Opening Craft & Food Market”, 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, the Bank of Southside Virginia parking lot, 115 Main Street, Downtown Smithfield. Named in 2013 & 2014 as one of the “Top 101 Farmers Markets in America!” by TheDailyMeal.com. Now in its 13th season, the market is proud to be a Virginia Grown market offering locally grown produce, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, peanuts, plants, herbs, baked goods, coffee, cheese, honey, barbecue, wood-fired pizza, ham sandwiches, handcrafted items and more! Also featuring live music each market! Enjoy our friendly community event in the heart of historic Smithfield, Virginia. Pets are always welcome! For further information call 757.375.3031.