America's Anniversary Weekend
Entertainment Lineup - Anniversary Park

Click Here for a breakdown of events by each Stage!

Friday, May 11, 2007
Printable Schedule

Performance Highlights:

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of JoAnn Falletta, and Richmond Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Mark Russell Smith, play separately and then combine – for the first time ever – to premier new works by John Corigliano, John Duffy, Adolphus Hailstork and Jennifer Higdon written especially for the commemoration.

9:00	OPEN TO PUBLIC	Festival, Exhibits, Stages
9:30	Bob Zentz	A singer of Songs, Old & New, about people, places and times gone by a player on an interesting collection of the usual, and unusual 'unplugged' Folk Instruments. (Strolling performer - Performing throughout the day) Heritage Stage
9:30	Jackson State Innovation Ensemble	The 16 member Jackson State Innovation Ensemble from Jackson, TN performs a variety of music from patriotic and doo-wop to traditional choral and vocal jazz. Exploration Stage
10:00	Nashoba Valley Chorale	2006 marked the 30th anniversary of the 25-member choir from Groton, MA they celebrated in grand style in May of that year with a performance of Brahm's German Requiem and Beethoven's Choral Fantasy. Democracy Stage
10:00	Stephen Christoff	Playing instruments and sounds such as his hand flute and the bowed musical saw.
10:10	Wilmington Children’s Chorus	2006-2007 appearances for the 25 member Wilmington Children's Chorus from Wilmington, DE have included a concert hosted by the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Washington, DC; as well as performances along side professional ensembles such as the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and the Delaware Valley Chorale. Their program includes the music of Henry Purcell and John Rutter, with some traditional spirituals and Latin folk songs. Exploration Stage
10:30	Fourum	Men’s four-part harmony quartet from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire England performs ballad, spirituals, scared music and classic tunes. (Performing throughout the day) Heritage Stage
10:45	Central Islip High School Choir	This unique Sweet Adeline Chorus from Central Islip, NY has received rave reviews at Suffolk County Music Educator’s Association’s Jazz Day, where they've performed the last two years. Their program will include the music of Harold Arlen, James Keyes and Kirby Shaw among others. Democracy Stage
10:50	East Baton Rouge Parish Children’s Choir	The 48 member East Baton Rouge Parish Children’s Chorus from Baton Rouge. Their program includes the music of Mozart as well spirituals, Cajun music, and traditional American music. Exploration Stage
11:15	Anniversary Voices	A live contemporary musical and dance production featuring a combination of up-beat original songs, traditional medley and a medley of contemporary hits. Heritage Stage
11:30	Croft Middle School Orchestra	The 62-member Orchestra from Nashville, TN. Their program includes the music of Wagner, Sibelius, Mozart and Larry Clark. Democracy Stage
11:30	Washington Township High School Choir	The 75-member Washington Township High School Festival Chorus from Sewell, NJ. Their program consists of American music and folk songs. Exploration Stage
12:00	Dead Men’s Hollow	A regional band from Clifton, VA performs 17^th & 18th century broadsheet ballads and fiddle tunes from the British Isles to the American Appalachian and Piedmont areas. Selections include old-time, bluegrass, southern gospel & country blues music with close-harmony vocals backed by acoustic stringed instruments. Heritage Stage
12:15	Utah Festival Opera Youth Orchestra	A 55 piece Youth Orchestra from Logan, UT Their program selections include music of Copland, Holst and Percy Grainger. Democracy Stage
12:15	Penncrest High School Combined Choirs	A 63-member Penncrest High School Choir from Media, PA. Their varied program includes the music of Bach, American music, and non-Western music. Exploration Stage
1:00	Fourum	Men’s four-part harmony quartet from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire England performs ballad, spirituals, scared music and classic tunes. (Performing throughout the day) Heritage Stage
1:00	Visions of Democracy	A commemorative production that traces the roots of American Democracy and the development of democratic ideals as viewed by three Presidents representing three different centuries of Americans: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This program offers a primer on American democracy and a call to action for the 21^st century citizen. Democracy Stage
1:00	Tualatin High School Concert Choir	A 95-member Tualatin High School Concert Choir and Chamber Singers from Tualatin, OR. They perform a wide range of music including sacred, secular, and modern repertoire. Exploration Stage
1:30	Anniversary Voices	A live contemporary musical and dance production featuring a combination of up-beat original songs, traditional medley and a medley of contemporary hits. Heritage Stage
1:45	Washington Township High School Orch.	An 85- member Orchestra from Sewell, NJ. Their program will feature the music of Nelhybel, Copland, Grofe and Williams. Democracy Stage
1:45	Newton South Chorale	A 47-member Newton South Chorale from Newton Centre, MA. Their program includes spirituals and the music of familiar composers such as Duke Ellington and Paul Simon. Exploration Stage
2:15	Suwabi African Ballet	An African heritage performing group from Williamsburg, VA shares the experiences of Africans in the Americas, the Diaspora and Africa, through classical African dance and music. Audience participation. Heritage Stage
2:25	Ba-Baaah & the Windigo	A childrens production that takes a magical look at how those first settlers from England might have felt as they approached a new world and how those who were already here might have felt about the arriving strangers. Exploration Stage
2:30	Florida Youth Orchestra	A 31-member Orchestra from Hollywood, FL. Their concert program includes the music of Copland, Sibelius and Shostakovich. Democracy Stage
3:10	Bob Zentz	A singer of Songs, Old & New, about people, places and times gone by a player on an interesting collection of the usual, and unusual 'unplugged' Folk Instruments. (Strolling performer - Performing throughout the day) Heritage Stage
3:10	Selinsgrove Area High School Honors Choir	A 41-member Selinsgrove Area High School Honors Choir from Selinsgrove, PA. Their program includes traditional folk songs as well as the music of composers Kinley Lange and Matthew Harris. Exploration Stage
3:15	Visions of Democracy	A commemorative production that traces the roots of American Democracy and the development of democratic ideals as viewed by three Presidents representing three different centuries of Americans: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This program offers a primer on American democracy and a call to action for the 21^st century citizen. Democracy Stage
3:30	Anniversary Voices	A live contemporary musical and dance production featuring a combination of up-beat original songs, traditional medley and a medley of contemporary hits. Heritage Stage
3:50	Lawrence Academy of Music Girls Choir	A 31-member girls choir program from Appleton, WI. Their concert program includes varied American music from Jazz to Hawaiian. Exploration Stage
4:00	Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra	A 36-member orchestra from Pittsburgh, PA. Their program includes the music of Mendelssohn, Bizet, and Gould. Democracy Stage
4:15	Aki	Aki means Earth in Ojibway. This contemporary urban band from Fairfax VA performs indigenous music with an acoustic/folk/rock/blues band. They also perform popular tunes with a Native twist. Heritage Stage
4:30	Ba-Baaah & the Windigo	A childrens production that takes a magical look at how those first settlers from England might have felt as they approached a new world and how those who were already here might have felt about the arriving strangers. Exploration Stage
4:45	Liberty High School Orchestra	An 84-member Liberty High School Orchestra form Liberty, MO. Their program includes the music of Grainger, Claude T. Smith, and a new commission by James Mobberley. Democracy Stage
5:15	Shane Cooley & The Aviators	Shane Cooley form Lancaster, VA has been performing for six years as a singer and songwriter. Their music appeals to all ages as an energetic trio as well as a quieter acoustic rock sound. Heritage Stage
5:15	William the Conjuror	Penn Russell from Williamsburg presents a 16^th & 17^th century illusion and manipulation show featuring magic and costuming authentic to the time period. Exploration Stage
5:30	Visions of Democracy	A commemorative production that traces the roots of American Democracy and the development of democratic ideals as viewed by three Presidents representing three different centuries of Americans: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This program offers a primer on American democracy and a call to action for the 21^st century citizen. Democracy Stage
6:00	Anniversary Voices	A live contemporary musical and dance production featuring a combination of up-beat original songs, traditional medley and a medley of contemporary hits. Heritage Stage
6:00	Ba-Baaah & the Windigo	A childrens production that takes a magical look at how those first settlers from England might have felt as they approached a new world and how those who were already here might have felt about the arriving strangers. Exploration Stage
6:10	Robert E. Lee High School Orchestra	A 71-member orchestra from Robert E. High School Midland, TX. Their varied concert program will include music from Bach to Grainger and familiar western tunes. Democracy Stage
7:00	WELCOME AMERICA - II	Virginia’s Governor- Tim Kaine, guests and dignitaries join thousands of people at Festival Field. A grand procession, Flags Coming Home representing all 50 states, will lead off the event. America’s Heritage Flag will be revealed in all its glory. The event will also include a first-ever combined performance of the Virginia and Richmond Symphony Orchestras. The orchestras will play symphonic classics as well as newly commissioned works from four notable composers. A Fanfare of Fireworks will be a spectacular finale as we close the first official day of America’s 400^th Anniversary Weekend. Festival Stage
7:30	Act I - VSO & RSO	Act I - Virginia Symphony and Richmond Symphony Orchestras. Festival Stage
8:30	Act II - VSO & RSO	Virginia Symphony and Richmond Symphony Orchestras Conducted by JoAnn Falletta. Festival Stage
9:00	Dillon Junior Fiddlers	This 26 member group from southwestern Montana grew from four little kids playing fiddle music in a basement in to a touring group that traveled to Japan in 1991, representing the United States at the International Youth Music Festival in Kumamoto Prefecture. Exploration Stage
9:15	Shane Cooley & The Aviators	Shane Cooley form Lancaster, VA has been performing for six years as a singer and songwriter. Their music appeals to all ages as an energetic trio as well as a quieter acoustic rock sound. Heritage Stage
10:30	CLOSED TO PUBLIC

Saturday, May 12
Printable Schedule

Performance Highlights:

Three-time Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby & The NoiseMakers leads an evening of rock, R&B and progressive bluegrass. Bruce will be joined by legendary funk and R&B artist Chaka Khan, as well as progressive bluegrass master Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder. Their performances caps “400 Minutes of Music,” an afternoon-long program featuring contemporary rock infused with native American musical traditions from Brule’, a mix of folk, world, blues and soul music from South African artist Vusi Mahlasela, folk roots music from Michael Seeger, poetic urban folk from Jen Chapin, and alternative country from Scott Miller & The Commonwealth.

9:00	OPEN TO PUBLIC	Festival, Exhibits, Stages
9:00	Legacy of Weyanoke	An a cappella vocal ensemble from Charles City, VA specializing in the songs and stories of the African Diaspora. Legacy of Weyanoke takes their audiences on a journey that pays tribute to the African ancestors, when they established in 1619. Heritage Stage
9:15	Mountain Fifes & Drums	Mountain Fifes & Drums was formed in the Southern California mountain community of Lake Arrowhead in 2001. They have grown to become the biggest and best youth fife & drum corps west of the Mississippi. Democracy Village
9:30	Fourum	Men’s four-part harmony quartet from Lincolnshire England performs ballad, spirituals, scared music and classic tunes. Exploration Stage
9:45	Michas Polish Folk Dance Ensemble	Founded in 1979, this high-energy heritage dance group from Virginia Beach demonstrates authentic dances from five major regions of Poland: Krakowiak, Lublin, Podhale, Beskid, Laszuby, Rzeszow as well as national dances. Heritage Stage
10:00	Stephen Christoff	Musician Stephen captivates the audience with instruments and sounds that they have never heard or seen before such as his hand flute and the bowed musical saw. Democracy Village
10:15	West Potomac Colonial Singers	This 16-member public light school choral group from Alexandria, VA performs colonial period hymns and patriotic tunes as well as 1770's English country-dances. Exploration Stage
10:30	Mountain Fifes & Drums	Mountain Fifes & Drums was formed in the Southern California mountain community of Lake Arrowhead in 2001. They have grown to become the biggest and best youth fife & drum corps west of the Mississippi. Democracy Village
10:45	Highlands Ballet Company	A teen ballet troupe from Abingdon, VA performs a variety of dances in a variety of styles from spirituals to a Pas de Deux. Heritage Stage
10:50	Jamestown High School Wind Ensemble	The 56-member wind ensemble from James City County and the City of Williamsburg. Democracy Stage
11:00	Jamestown Elementary School Chorus	The 51-member Jamestown Elementary Chorus from Arlington, VA will sing patriotic and some of the best loved American folk songs from America’s musical past. Exploration Stage
11:30	Anniversary Voices	A live contemporary musical and dance production featuring a combination of up-beat original songs, traditional medley and a medley of contemporary hits. Heritage Stage
11:50	Colonial Forge Wind Ensemble	The 65-member wind ensemble from Stafford, VA is a Virginia Honor Band and has been a VMEA Blue Ribbon School for four straight years. Democracy Stage
12:00	Verizon Presents: James Earl Jones Reads	Verizon Brand Ambassador and accomplished stage and screen actor James Earl Jones reads stories to children. Jones is often cited as the first celebrity guest on the Sesame Street series and participated in the earliest shows in 1969. Jones has won two Tony Awards, two Emmys, nominated for an Academy Award and acted in numerous productions over his 40 year career. Exploration Stage
12:00	AMERICA'S ANNIVERSARY CONCERT	Festival Stage
12:00	Mike Seeger	American folk musician and folklorist, Mike was a founding member of New Lost City Ramblers in late 1950s which influenced Bob Dylan. He has produced 25 field recordings and videos, organized many tours and concerts and recorded 40 albums- both solo and with others. Mike has received six Grammy nominations, most recently Retrograss, collaboration with David Grisman and John Hartford. Festival Stage
12:10	Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra	A band from Richmond, VA who grows gourds, make instruments from them and create their own unique music. Tables will be set displaying dozens gourds, with instruction on how to grow them and how to make instruments etc. Heritage Stage
12:50	Ban Caribe	Specializing in Afro-Cuban, Latin, Caribbean and Soulful R&B, Ban Caribe from Richmond, VA performs all original compositions and arrangements that are spiritually inspired by rhythmic beats and chants of African music. Heritage Stage
1:00	Visions of Democracy	A commemorative production that traces the roots of American Democracy and the development of democratic ideals as viewed by three Presidents representing three different centuries of Americans: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This program offers a primer on American democracy and a call to action for the 21^st century citizen. Democracy Stage
1:00	Jen Chapin Band	Jen Chapin is a New York-based singer-songwriter. Her 2004 Hybrid Recordings release, Linger, has earned the highest praise from sources as diverse as National Public Radio's All Things Considered, People, The Today Show, and Entertainment Weekly. Festival Stage
1:20	Savannah Country Day School	A 43 member Savannah County Day School Con Brio Singers from Savannah, GA. Their concert program includes sacred, classical and 20th century choral music. Exploration Stage
1:30	Anniversary Voices	A live contemporary musical and dance production featuring a combination of up-beat original songs, traditional medley and a medley of contemporary hits. Heritage Stage
1:45	Roanoke Valley Community Band	A 51-member community band from Roanoke. Started in 1888, it is one of the oldest bands in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding communities. Democracy Stage
2:00	Ba-Baaah & the Windigo	A childrens production that takes a magical look at how those first settlers from England might have felt as they approached a new world and how those who were already here might have felt about the arriving strangers. Exploration Stage
2:00	Scott Miller & The Commonwealth	Scott Miller formed a duo while at William & Mary performing covers of his heroes and slipping in a handful of originals. A debut for Sugar Hill Records soon followed, an album driven by two main themes: dealing with where you come from and, even more importantly, who you come from. Those songs quickly resonated with fans and critics alike, landing him on many top-ten lists including The New York Times and Billboard. Festival Stage
2:10	Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra	A band from Richmond, VA who grows gourds, make instruments from them and create their own unique music. Tables will be set displaying dozens gourds, with instruction on how to grow them and how to make instruments etc. Heritage Stage
2:40	Flute Frenzy	A 16 member youth flute choir from Williamsburg, VA performs original works, classical music and folk and popular tunes. Democracy Stage
2:40	Enloe High School Choir	A 45-member Enloe High School Choral Department from Durham, NC. Their program will include classical and modern choral literature. Exploration Stage
2:50	Ban Caribe	Specializing in Afro-Cuban, Latin, Caribbean and Soulful R&B, Ban Caribe from Richmond, VA performs all original compositions and arrangements that are spiritually inspired by rhythmic beats and chants of African music. Heritage Stage
3:00	Brulé & AIRO	Brule is a top-selling contemporary Native American band, having sold 1 million CDs. Lead performers Paul LaRoche on keyboard and flutist daughter Nicole and son Shane on guitar are based in Brule South Dakota. Traditional drum/percussion Moses Brings Plenty is from Pine Ridge, SD. This group won the 2006 Best Group Compilation CD of the Year at the Native American Music Awards. Festival Stage
3:00	Suwabi Duo	This duo from Williamsburg shares West Africa dance, drum and stories. (Also Performing throughout the Village from 3:00-6:30PM) Heritage Village
3:15	Visions of Democracy	A commemorative production that traces the roots of American Democracy and the development of democratic ideals as viewed by three Presidents representing three different centuries of Americans: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This program offers a primer on American democracy and a call to action for the 21^st century citizen. Democracy Stage
3:20	Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus	Hawaii’s premier youth chorus, the 40-member Hawaii’s Opera Youth Chorus from Honolulu is the oldest and largest youth chorus in Hawaii’s. Their program includes standard choral literature as well as traditional Hawaiian music. Exploration Stage
3:30	Anniversary Voices	A live contemporary musical and dance production featuring a combination of up-beat original songs, traditional medley and a medley of contemporary hits. Heritage Stage
4:00	Ba-Baaah & the Windigo	A childrens production that takes a magical look at how those first settlers from England might have felt as they approached a new world and how those who were already here might have felt about the arriving strangers. Exploration Stage
4:15	Blaskapelle Alte Kameraden	A 21 piece German cultural band from Fairfax, VA. Blaskapelle will perform German band music in traditional bundt hosen attire. Democracy Stage
4:15	Robin & Linda Williams	Robin and Linda Williams have thrilled folk, bluegrass, and country audiences throughout America for more than twenty years, from their many appearances with Garrison Keillor on "A Prairie Home Companion" to "Austin City Limits" and "The Grand Old Opry. They’ve toured with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmylou Harris, The Seldom Scene, and many others. Heritage Stage
4:30	Vusi Mahlasela	Vusi Mahlasela is a South African singer/songwriter whose music is generally described as "African folk." His work was an inspiration to many in the anti-apartheid movement. His themes include the struggle for freedom, and forgiveness and reconciliation with your enemies. He toured with Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the United Kingdom for the group's British tour. Vusi can also be heard performing with Dave Matthews Band, on the song called "Everyday.” Festival Stage
4:45	Opera Idaho Teen Chorus	A 17-member Opera Idaho Select Teen Chorus from Boise ID. Their program will feature modern top-level choral literature. Exploration Stage
5:15	Visions of Democracy	A commemorative production that traces the roots of American Democracy and the development of democratic ideals as viewed by three Presidents representing three different centuries of Americans: Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This program offers a primer on American democracy and a call to action for the 21^st century citizen. Democracy Stage
5:15	Edsall Road	The band's music is firmly rooted in the Celtic music of Scotland and Ireland, most of it coming from 18th century sources. Instruments include vocal, flute, penny whistle, guitar, bouzouki, fiddle, and percussion diverse within the scope of traditional folk music. Heritage Stage
5:25	Treble Singers - Fairfax Choral Society	A 36-member youth chorus from Fairfax, VA. Their concert includes musical settings of some of the world’s finest poetry as well as the world premier of a new composition, commissioned in conjunction with their local schools. Exploration Stage
6:00	Stonewall Brigade Band	The nation’s oldest continuous community band to be sponsored by local government and funded by tax monies Staunton, VA. Program from this 51-member band include military marches, an overture, a concert march, a sacred selection, a Broadway show medley, and several novelties, patriotic, and popular selections, ending with a Sousa march and the National Anthem. Democracy Stage
6:00	Ba-Baaah & the Windigo	A childrens production that takes a magical look at how those first settlers from England might have felt as they approached a new world and how those who were already here might have felt about the arriving strangers. Exploration Stage
6:30