3 free, family-friendly concerts coming to the Peninsula this week

Three free, family-friendly concerts are coming to the Peninsula this week.

The Peninsula Concert Band will perform at the Williamsburg Library Theatre on Wednesday, March 22. The band performs a broad range of music, including marches, contemporary show tunes, classical orchestral songs, patriotic medleys and more. Comprised of a diverse group of volunteer musicians, the Peninsula Concert Band has been performing all over Hampton Roads since 1950.

The event will begin at 7:00 pm, and no tickets are necessary. More information is available on the Williamsburg Regional Library’s website at wrl.org.

On Thursday, March 23, The U.S Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will present a free concert, “Heroes,” at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News. The show will begin at 7:30 pm.

The musical event will focus on stories of strength, determination and courage through the generations among those that answered our nation’s call.

The Concert Band & Soldiers’ Chorus are the oldest and largest performing components within the U.S Army Field Band. The two ensembles, founded in 1946 and 1957, respectively, join together for concerts and national tours. They have performed in front of hundreds of millions of people across all 50 states and 30 foreign countries.

Newport News is the band’s final stop on a multi-state tour that began in February. The event is open to the public, and while there is no cost to attend, tickets are required for entry. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Ferguson Center box office at (757) 594-8752 or online at fergusoncenter.org. Some other highlights for this week include.

Finally, pianist Liana Paniyeva – who has received international accolades for her musical talent – will perform at Ewell Hall, 221 Jamestown Road in Williamsburg, on Friday, March 24 at 7:00 pm. The event is part of William & Mary’s Ewell Concert Series. It’s free and open to the public, and no ticket is required. For more information, visit William & Mary’s website. 

Some other events to highlight this week include a Walk of Valor event hosted by the Williamsburg Battlefield Association to commemorate National Medal of Honor Day; Fido Fest, a fun, dog-centered event held at Jamestown Beach Event Park; and a Hobo Jamboree for history lovers at Lee Hall Depot in Newport News (all on Saturday).

-Christin

Events This Week

Monday, March 20

Health & Wellness

• Community Yoga at the Watermen’s Museum – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Participate in a yoga session overlooking the beautiful York River. Bring your yoga mat and meet at the Carriage House. Proceeds go to Warermen’s Museum and classes are beginner friendly. $10 per session; $30 for a 4-session pass; $5 for students. 6:00 – 6:50 pm. 

Tuesday, March 21

Films

• Art House Cafe Film Series: “Dark Horse” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg).  This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays while allowing you to hear from special guests, enjoy light refreshments and have a discussion after the film. This week’s featured film is Dark Horse (2015; PG). 2:00 – 3:35 pm. 

Social Networking

• Networking Social – Brookdale Chambrel (Williamsburg). The Memorie Group and Brookdale are partnering to host a social networking event on Tuesday, March 21. The event will feature door prizes, trivia, giveaways, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a grand prize. For more information, contact the Memorie Group. 4:00 – 6:00 pm. 

Kids

• Elementary Creation Station: Session 2 – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This creative craft hour is for kids in grades K-5. This month’s theme is “Ready for Spring.” 4:30 – 5:30 pm. 

Writing

• Tabb Library Writers’ Group – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This monthly group provides writers with a space to work on their projects, offer and receive critiques and meet local writers. Registration is encouraged but not required. 6:30 – 7:45 pm. 

Live Music

• Music of J.S. Bach – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a candlelight chamber recital featuring J.S. Bach’s music. Presented by Ruth van Baak Griffioen, recorder, Sophie Lowe, baroque violin, Ryan Lowe, baroque cello, and Rebecca Davy, harpsichord and organ. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Wednesday, March 22

Lecture

• Tasting History: Food and Memory in Williamsburg – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Marie Pellissier, doctoral candidate in History, will discuss how people in eighteenth-century Williamsburg used food to define their relationship to England. You’ll discover how food was an integral part of defining what it meant to be “colonial.” 2:00 pm. 

Health & Wellness

• Drumming for Wellness – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Students will learn basic drumming and meditation techniques and participate in drum circles. No musical experience needed; all instruments provided. Free. 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
• Meditation Series – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Establish or deepen your mindfulness and meditation practice in this supportive small group setting. Instruction and guidance will be provided. 6:30 – 7:45 pm.

Live Music

• Dewey Decibel Concerts: Peninsula Concert Band – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). Enjoy a performance by the Peninsula Concert Band, who will perform a variety of music including march, classic and popular music. Free admission; no tickets required. 7:00 pm. 

Thursday, March 23

Films

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Master of the World” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series features a variety of contemporary and classic movies for an adult audience. This week’s featured film is Master of the World (NR; 1961). 2:00 – 3:45 pm. 

Games

• Drop-in D&D – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids and teens ages 9-18 of all experience levels are invited to drop-in and play and learn Dungeons & Dragons. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Live Music

• The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). ). The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will present “Heroes” in celebration of people who have gone above and beyond for their communities. The Concert Band & Soldiers’ Chorus are the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field Band’s performing components. This is a free, ticketed event. For details or to reserve a ticket, click here. 7:30 pm.
• Organ Recital: Brad Norris – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Experience a candlelight recital by Brad Norris, organist from Newport News, Virginia. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Friday, March 24

Kids & Families

• Kid’s Mini Easter Eggs Workshop – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Kids will learn to make homemade chocolate Easter eggs at this fun event. For ages 7-13. $25. 5:00 – 7:00 pm. 
• Family Zumba: Lucky Luau  – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This program allows you and your family a chance to do something fun and healthy. It features exciting music with easy-to-follow movements. For ages 5+. Free. 5:30 – 6:30 pm.

Live Music

• Liana Paniyeva – Ewell Hall (Williamsburg). Pianist Liana Paniyeva has won prizes in international competitions and has been featured in various broadcasts and recordings. She will perform in Williamsburg at Ewell Hall, 221 Jamestown Road on Friday, March 24. This concert is free and open to all ages of the public; no ticket is required. 7:00 pm. 
• VSO Presents: Violinist Gil Shaham Returns – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). Gil Shaham has been a special favorite of local audiences even as he has become one of America’s most revered and recorded instrumentalists.  He will perform the beautiful Dvořák Violin Concerto. Tickets are $25 and up. 7:30 pm. 

Saturday, March 25

Special Events

• Walk of Valor – Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center (Williamsburg). Saturday, March 25 is National Medal of Honor Day. Seven soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862. The Williamsburg Battlefield Association is hosting a Walk of Valor event in Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center, 6945 Pocahontas Trail Williamsburg, VA, to honor their heroics, as well as the courage displayed by others involved in the battle. There will also be re-enactors portraying soldiers and an enslaved woman who witnessed the clash of the armies. This event is free. 9:00 am – 1:30 pm.
• Fido Fest – Jamestown Beach Event Park (Williamsburg). Head to the park with your pup for a day full of fun. The will be family-friendly, dog-friendly activities and games, a fashion show, a foam party, photo ops, arts and crafts for kids and adults, a “best trick contest” and more. There will also be food, merchandise and community vendors. Leashed pets only (no retractable leashes); dogs must be current on vaccines. Admission is $5 per car (cash or check). Weather permitting. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 
• Made Co. Grand Opening – Midtown Row (Williamsburg). Made Co. will celebrate its grand opening beginning at 10:45 am with a ribbon cutting. The event will continue with food, coffee and tea, deals, giveaways and so much more until 6:00 pm. Visit Made Co.’s Facebook page for more information.
• 2nd Annual Student Spring Market – Midtown Clubhouse (Williamsburg). Stop by Midtown Row and support local students’ small businesses. Parking is available in the Earth Fare parking lot and near the Village Green. There will be live music, 15 vendors and a coffee bar. Free and open to the public. 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

Nature/Outdoor

• River Raptors Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover the bald eagles, red shouldered and red tailed hawks, and osprey that make their home in York River State Park. You may also spot other birds of prey while hiking through the woods and into the marshes. This event is included with standard parking or admission. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Health & Wellness

• Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club – Powhatan Creek Trail (Williamsburg). Walking coaches will guide you through the trails of James City County during this free program. This month’s location is Powhatan Creek Trail. 10:00 – 11:00 am. 
• Sound Meditation – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This meditative practice teaches different ways to incorporate sound into your yoga practice. $10. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

Informational

• Medicare Made Clear – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Gina Bundy, formerly of UnitedHealthcare, will discuss all of your Medicare choices and share tools and resources to help you understand the coverage that may be right for you. 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. 

History

• All Aboard for a Hobo Jamboree – Lee Hall Depot (Newport News). Learn about the lives of the often misunderstood hobos of the Great Depression and how they dealt with the difficulties of nomadic life on the rails. A Best Dressed Hobo Contest with judging and prizes will be held at 3 pm. There will also be crafts, storytelling, photo ops, games and more. Included with regular admission. 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Kids & Families

• Merry Un-Birthday Tea Party – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Children are invited to celebrate their unbirthday by making a craft and trying their hand at flamingo croquet, then attending a 3 p.m. presentation of Alice in Wonderland by Bright Star Theatre. Donations to the House of Mercy food pantry will be accepted. 2:00 pm. 
• Anime Afternoon: “Kiki’s Delivery Service” – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 are invited to attend a showing of Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989; G; 1 hr 42 minutes), followed by snacks and conversation. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
• Winter Stories by the Fire: Pirate Tales – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Listen to pirate tales around the Fire Circle while enjoying delicious s’mores. S’mores will be served from 7:00 – 7:30 pm, with stories starting right after. Open to all ages 3+. Space is limited and each person must register. $3.00/residents, $5.00 for non-residents.  Register here. 7:00 – 8:30 pm. 

Arts & Crafts

• Crafternoon – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Join Yorktown Library each month for a relaxing afternoon of crafting and community. This program is for adults of all skill levels interested in knitting, needlepoint, crocheting and other related crafts. Library staff will be on hand to help offer guidance and a limited amount of supplies will be available. 3:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Youth Choir Concert: City Singers – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a concert by the youth voices of City Singers from Richmond, directed by Leslie Dripps. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Sunday, March 26

Gardening/Outdoor

• Poisonous Plants – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend an informative presentation on common “poisonous” plants in Virginia with an emphasis on those native to Hampton Roads. Taught by Virginia Master Naturalist Meera Rao. 1:30 – 2:30 pm.

Films

• Jewish Film Festival: “Betrayed” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). The 22nd Annual Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film Festival presents the film “Betrayed” (2020), based on true events. See the trailer here. 2:00 – 4:10 pm. 

Kids & Families

• Weekend on Your Wheels: Race 1 – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Join New Quarter Park for its Weekend on Your Wheels Youth Bike Race Series. There are courses for elementary riders, elementary/intermediate riders and high school riders. Parents must be present and helmets are required. See the website for more information or to register. $25/residents; $40/non-residents. 12:00 – 5:00 pm.
• Paws to Read with K-9 Connection – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to drop in and read a story to a trained therapy dog. No registration required. 2:30 – 3:30 pm. 

Multi-Day

Art

• WRL Youth Art Exhibit – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). WRL is celebrating youth art and creativity in the community this month. Original artwork is on display by middle and high school students in James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg. Exhibit hours:  Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. between March 1 and March 31. 
• Famous Faces: Portraits by Calvin Bridges – Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center (Newport News). View portraits by local artist Calvin Bridges in the Newsome House’s newest exhibition, “Famous Faces.” Admission to the exhibit and museum is free. The museum is open Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

History

• Presentation: Musket Demonstration – Magazine Yard (Colonial Williamsburg). In this presentation, a member of Colonial Williamsburg’s Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket using an 18th-century loading procedure. This is a recurring events with multiple times/dates; see the Colonial Williamsburg’s website for details. 
• Women’s History Month @ CW – Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg will offer a variety of special programs in honor of Women’s History Month throughout March. See a list of those events here. 

Tax Help

• Free Tax Prep Help – Multiple Locations. Free tax preparation services are available for those who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, now through mid-April. To find a free tax preparation service near you, visit this website and enter your zip code. AARP Tax Aide is also available at the Williamsburg Library and at Fire Station #1, Feb. 1 – April 15. VITA tax preparation services are available Tuesday and Thursday (1-5:30 pm) and Saturdays (9 am – 1:30 pm) at Colonial Williamsburg’s Kids Club Building 17 Near the Visitors Center. Click here for additional details.