The HeART of Hampton

The HeART of Hampton: Episode 1
Thursday, April 23 at 12pm
 

Join us LIVE this Thursday at noon for the first installment of our new Virtual Arts Series, The HeART of Hampton! In this premiere episode, Artistic Director Richard Parison, will catch up with Hugh Copeland, Founder and Artist Director of the Hurrah Players; Steve Brindle, Music Director for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic; and Evon Dior Michelle, Drag Queen Extraordinaire! Join us as we look across Hampton Roads to see what our artists and art organizations are doing now to prepare for next season. You may be in for a few surprises, too!
 

The HeART of Hampton, Episode 2
Thursday, April 30 | 12pm

In this second episode of The HeART of Hampton, we catch up with American actor, comedian and director Frank Ferrante; well-known for his beloved stage portrayals of the legendary American comedian Groucho Marx in the internationally touring play Groucho: A Life in Revue. We’ll also talk to Norfolk-based jazz vocalist Liz Terrell about how she’s celebrating International Jazz Day at home and her would-be plans for her Hampton Jazz Festival debut. Then, Chesapeake-based visual artists Cliff and Cindy Guard talk about their latest projects in their respective mediums; woodturning and painting.

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 3
Thursday, May 7 | 7pm

Join us for a special evening edition of The HeART of Hampton this Thursday at 7pm! In this third episode, we talk to Coastal Virginia's favorite time-hopping 80's band, The Deloreans! Since 2007, the band has been drawing crowds all over the East Coast with a playlist topping 10 hours and have become known for their dynamic costumes, unstoppable energy, and incredible talent.

We'll also catch up with internationally acclaimed soul, gospel and jazz vocalist Queen Esther Marrow. The Newport News native has performed with such musical legends as Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Thelonious Monk. She has also had the honor of performing for numerous former U.S. Presidents, The British Royal Family, and Pope John Paul II. No stranger to The American Theatre stage, Marrow reflects on her incredible journey in the music industry and what's in store for the future. 

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 4
Thursday, May 14 | 12pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we talk to Master Puppeteer Heidi Rugg, the Founder and Director of the nationally touring Barefoot Puppet Theatre. Rugg works alongside her husband to produce family-friendly puppet shows with their company, which have become a favorite at The American Theatre.

We'll also catch up with Virginia's "triple threat talent," Desiree Roots. No stranger to the American Theatre stage, Roots has garnered high praise with her extensive resume of stage performances throughout Virginia. She has also shared the staged with such musical icons as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Art Porter, and Gerald Albright.

Then we chat jazz with local jazz drummer, composer, music educator, and radio personality Jae Sinnett. The host of WHRV’s Sinnett in Session, Jae is also a prolific composer, arranger, and musician. Since 1986 he has produced 15 albums and has performed with such highly-regarded jazz artists as Branford and Ellis Marsalis, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Chuck Mangione, and Charlie Byrd.
 

​​​​​The HeART of Hampton: Episode 5 
Thursday, May 21 | 12pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we talk to the Simply Panache Groupe, a Hampton-based lifestyle and entrepreneurial group that pitched their delectable mango preserves on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2013. After that appearance, they received 15,000 orders for their gourmet mango preserve in just 48 hours! Fast forward to now, and the Simply Panache Groupe has expanded its portfolio to include a handful of Hampton’s favorite small businesses, such as Mango Mangeaux: A Simply Panache Bistro, which we’re proud to call a Premier Restaurant Partner.

Also in this episode, we’re excited to be joined by a very special guest -- Billboard-topping singer, songwriter, and pianist Avery*Sunshine! Having sold out each of her performances at The American Theatre, Avery is a luminous personality with an equally vibrant talent. We look forward to welcoming Avery back, this time online, to chat about what’s going on in her world!

For years Avery has captivated worldwide audiences with her riveting stage performances, candid and often humorous banter, and optimistic anthems about life. Self-described as “a cross between Bette Midler and Oprah Winfrey,” her distinct sound and far-reaching presence have graced some of the world’s greatest venues, including Madison Square Garden and Smokey Robinson’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tribute.

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 6 
Thursday, May 28 | 12pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we talk to Hampton History Museum curator Allen Hoilman about how he and his team are staying busy bringing the history of Hampton alive and online!

Through their engaging educational videos, like “Clips with the Curator,” Hoilman and the Hampton History Museum team are feeding our minds and taking us through time with fascinating historical insight.

Their current exhibit, “Hampton One: Working, Building, and Racing on the Water” takes viewers through an artifact-rich exploration of the locally produced Hampton One-Design sailboat and the competitive sailing culture that grew out of it.  

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 7 
Thursday, June 4 | 12pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we get a taste of the 4th Annual Coastal Virginia Bluegrass & Brew Festival! Joining us in the artistic living room will be Richmond’s favorite folk-infused indie rock band, Carbon Leaf. The group has been performing since the early 90s, and is best known for the song "Life Less Ordinary", which debuted in 2004 and reached #5 on Billboard's Adult Alternative charts. Then we see what’s new with a few of the Peninsula’s best breweries as we chat with owners and operators of St. George Brewery, Capstan Bar Brewing, Bull Island Brewing, and Oozlefinch Beers & Blending. 

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 8
Thursday, June 11 | 12pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we start with a word from Hampton City Mayor Donnie Tuck about reopening the Commonwealth and the City of Hampton, building an engaged and inclusive community, and initiatives that address cultural and racial biases.

Then we’ll talk to Diana Blanchard Gross, Curator for the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. An affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, PFAC hosts several major exhibitions a year, presents classes for students of all ages at its Studio Art School, offers online distance-learning programs, and hosts special events including curator talks, poetry readings and art-movie screenings. 

We’ll also check in with two artists who frequently exhibit at the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center. Sandra Alderman works heavily with encaustics, a technique that dates back to 5^th century BC. Using molten beeswax, resin, pigment and a torch, Alderman creates highly dynamic pieces influenced by nature and human connection.  Morgan Gilbreath, whose solo exhibition was to be held in conjunction with the Materials exhibition this spring, is a nationally-exhibiting glass and mixed-media installation artist whose work investigates the intersections between religion, history, and contemporary communities. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Glass, a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, and a Certificate in Community Arts from Tyler School of Art (Temple University) in Philadelphia, PA.

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Special Episode

Artists Who Teach 2020
Exhibition Awards Ceremony: Home Edition
Tuesday, June 16 | 7pm

Hampton Arts is excited to invite you to the Artists Who Teach 2020 Exhibition Award Ceremony: Home Edition! We’ll announce this year’s winners LIVE on the Visual Arts Center’s Facebook page in a special episode of our online conversation series, The HeART of Hampton, on June 16 at 7:00 p.m.

This year’s exhibition includes 67 artworks in a range of mediums including photography, painting, ceramics, and glass to name a few. Featured awards are the David J. Levinson Best in Show Award ($1,000) and First ($500), Second ($250), and Third ($100) Place awards. Artist and educator Clay McGlamory juried this exhibition and chose some beautiful and powerful artworks that have come together to make an amazing exhibit. Please join us as we virtually tour the exhibit and hear comments from Clay about his selections.

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 10
Thursday, June 18 | 12pm

This episode of The HeART of Hampton welcomes artists who couldn’t make it to The American Theatre at the end of the 19-20 season due to the outbreak of Covid-19. We invited a few of them to join us in the artistic living room to see how they’ve been holding up through quarantine.

10,000 Maniacs, who would have performed this past March, have been entertaining fans for nearly 40 years with their “proudly eclectic” style, and today tours with a six-piece lineup that’s sure to have audiences on their feet.  From their early beginnings in Jamestown, New York, to sold-out concerts around the world, 10,000 Maniacs have always found inspiration just outside of the mainstream with songs like “These Are Days,” “Because the Night,” and “More Than This.”

Ed Asner, primarily known for his role as Lou Grant on both The Mary Tyler Moore Show and it’s spin-off series Lou Grant, as well as roles in 2003’s Elf and 2009’s Up, would have performed this past April in his touring production God Help Us! Inspired by today’s headlines, God Help Us! is a hilarious, unifying and thought-provoking snapshot of the current partisan landscape which dives into the epicenter of today’s polarizing politics.

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 11
Thursday, June 25 | 12pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, living history performance group Blackbeard’s Crew joins us in the artistic living room. The non-profit group is dedicated to the accurate representation of seafaring life during the “Golden Age of Piracy.” They’ll fill us in on how they’ve been dealing with being landlocked, and what voyages are ahead after quarantine. Then, we catch up with Sly Clyde Ciderworks and The Grey Goose restaurant to see how they’re preparing to welcome guests back to the tasting and dining room.

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 12
Thursday, July 30 | 7pm

DON'T FORGET OUR NEW TIME AT 7PM!

We've brought you performing arts, visual arts, and NOW we're adding culinary arts to the menu! In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we talk to the driving forces at two of our Premier Restaurant Partners, The Point at Phoebus and Stuft.

The Point at Phoebus opened its doors in 2013 and is a convenient walk down Mellen Street from The American Theatre. Managing Partner Ray Graham is a second-generation chef who hand-crafts menus for each season. With more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, Ray sources local seafood to deliver fan favorites including Crab Cakes and Shrimp & Grits to the quaint atmosphere of The Point.

Stuft, which evolved from a food truck to a brick and mortar operation on Mallory Street, has been around since 2011. Known for their Haas sauce, co-founder Casey Haas has worked with his brother and best friend to create a local hangout with a full bar and live music. The Buckroe native doesn't like to stick to a typical Mexican-only menu, so you'll find out-of-the-box concoctions that err on the side of Asian fusion including menu items like General Tso's burrito and Bulgogi eggrolls, not to mention atypical offerings like the Walking Taco which incorporates the makings of a Taco into a Doritos bag.
 

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 13
Thursday, August 6 | 7pm

In this GROOVIN' BY THE BAY episode of The HeART of Hampton, we welcome local musicians who have performed at Hampton’s famous Groovin’ by the Bay.

Usually held Sunday evenings from Memorial Day to Labor Day at Buckroe Beach Pavilion or Mill Point Park, the series has become a local favorite for live music in an outdoor setting. The series has been cancelled for 2020 due to the coronavirus, so Hampton Arts has invited some of the series’ past performers for a chat and a tune.

Joining us in the artistic living room is The Fuzz Band’s K’Bana Blaq, Myra Smith of The Myra Smith Experience, and Danny Morgan of The Janitors. Don’t miss this groovin’ new episode of The HeART of Hampton!

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 14
Thursday, August 13 | 7pm

This next episode of The HeART of Hampton will have you in stitches! Don’t miss this hilarious episode as we invite the creative minds behind Push Comedy Theater for a laugh or two in the artistic living room. Founded by local comedy group The Pushers, the Push Comedy Theater is a 90 seat venue based in Norfolk’s NEON Arts District that hosts live sketch, improv and stand-up comedy performances, as well as comedy classes.

Also treating us to a chuckle is Newport News native Farah (Cocoa) Brown. Brown has performed in a variety of comedy stage shows including BET’s ComicView and One Mic Stand, and Showtime at the Apollo. She boasts a litany of acting credits for such titles as Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse, The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, ER, Breaking Bad, and 9-1-1.


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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 15
Thursday, August 20 | 7pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we move all over Hampton Roads! We welcome visual artists Alan and Kristin Skees; Adam Newland of Hampton's own Bluebird Gap Farm, and Education Manager Aaron Lovelady of the Virginia Air & Space Center.

Alan and Kristin Skees both teach in the art department at Christopher Newport University. They completed their BFA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and MFA at the University of Arizona. They both live in Hampton and work in a variety of mediums, including photography and printing making, and fibers.

We’ll also talk to Adam Newland, Farm Manager for the City of Hampton’s Bluebird Gap Farm. The farm is a 60 acre home to around 150 domestic and wild animals. Beyond the common farm animals like cows, pigs, and chickens, Bluebird Gap Farm is also home to birds of prey, llamas, alpacas, peacocks, rabbits, and more!

Also joining us is Aaron Lovelady from the Virginia Air & Space Center. A staple of the Hampton Roads region, museum and educational facility features an IMAX digital theater and summer aeronautics and space-themed camps and also serves as the visitors center for NASA’s Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. Aaron will treat us to a mini tour of the exciting aircraft in the museum’s main gallery.


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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 16
Thursday, August 27 | 7pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we welcome two new small businesses to the neighborhood! Joining us in the artistic living room are the folks behind 1865 Brewing Co. and Fox Tail Wine Bar. Both businesses have been busy working to bring top-notch libations to the ever-evolving neighborhood of Phoebus!

Set to open this year, 1865 Brewing Co. will be themed after the history of the Fort Monroe area. Partners Whitteney Guyton and William Comer will not only pay homage to local history, but they’ll make local history as Hampton Roads’ first Black-owned brewery. Foxtail Wine Bar is a passion project of Chris Fox, an Army reservist and geospatial engineer who fell in love with wine during his six years stationed in Italy. Upon returning to Hampton, Fox longed to bring a bit of Europe back to Hampton. Fox partnered with  Morgan Diercks and Army buddy Fernando Feliciano to bring a taste of Italy to Phoebus. Fox Tail will provide intimate space to enjoy a variety of Virginia wines, among a variety of international selections, paired with charcuterie, cheeses and more.

We’re buzzing with excitement for this 16th episode of The HeART of Hampton. Grab your glass and join us!

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 17
Thursday, October 1 | 7pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we welcome Eleanor & Ian Carney from Lightwire Theater, who are scheduled to appear in our upcoming Premier Performance Series! Internationally recognized for their signature brand of electroluminescent artistry, Lightwire Theater burst onto the scene as semi-finalists on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and winners of Tru TV’s Fake Off. Ever since, the group has been wowing audiences across the globe with their innovative and spectacular shows. While they won’t arrive at The American Theatre until March 2021 (tickets on sale now!), you can enjoy learning about what it takes to produce a Lightwire Theater performance in this electrifying episode.

We’ll also chat with Shannon Combs, owner of Lux Events and creator of the Great Food Truck Festival. Returning October 10 in Newport News for its third year, the festival will showcase an assortment of delicious cuisine from food trucks across the Commonwealth. Throw in a DJ, magic show, multiple cash prizes, and a variety of vendors and exhibitors, and you’re sure to have a seriously fun and tasty Saturday.

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 18
Thursday, October 8 | 7pm

In this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we explore edible art and the unpredictability of life, get a quick lesson in arranging the perfect bouquet, talk to a band beloved by children and parents around the world.

We’re excited to welcome artists Karen Freidt and Wade Mickley to the artistic living room. Freidt, who retired from NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton after 30 years as a print and web designer, communication specialist, and team facilitator, works in a variety of mediums from block prints to assemblages using resin and found objects. Recently, her work making pie sculptures caught the eye of internationally renowned fashion designer Anna Sui. One of Freidt’s pies ended up making a grand appearance in Sui’s New York Fashion Week debut, garnering local and national media attention. Mickley, who is currently a graphic designer at NASA, cites a number of influences to his work, including folk art, comics, illustration, music, nature and “his own insecurities.” According to his website, “His work contains an intriguing awkwardness that has a rhythm between contour, color, and mistake. They pieces are meditations on the unpredictability of life.”

Hampton Arts Performance Sponsor Jeff's Flowers joins us for a quick demo on how to arrange the perfect bouquet. The Hampton florist has been hand-delivering premium floral arrangements and gift baskets to help strengthen relationships, give love and support, and celebrate life’s special moments since 1993.

The Imagination Movers story is the ultimate example of the power of imagination. In 2003, four friends from New Orleans had a dream to play music that spoke to kids, not down to them. Two years later, they had become the latest sensation of their musical city, attracting parents and children alike with an eclectic pop sensibility and lyrical turns about healthy snacks and playing catch and conquering childhood fears of bedtime. Lines to the Movers’ shows stretched for blocks. The group has gained critical acclaim from the likes of Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times. With millions of fans worldwide, their show is the No. 1 rated major touring act for families according to Ticketmaster. Be sure to grab your tickets for their show at The American Theatre in Hampton in May 2021!

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 19
Thursday, October 15 | 7pm

Celebrate VIRGINIA WINE MONTH with the HeART of Hampton when we will visit SummerWind Vineyard, Saude Creek Vineyard and Mermaid Winery! We will learn more about their award winning wines and how to best enjoy them during this holiday and Fall Season!

The 11 acres of SummerWind Vineyard are located in between the James and Pagan Rivers in Isle of Wight County. Owned and operated by the Pugh Family, the business took shape beginning in 2005. They currently grow Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petit Mansang, Cabernet Savignion, Merlot, Viognier and Chardonel.

The rolling landscape of Saudé Creek Vineyards stretch across 100 acres within New Kent County. Stop by their Winery and Tasting Room to see the new flavors on the menu while listening to live music and enjoying treats from food vendors. Wines include Chardonnay Reserve, Pamunkey Fall, Vidal Blanc, Zinfandel, and more.

Mermaid Winery is a Southside favorite with locations in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Named after the mythical creature, the winery aims to replicate the mermaid’s beauty into the wines they produce. Try one of 800 wines from around the world at their wine bar and restaurant.

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Hampton Arts is excited to invite you to the 2020 Virginia Artists Juried Exhibition Virtual Awards Ceremony!

This year’s exhibition features $4000 in cash prizes awarded to Best in Show, First, Second, and Third Places, and several awards of distinction in a variety of media. It is our pleasure to welcome the current Curator of the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Diana Blanchard Gross, as the 2020 Virginia Artists Juried Exhibition juror and judge. 215 artists from all across the Commonwealth, who work in all styles, genres, and media, submitted artworks for consideration. Of the 555 submissions, 94 works have been selected to be displayed in this year’s exhibition.

“The pandemic has not curtailed the incredible creativity and immense talent of artists throughout Virginia; the selection process was not easy and the competition was stiff,” said Visual Arts Center Manager Jennifer Morningstar.

We will announce this year’s winners LIVE on the Visual Arts Center’s Facebook page in a special episode of our online conversation series, The HeART of Hampton, on Saturday, October 24 at 3:00 p.m. Don’t miss it!

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 21
Thursday, October 29 | 7pm

As a three-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, Dee Dee Bridgewater set herself apart as one of the few artists who easily transitioned between headlining jazz shows to performing on Broadway. For her stage work, she won the Tony for Best Actress as Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz and received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for her role as Billie Holiday in Lady Day. In addition to the lifetime achievement awards she’s won for her jazz career, she’s also known for hosting NPR’s syndicated radio show JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater for more than twenty years. She’ll join Bill Charlap at The American Theatre on February 13, 2021 as part of our Taste of Jazz Series.

Mensah Bey is a native of Richmond, VA residing in Norfolk, VA. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Hampton University and his Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies from Norfolk State University. As an illustrator, painter, and printmaker, Bey explores the digital realm as a commentary on contemporary society. Bey often draws inspiration from the Surrealist movement that challenged our perceptions of truth and reality. He most recently completed “Gather in Abundance,” a 1000-foot long asphalt artwork on Bland Street inspired by West African Adinkra symbolism, reflecting unity, togetherness, abundance, and cooperation.

Voices That Vote is an artistic podcast about the journey of your voting rights. Accessed through Facebook Live, the show features community leaders who talk about the importance of voting as well as musical performances by local artists. Voices that Vote is part of a series of new online broadcasts entitled "Just for GP, the Community Speaks," which was created by Thomas Nelson Community College, the City of Hampton and the Good People Group.

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 22
Thursday, November 12 | 7pm

As a three-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, Dee Dee Bridgewater set herself apart as one of the few artists who easily transitioned between headlining jazz shows to performing on Broadway. For her stage work, she won the Tony for Best Actress as Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz and received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for her role as Billie Holiday in Lady Day. In addition to the lifetime achievement awards she’s won for her jazz career, she’s also known for hosting NPR’s syndicated radio show JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater for more than twenty years. She’ll join Bill Charlap at The American Theatre on February 13, 2021 as part of our Taste of Jazz Series.

The Imagination Movers story is the ultimate example of the power of imagination. In 2003, four friends from New Orleans had a dream to play music that spoke to kids, not down to them. Two years later, they had become the latest sensation of their musical city, attracting parents and children alike with an eclectic pop sensibility and lyrical turns about healthy snacks and playing catch and conquering childhood fears of bedtime. Lines to the Movers’ shows stretched for blocks. The group has gained critical acclaim from the likes of Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times. With millions of fans world-wide, their show is the No. 1 rated major touring act for families according to Ticketmaster. Be sure to grab your tickets for their show at The American Theatre on May 22, 2021!

Riddick Dance, founded in 2009 by Artistic Director David F. Riddick, is a contemporary dance company known for its broad dance repertory, expressive movement, athleticism, and fusion of dance styles. Productions including ONE, Phoenix, and The King Project as well as the school’s arts education and community programs have featured local talent from the Hampton Roads region. Riddick Dance returns to The American Theatre with its annual spring production on Friday, March 26, 2021 for Traveling Home-- The Beaten Footpath of the Soul.

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The HeART of Hampton: Episode 23
Thursday, December 10 | 7pm

On this episode of The HeART of Hampton, we bring you Steep sounds, Scratch sweets, and a special visit from Santa!

In their twenty-year history, the Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers have collaborated with an array of phenomenal musicians and frequently tour with renowned banjoist/comedian Steve Martin. The Billboard-topping group fuses bluegrass, country and Americana into their work and are often compared to predecessors like The Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and the modern Zac Brown Band. In response to a high demand from their previous shows at The American Theatre, we are bringing the Rangers back for the 4^th Annual Bluegrass and Brew Festival in June 2021!

Scratch Bakery can help you satisfy your sweet tooth! The award-winning bakery has multiple Hampton Roads locations (including one right down the street from The American Theatre) where they sell the most scrumptious cakes, delicious cupcakes, and other imaginative treats like the newly popular hot chocolate bomb. Most recently, owner Lashonda Sanford has appeared on Food Network’s The Holiday Baking Championship where she competes against 11 other bakers for a chance to win $25,000 (and bragging rights!).

He knows when you’ve been sleeping and he knows when you’re awake. It’s the jolly old man himself -- Santa Claus! St. Nick will chat with Artistic Director Richard M. Parison, Jr. about the upcoming holiday season… and if you’re really good, he might tell you how to earn a spot on the nice list this year!


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