News Summary
This May, Williamsburg will embrace creativity with numerous arts and music events. Highlights include performances by Desirée Roots and the New Town Tunes series, along with community engagement activities and festivals. Local venues will host diverse performances framed by art showcases and engaging activities for all ages, enriching the cultural landscape of the city.
Williamsburg Celebrates Arts and Music This May
Williamsburg is set to become a hub of creativity and entertainment this May, with a series of community events showcasing local arts and music. A variety of performances, concerts, and festivals will take place throughout the month, catering to diverse tastes and age groups.
Spotlight Performance by Desirée Roots
Kicking off the events, the William & Mary Arts Quarter Series will host acclaimed vocalist and actress Desirée Roots on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Center’s Concert Hall. Renowned for her powerful vocal range, Roots has been featured in over 30 stage productions spanning jazz, gospel, opera, and pop music. Her artistic talents have earned her a Grammy nomination, and she has collaborated with a plethora of musicians, including jazz legends like Buddy Guy and BB King, as well as the renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Roots is not only a vocalist; her prowess as an actress has been recognized with the Richmond Theater Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical, particularly for her role in “Caroline or Change.” Furthermore, she received acclaim for her captivating portrayal of Effie White in “Dreamgirls.” Currently, Roots serves as the program director for the ATLAS Partnership, which honors the professional theater legacy in Central Virginia.
Recurring Concert Series and Special Events
This month also marks the return of the New Town Tunes series, set to commence on May 7 and running every Wednesday until June 11. Taking place in Sullivan Square behind Legacy Hall, attendees can enjoy performances from bands such as The Fuzz Band and Slapnation. Concert grounds will open at 5 p.m., with shows starting at 5:30 p.m. and concluding by 8 p.m., accompanied by food trucks and local breweries.
Moreover, the 2025 Midtown concert series kicks off on May 8, occurring every second Thursday from 6-8 p.m., featuring performances by artists including Revelation and Good Shot Judy. Additionally, a unique event on May 6 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club” album with a performance by the Mark Morris Dance Group, accompanied by a live chamber music ensemble. This special performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Glenn Close Theatre, with tickets available online.
Women’s Chorus and Community Engagement
On May 13, the Women’s Chorus will present “Our Voice: Music of Our Time” at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. This concert will showcase works by notable composers such as Bob Chilcott and Libby Larsen, with suggested donations of $15 for adults and $10 for students, as tickets will not be sold at the door.
Additionally, the fifth annual Community Appreciation Day is scheduled for April 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., taking place on the community building lawn. This family-friendly event features live music provided by Corduroy Street, various engaging activities, and an interactive community art project where participants can create floral ornaments for display at the Stryker Center in May.
Festivals and Art Events
The month of May is also packed with exciting festivals, including the Revolutionary BBQ Brawl and Music Festival, which will take place from Friday through Sunday at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. The festival will launch at 6:30 p.m. on Friday with barbecue tastings and live music, followed by family activities such as a bike ride and yoga session on Saturday and a 5K race on Sunday starting at 9:30 a.m. Registration fees for the race will include a T-shirt, a barbecue sandwich, and a drink ticket.
To cap off the month, the 59th annual Art on the Square event will be held on Duke of Gloucester Street, featuring 100 fine artists displaying their works. The event will provide raffle opportunities to attendees while also supporting local arts organizations.
With such a diverse lineup of events, Williamsburg is poised to celebrate arts and music in a way that engages and inspires its community throughout May.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Williamsburg Community Art Project
- WY Daily: Williamsburg Women’s Chorus Spring Concert Scheduled for May 13
- Daily Press: Events to Check Out in the Williamsburg Area
- Wikipedia: Arts in Virginia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Performing Arts
