Come join us as educators and volunteers offer themed animal interactions inside one of the Zoo’s classroom spaces. Our Little Zoo program offers our guests an intimate look at our animal ambassadors with station-based learning. This program is open to all who want to experience and grow in our Little Zoo. See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of Little Zoo on the day of your visit. Free with general admission.
Come join us as educators and volunteers offer themed animal interactions inside one of the Zoo’s classroom spaces. Our Little Zoo program offers our guests an intimate look at our animal ambassadors with station-based learning. This program is open to all who want to experience and grow in our Little Zoo. See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of Little Zoo on the day of your visit. Free with general admission.
Come join us as educators and volunteers offer themed animal interactions inside one of the Zoo’s classroom spaces. Our Little Zoo program offers our guests an intimate look at our animal ambassadors with station-based learning. This program is open to all who want to experience and grow in our Little Zoo. See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of Little Zoo on the day of your visit. Free with general admission.
Performer: TO BE ANNOUNCED
When: Saturday, August 30, 2025 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Where: Ocean View Beach Park
Free & Open to the Public!
Fireworks show at 9:30pm
Celebrate Labor Day on the Chesapeake Bay with live music, themed food and beverages, kid’s activities and a fireworks show at 9:30pm.
Performer: The Tiki Bar Band
When: Friday, August 15, 2025 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: Ocean View Beach Park
Free & Open to the Public!
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere on the shore! Celebrate summertime with live music from The Tiki Bar Band, themed food and beverages and kids’ activities!
Daniel Donato’s philosophic approach to playing music is simply stated, if hardly simple to achieve.
“It occurs to me that music is actually a form of service,” explains the Nashville raised singer, songwriter, guitarist and bandleader, who’s adopted Cosmic Country as both a group name and as the moniker for his ambitious stylistic alchemy. “You can make a living of it and do beautiful things with your life, but music is really a service to bring truth into people’s lives — if that’s something you’re interested in doing.”
Swearingen & Kelli, band
Fire & Rain is a beautiful collection of classics by James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, America, Jim Croce, Fleetwood Mac, and more. Duo Swearingen & Kelli join the VSO for a stellar performance of your favorite ’70s tunes.
With siren-like vocals and prolific songwriting, Swearingen & Kelli have carved out their own space in the Americana landscape, earning praise from Red Line Roots as artists “others would do well to emulate.”Their earlier albums, The Marrying Kind and Cold-Hearted Truth, drew critical acclaim from Gretsch Guitars, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, and NY Country Swag. With a sound steeped in the soul of ‘60s and ‘70s songwriters, they’ve shared the stage with legends like Crystal Gayle, Kenny Rogers, and folk heroes Tom Rush and David Bromberg.
Tickets to individual concerts go on sale Thursday, August 1. Secure your seats now by becoming a subscriber today! Click here for more info.
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Jan Vogler, cello
Samuel Barber: Overture to The School for Scandal
Anna Clyne: DANCE, Concerto for Cello and Orchestra
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5*
The first of three amazing fifth symphonies kicks off our celebration of five seasons with Music Director Eric Jacobsen. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony takes the listener on a transformative journey from struggle to triumph while showcasing the artistry of the VSO musicians. World renowned cellist and prolific recording artist Jan Vogler joins us to perform one of the most acclaimed cello concertos of the 21st century.
Eric Jacobsen serves as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s twelfth Music Director, a position he’s held since 2021. He is also artistic director and co-founder of The Knights, the uniquely adventurous NYC-based chamber orchestra, and Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic. In addition to conducting, Eric is a dedicated chamber musician (cello) and is a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.
Cellist Jan Vogler’s distinguished career has brought him together with renowned conductors and internationally acclaimed orchestras around the world, such as New York Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and London Philharmonic Orchestra. In partnership with Sony Classical, he has recorded over 20 albums including an award-winning recording of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto.
Anna Clyne is one of the most performed composers alive today. NPR called her “a radical melodist with a painter’s eye,” and her GRAMMY®-nominated works have been commissioned and presented by arts institutions like the Barbican, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Los Angeles Philharmonic, MoMA, Philharmonie de Paris, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, San Francisco Ballet, and the Sydney Opera House.
As we approach the nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 2026, the Orchestra has planned a season featuring many beloved American composers. Our season kicks off with the striking sounds of Samuel Barber’s dramatic and energetic Overture to The School for Scandal. Barber composed the work, his first for full orchestra, at the age of 21 while he was completing his studies at the Curtis Institute of Music.
If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four- The Ultimate Tribute. The 2025 tour brings their all-new show to the stage, celebrating The Beatles’ second film, HELP!, with performances from the movie soundtrack, as well as the Beatles’ greatest hits of every era.
The Emmy Award-winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Help!,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Hey Jude”, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.
The Blues is musical storytelling filled with stark emotion and a revolving reality check. It’s authentically raw; transforming tragedy, adversity and heartache into a visceral and cathartic experience. This special night of emotive lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment features performances by Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, West Love, Ronnie Bell, and Marcellus TheSinger.
ABOUT KING GEORGE
Bursting onto the Southern Soul scene with his signature party-centric sound filled with R&B flair, King George has quickly become a fan-favorite. Based out of Hopkins, SC, King George exploded on the Southern Soul scene and rose quickly to headliner status on The Blues Is Alright Tour this past Spring 2024. His highly anticipated album, Juke Joint Music was released in 2022 after launching onto the music scene via YouTube in 2020. For old-school music lovers, King George’s music is the perfect combination of R&B, soul, and funk that is sure to get anyone to do a little two-step. With his rich tone and satin-smooth vocals, his songs, “Keep on Rollin”, “Too Long”, “Friday Night” and “Leave & Party” are his top hits. There can only be one king: King George. For more information on King George, visit www.803kinggeorge.com and follow @King George on Facebook and @803kinggeorge on Instagram.
ABOUT TUCKA
Equally influenced by R. Kelly and Barry White, Louisiana’s Tucka James is an R&B singer who can deliver “pillow talk” songs that recall the grooves of the 70’s, 80’s, and 2010’s. He kicked off his career in 2007, singing lead vocals with Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band. He introduced his solo career in 2008, along with his nickname “the King of Swing.” He soon became a regional Louisiana favorite, and opened gigs for Mystikal and Lenny Williams. His Love Rehab album landed in 2009 with songs like “Sex on My Mind” and “Myspace Love.” Forever King followed in 2011, then in 2015 he released Love Rehab 2. For more information on Tucka, visit https://www.tuckajames.com/ and follow @TUCKA on Facebook and @tuckakingofswing on Instagram.
ABOUT POKEY BEAR
Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown was born on February 2, 1970 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is known for his soulful sound of music in the Blues/Southern Soul genre; however, he did not start out that way. Pokey Bear began his career as a rap music artist, but after doing it for a while decided to try other styles. His venture off into other styles of music would lead him to be the soulful singer that he is today. He was first recognized in music for his first two projects produced by Beat Flippa. Particularly his songs entitled “They Call me Pokey” and “Side Piece,” The song “Side Piece” happened as a result of a hook that was written by Heavy in which he asked Pokey to write lyrics to. He has worked with artists such as Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle, and Cupid. For more information on Pokey Bear, follow @Big Pokey Bear-JSP on Facebook and @bigpokeybearjsp on Instagram.
ABOUT WEST LOVE
Hailing from the Mississippi Delta, West’s voice carries the weight of generations of blues legends and the passion of her own experiences. With a mesmerizing stage presence and a voice that’s equal parts gravel and honey, West Love has earned a reputation as a modern-day blues torchbearer. She weaves tales of love, loss, and life’s struggles into every note, evoking raw emotions that resonate deep within the listener’s soul. West’s distinctive guitar skills, inspired by the greats like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, complement her evocative vocals, creating a sound that’s both timeless and contemporary. She has graced stages worldwide, leaving audiences enchanted with his authentic blues sound. West Love is a true testament to the enduring power of the blues and a reminder that its heartbeat continues to thrive in the hands of exceptional artists like her.
ABOUT RONNIE BELL
Ronnie Bell is a Southern Soul and R&B artist known for his rich, soulful voice and emotionally charged lyrics. While his music is deeply influenced by the classic sounds of old-school soul, he infuses it with a modern twist that gives his work a fresh, contemporary edge. Bell has crafted a style that blends timeless soul traditions with a unique, innovative approach. He draws inspiration from legendary artists like Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye, while also incorporating the influences of today’s stars such as Usher and The Weeknd. The result is a sound that feels both familiar and new, characterized by its raw energy and profound emotional resonance.
ABOUT MARCELLUS THESINGER
In the realm of Southern Soul, where storytelling and emotion blend seamlessly with rhythm and blues, one name is steadily making waves—Marcellus the Singer. Hailing from the deep South, Marcellus is a breath of fresh air for the genre, bringing a new-school edge to an old-school tradition. His blend of heartfelt lyrics and smooth, soulful melodies has endeared him to fans, earning him recognition with several hit songs, including “Toxic Love,” “Country Boy Love Song,” “The Letter,” and the highly popular “Do Me,” featuring Lil Boosie.
