Virginia Arts Festival Presents 2017 Virginia International Tattoo

For centuries, the cry "Tattoo" has echoed throughout Europe - first a call by to innkeepers to "Turn off the taps!" and then as the name for a grand display of military bands and drill teams. Fans of these massed spectacles of music and might flock to the world's great "Tattoos:" the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland, the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Canada. But the greatest Tattoo in the United States, and rivalling the largest in the world, is the Virginia International Tattoo. The Virginia International Tattoo brings more than a thousand performers, including military bands, drill teams, and pipe and drum bands from nations around the world, along with Celtic dancers, choirs, and more, for a spectacle like no other-so unique, and so spectacular that the United States' premier tour and travel organization the American Bus Association has named it the top attraction on its top 100 list.

Presented annually as part of the Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia International Tattoo enters its 21st season in 2017 with a pair of centennial celebrations.

The 2017 Virginia International Tattoo will be a signature event in the nationwide commemoration of the World War I Centennial, marking the 100th anniversary of the United States' entrance into the Great War. The arrival of the U.S. soldiers "Over There" turned the tide in this devastating war. To pay homage to those who served, the Tattoo will include historical images of the first war fought in flight, moving tributes to the role of the United States, and spectacular performances by marching bands and artists from World War I Allies.

In a tip of the military cap to its proud hometown, this year the Virginia International Tattoo also marks the 100th anniversary of Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world. Its development coinciding with the entry of the United States into World War I, Naval Station Norfolk became the engine of the U.S. Navy, home to scores of ships and aircraft, and the hub for training of generations of pilots. The Virginia International Tattoo will stage a special tribute to the world's largest naval base, with performances, video and a rousing musical salute by the Navy's own Fleet Forces Band.

The 2017 Virginia International Tattoo features more than 1000 performers from 7 nations, including the first appearance in Virginia by France's La Musique de l'air, Band of the French Air Force; the Singapore Armed Forces Band, blending military splendour with brilliantly costumed dancers and musicians; from the United Kingdom, the world-renowned Queen's Colour Squadron; and the Pipes and Drums, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, a tough fighting force of British soldiers, weekend warrior musicians who served alongside US Marines at Helmand Province.

Performance Schedule and Tickets

Thursday, April 27, 7:30 PM

Friday, April 28, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 29, 7:30PM
Sunday, April 30, 2:30 PM

Scope Arena, Norfolk

Tickets $100 Gold Circle, $55 VIP, no discounts;
$45, $35, $20
students under 25, 50% off

Groups of 15 or more save 15%

To order tickets by phone, call 1-877-741-2787 or 757-282-2822.

Groups should call 757-282-2819.

Tickets may be purchased online at vafest.org or by clicking here.

For more information about the 2017 Virginia International Tattoo, visit vafest.org

Presented in cooperation with North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Norfolk NATO Festival.

21ST ANNUAL VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CAST LIST

April 27-30, 2017

AUSTRALIA

Scotch College Adelaide Pipe Band

CANADA

Canadian Forces Base Trenton 8 Wing Pipes and Drums

FRANCE

La Musique de l'air, Band of the French Air Force

NATO

Headquarters Supreme Allied Command Transformation Multi-National Ceremonial Detail, NATO

NEW ZEALAND

Christchurch City Pipe Band

SINGAPORE

Singapore Armed Forces Band

UNITED KINGDOM

The Queen's Colour Squadron, 63 SquadRon Royal Air Force Regiment

Pipes and Drums, 1st Battalion Scots Guards

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Granby High School Naval Junior Reserve Training Officer Corps

Hampton Roads Police Color Guards

Old Dominion University Concert Choir

Old Dominion University Drumline

Rhythm of Ireland Irish Dance

The Reel Thing Irish Dance

U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band

U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Fanfare Trumpets

U.S. Navy Honor Guard Drill Team

U.S. Marine Corps Band, Quantico

U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company

U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band

Virginia Beach Public Schools Tattoo Festival Chorus

Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus

*Cast subject to changes and additions.

Before and After the Show

Tattoo Hullabaloo

Before each Virginia International Tattoo performance, patrons can enjoy the "Tattoo Hullabaloo," three hours of free non-stop performances, with food and craft beer available for purchase. Featuring performances by international military bands, pipers, drill teams and local dancers and musicians, the Hullabaloo is a perfect opportunity to shake hands with an active duty soldier and get a selfie with a Celtic highland dancer. Tattoo Hullabaloo happens on the Plaza just outside the entrance to Scope Arena.

April 27-29, 4:30 pm and April 30, 11:30 am

Scope Plaza

DrumLine Battle

A Hullabaloo favorite, DrumLine Battle showcases marching percussion ensembles, spotlighting their unique talents and creativity in a high-energy face-to-face competition.

Opening Night Fireworks Display

After the show Thursday, April 27, 2017, fireworks will split Norfolk's night sky in a dazzling display set to live music.

2nd Annual Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship

In the 2nd Annual Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship on Saturday, April 29, 2017, Grade 2 and Grade 3 pipe bands from around the world will compete, followed by awards presentation and a massed piping performance.

April 29, 2017

Noon-5 pm competition; 6 pm Awards Ceremony and Massed Piping Exhibition

Scope Plaza

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