NORFOLK, Va. — A beloved local cultural tradition is returning to Hampton Roads for its 26th year.
The Virginia Arts Festival's "Virginia International Tattoo" is set to kick off Thursday, April 20, and will run through the weekend. The show will feature the largest international cast ever, with performers from nine countries, including Ukraine.
According to the Virginia Arts Festival: "the centuries-old tradition of Tattoo originated as a signal from drummers instructing Dutch innkeepers near military garrisons to 'Doe den Tap-too' or 'turn off the tap.' Hearing the call 'Tap-too' soldiers would return to their barracks for an evening roll call. The ensuing parade of soldiers evolved into a military marching band performance now known worldwide as 'Tattoo.'"
Tattoo organizers pride themselves on the show being a patriotic event, and they say saluting military families was "a natural fit."
"I think the Army says it best, that, a solider is the backbone of the Army, but the family is the backbone of the soldier," said Scott Jackson, Tattoo Producer-Director.
Jackson added, "I think everybody who serves, nobody serves alone. They serve with their support group. I think families are integral. They aren't the icing on the cake. They are the cake."
Virginia International Tattoo 2023 Participating Nations:
AUSTRALIA
-Scotch College Perth Pipe Band
CANADA
FRANCE
-Bagad de Lann-Bihoué
LATVIA
-Central Military Band of the Latvian National Armed Forces
NEW ZEALAND
-The Highland Dance Company of New Zealand
SINGAPORE
-Singapore Armed Forces Central Band and Music and Drama Company
UKRAINE
-The Crazy Drummers
UNITED KINGDOM
-Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
-Andy’s Tartan Army
-Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums
-Granby High School Naval JROTC
-Hampton Roads Police Color Guards
-Norfolk Fire-Rescue Honor Guard
-Old Dominion University Concert Choir
-Tidewater Pipes and Drums
-U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Herald Trumpets
-U.S. Marine Corps Band, Quantico
-U.S. Marine Corps FAST Company
-U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon
-U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band
-Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus
The Virginia International Tattoo has four public performances scheduled.
They will take place at Norfolk Scope Arena from April 20 through 23.
Tickets are available and on sale now at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located at 440 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.