Words and Images Courtesy of the Virginia Arts Festival
Williamsburg Live
June 16-18, 2023
The Wood Brothers
with special guest Shovels & Rope
Kenny Loggins
with special guest Yacht Rock Revue
Keb’ Mo’
Roots rocker fan favorites, an ‘80s icon, and a Grammy winner who makes the blues feel good: the headliners for Virginia Arts Festival’s 2023 summer music event Williamsburg Live promise great music and good times under the stars, June 16-18 at the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Three Day Packages go on-sale this Friday January 27 at 10:00 am online at vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office at 440 Bank Street in Norfolk.
Headlining the Friday June 16 evening will be Americana fan favorites The Wood Brothers. With a soulful sound, tight harmonies, and plenty of onstage charisma, this trio has become one of the hottest acts on the road. Brothers Chris and Oliver Wood pursued separate musical careers for years – Chris with the popular jam band Medeski Martin & Wood and Oliver with Georgia troubadour Tinsley Ellis – before combining their musical gifts. They were joined by drummer Jano Rix as the third member of their trio and the unmistakable Wood Brothers sound was born, to the intense delight of the fans who follow them from show to show. Opening this Friday night show will be the South Carolina-based husband-and-wife Americana/Folk duo Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, known to their growing fan base as Shovels & Rope.
Saturday evening June 17 brings earworm melodies, irresistible dance beats and happy memories from the ‘80s and ‘90s, when rock icon Kenny Loggins performs as part of his farewell tour. Loggins’ extraordinary four-decade-plus career has been highlighted by top spots on the charts, including unforgettable hits like This Is It, Whenever I Call You Friend, Heart to Heart and more; and contributions to some of Hollywood’s most memorable soundtracks, including Danger Zone (Top Gun), I’m Alright (Caddyshack), and Footloose. With 12 Platinum albums, two Grammy wins, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a new memoir (Still Alright), Kenny Loggins is an undeniable force in popular entertainment. Opening for Loggins is the Yacht Rock Revue, revving the crowd up to a popped-collar frenzy with their signature sound including songs from their latest album, Hot Dads in Tight Jeans.
Sunday night June 18 brings a mellow mood with bluesman and musical adventurer Keb’ Mo.’ A five-time Grammy winner, Mo’ has performed for millions of fans on TV and film, including The West Wing and Sesame Street; and he’s brought his feel-good blues to all kinds of stages from corner dives to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to the White House. His star collaborations have included recordings and live performances with artists including Taj Mahal, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, and Lyle Lovett. Rooted in the blues, Mo’s music slips and slides away from classification, mixing classic blues with country, pop, soul, R&B and Americana, all delivered in an easygoing growl that draws the listener in.
“There’s just nothing like Williamsburg Live,” said Virginia Arts Festival Executive Director Robert W. Cross. “The historic setting sets it apart, with centuries of history echoing along the nearby streets and pathways of Colonial Williamsburg. And as the moon rises and the cooling summer breezes stir, you’ve got great music from amazing artists…plus the opportunity to sample the bounty of southeastern Virginia’s wineries, breweries and farm-to-table food scene. Truly a feast for the senses.”
A curated experience among music festivals, the unique setting of Williamsburg Live welcomes thousands of fans every summer to the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg – at the beautiful heart of this centuries-old city. Fans can enjoy locally-sourced foodie fare via food trucks and wine and craft beers available on the concert grounds, and then settle in for performances by some of today’s most compelling artists, in their choice of pavilion or lawn seating. Before the concerts, visitors can explore centuries of history and enjoy the region’s unique shopping and award-winning dining.
Three Day Packages for Williamsburg Live go on sale Friday, January 27 at 10:00 am, online at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office (440 Bank Street in Norfolk). A limited number of VIP packages are available. Colonial Williamsburg Hotels will offer special Williamsburg Live hotel packages. Please visit colonialwilliamsburghotels.com or call 1-877-568-8225 for more information.
About Virginia Arts Festival The Virginia Arts Festival celebrates its 26th Anniversary in 2023. The largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, Virginia Arts Festival has transformed the region's cultural scene, presenting great performers from around the world and making this historic region a cultural destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world. In 2019 the Festival welcomed visitors from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 foreign countries. Each season, the Festival presents over 250 performances, free community events, student matinees, and workshops, with an annual attendance of over 110,000. Millions more are reached through international broadcasts of Festival performances on American Public Radio's Performance Today, nationally on PBS TV, and regionally on WHRO TV. Over 32% of ticket sales come from outside the region, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to local museums and attractions and filling regional hotels and restaurants. Estimated annual economic impact of the Festival exceeds $25 million.