WILLIAMSBURG — The Ampersand International Arts Festival returns to Williamsburg March 17–23.
The week-long event attracts arts enthusiasts from across the region and promises world-class talent — from top stand-up comedians and a hip-hop legend to incredible live music and acclaimed authors.
“We are pleased to offer a truly comprehensive arts festival and bring such a broad range of creators to the community,” says Adam Stackhouse, one of the festival’s producers.
According to organizers, spotlight programs include:
A Conversation with Rev Run: On March 22 at 7 p.m., hip-hop icon, DJ, and preacher Rev Run is ready to tell all about his life as an artist. Best known as the frontman for the group RUN DMC, Rev has sold millions of records and is credited for ushering rap music into mainstream culture. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for fans who want to meet Rev after the show.
The Lone Bellow: On March 18 at 8 p.m., The Lone Bellow will perform. After their self-titled debut in 2013, the band quickly became known for their transcendent harmonies, serious musicianship and raucous live performance — a reputation that earned them their rabid fan base. The trio, featuring Zach Williams (guitar/vocals), Kanene Donehey Pipkin (multi-instrumentalist/vocals and WM Class of 2007), and Brian Elmquist (guitar/vocals) will give one of their signature raucous live performances at the festival.
A Night of Laughs with James “Murr” Murray: On March 19 at 7:30 p.m., James Murray, writer, executive producer and comedian best known as “Murr” on the hit TV show “Impractical Jokers,” will be telling jokes and stories and answering questions from the audience. He has a few surprises in store as well. Also, an author of suspenseful thrillers, Murr will be available for a book signing following the program.
Masters of Silent Comedy: On March 21 at 7:30 pm, The Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra will dazzle movie lovers with live music while watching classic silent films featuring Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd. It’s a program sure to make people of all ages smile.
Like Minds: On March 21 at 8 p.m., this comedy quiz show takes the fact-filled fun of a pub quiz and combines it with the quick-witted comedy of an improv show. Contestants for this live episode include Thomas Middleditch, an actor and comedian best known for his role as Richard Hendricks on “Silicon Valley,” Asher Perlman, a cartoonist for “The New Yorker” and writer for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and two William & Mary alumnae in comedians Andrea Coleman and Sara Schaefer. Perlman will be available for a book signing of his national bestseller, “Well, This is Me,” after the show. (March 21, 8 p.m.)
Films, theater and dance performances, and author talks will also be featured. The event’s Industry Summit will offer professional workshops, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with festival special guests and William & Mary alumni. For details on all the programs and to purchase tickets, visit the Ampersand Festival website.
The event is sponsored by the City of Williamsburg, with additional support from Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary.