Fringe Festival Coming to ODU March 23-24

March 07, 2018

BJ Griffin The Neo-Futurists After Jack

The Virginia Arts Festival is partnering with Old Dominion University to present VAF Fringe at ODU, a lineup of innovative and unconventional events and performers that are sure to inspire curiosity and excitement.

The festival will be held Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24 at various venues across ODU's campus, including a free outdoor event at Brock Commons. The events are purposely planned with staggered start times, so students and patrons are able to attend multiple performances throughout the weekend.

"Bringing art into the community is a core mission of the Virginia Arts Festival," said Rob Cross, executive director of the Virginia Arts Festival. "We are delighted to partner with Old Dominion University on the project, and we look forward to entertaining and engaging students, faculty and staff at these exciting performances."

What is a fringe festival?

Fringe festivals began in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947. There, a number of performing artists who were not official participants in the Edinburgh International Festival decided to produce their own work in empty stores and church basements. Thus, their work was staged literally "on the fringe" of the established festival.

The concept was an immediate success and the fringe events soon became just as popular as the official festival. Today, fringe festivals around the world vary, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Shows are kept brief and technical requirements simple, introducing audiences to new genres as a performing art "smorgasbord."

"It is a great pleasure to work with the Virginia Arts Festival in presenting fringe programming at the Goode Theatre, Brock Commons and Gordon Art Galleries," said Cullen Strawn, executive director for the arts at Old Dominion University. "The events will further diversify offerings on campus and provide unique experiences for guests."

THE NEO-FUTURISTS: "The Infinite Wrench"

Founded in 1988, this trailblazing ensemble has become one of the most highly regarded experimental theater companies in the U.S. Unleashing a barrage of two-minute plays, one after another, and engaging the audience in interactive improvisation, the Neo-Futurists deliver a roller coaster performance that leaves fans breathless. Each brief play offers something different: some are funny, others profound; they may be elegant or disgusting; laughable or terrifying — but all are inspired by the performers' experiences and tackle the here-and-now. "There is music, dancing, mess-making, joke-telling, confessing and everything in between. The audience can also throw a surprise wrench into the show, which alters the rest of the night in a hilarious and shocking way. I laughed, I cried, and I learned - "The Infinite Wrench" is a triumph in every way." (TheHawkChicago.com)

Contains adult content and mature language.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 7:30 P.M.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 7:30 P.M.

GOODE THEATRE, 46TH STREET AND MONARCH WAY, NORFOLK

$10 WITH ODU ID; $20 PUBLIC

AFTER JACK, AN AMERICANA TRIO

Named the 2014 Americana Vocal Group of the Year by the Appalachian Cultural Music Association, this trio couples a modern sensibility with distinctly old-time energy, blending bluegrass, gospel and folk elements to create an irresistible, foot-stomping good time. Top it off with harmonies that spring straight from the soul of the mountains, and you've got After Jack.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 9 P.M.

BARON AND ELLIN GORDON ART GALLERIES, 4509 MONARCH WAY, NORFOLK

FREE WITH ODU ID; $10 PUBLIC

SILENT DISCO

Jam to your own private beat at this outdoor party! With DJs and your choice of dueling tracks, plug into the party at your own audio levels, and bliss out to the beat you choose among a throng of friends and friends-to-be!

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 8-10 P.M.

(RAIN DATE SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 8-10 P.M.)

BROCK COMMONS, 1054 47TH STREET, NORFOLK

FREE

BJ GRIFFIN, VOCALIST/CELLIST

This versatile artist grew up in Virginia Beach where he was a member of the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra. After studying music education, cello performance and music industry at James Madison University, he launched an all-out assault on the music business and is today a successful performer with an avid regional fan base. He won a 2018 VEER music award and has opened for such artists as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Smash Mouth and Lionel Richie. Known and loved for his soulful groove, classical grounding and soaring voice, BJ performs as a solo artist and assembles diverse ensembles to carry out his vision of breaking the barriers between musical genres.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 9 P.M.

BARON AND ELLIN GORDON ART GALLERIES, 4509 MONARCH WAY, NORFOLK

FREE WITH ODU ID; $10 PUBLIC

Co-presented with the Old Dominion University College of Arts and Letters. Supported in part by the Hixon Community Engagement Fund.

Event parking will be provided free of charge at Garage D on 45th St. (north side of the Ted Constant Convocation Center).

For more information and to purchase performance tickets in advance, visit www.vafest.org, call 757-282-2822 or visit the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office (440 Bank Street Norfolk, VA 23510).