Pop Stars Coming Out to Benefit Pups in Olde Towne Pub Crawl

For you boaters heading up the Intracoastal and plan to be near mile marker "0" on the first of May, you won't want to miss this event!

The second annual Olde Towne Pub Crawl will take place Saturday May 1, 2010. The theme is 'Pup Stars' but you should plan to come dressed as your favorite pop star or celebrity (obviously optional)! You may win a prize for best costume!

PortsEvents is teaming up with the Portsmouth Humane Society, so your ticket will benefit two great nonprofits in Portsmouth, Virginia. Plus, you are also supporting a number of restaurants and pubs in Olde Towne.

Participating pubs & restaurants include:

Amore' Casual Italian, Baron's Pub, Brutti's, Gosport Tavern, Griff's Restaurant & Sports Bar, Logan Raye's Key West Grille, Longboards, Montgomery Grill, Paddy O'Brian's, Roger Brown's Restauant & Sports Bar, Still Eclectic Tapas and Thumpers Olde Towne Cajun Grille.

The ticket price is $20 each and includes a tee-shirt, beverage koozie, gift bag, map, and discounts at participating restaurants. Order tickets online using a credit card.

For more information on the Olde Towne Pub Crawl, visit http://www.oldetownepubcrawl.org/.

On-site registration will take place at Amore's Casual Italian. They are located at 606 High Street in Portsmouth. The pub crawl kicks off at 5:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Meerbott Marketing.

The Governor Dinwiddie Hotel & Suites is offering a special overnight room rate for Olde Towne Pub Crawl participants at $69 per room. Call 757.392.1330 to make reservations. They are conveniently located in the heart of Olde Towne where the pub crawl takes place. Their address is 506 Dinwiddie Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704. Boaters-this is a wonderful property located right in the heart of the downtown/Olde Towne area where the event is held and only a few blocks from the riverfront. Take advantage of the special pricing and a comfortable overnight stay in our historic village! http://www.governordinwiddiehotel.com/

The pub crawls in Olde Towne is an event you will certainly enjoy-unless your not a pub enthusiast! The participating restaurants are all within the High Street corridor and a short walking distance from the Olde Towne/downtown Portsmouth marinas. You can also tie-up your boat at the High Street Landing (the closest point to the event) or the North Landing just a little bit further north and next to the visitors center.  Spaces are limited so plan to get here early, relax and enjoy what Portsmouth's Olde Towne has to offer.

It's Spring! Plan Now for April's First Friday Events

On Friday April 2nd, it's ‘FirstEvents Weekend’ in Olde Towne, Portsmouth featuring 'First Friday'. The event has grown and has become a joint effort among a number of local businesses. Participating businesses include those from the waterfront at High Street Landing and along the High Street corridor to Effingham Street.


This is the weekend that local galleries, antique shops, stores and museums in Portsmouth's Olde Towne come together for the city's most popular monthly evening escapes - 'First Friday'. Held the first Friday of each month, Olde Towne Portsmouth's arts & antiques community will play host to both casual browsers and serious buyers. This weekend is no exception with shoppers out for a night on the town. Numerous galleries, antique shops and specialty stores will participate, with some hosting receptions and exhibition openings.

Here is an idea of what you can expect this Friday among the local art galleries:

At High Street Landing, Riverview Gallery will have it's monthly First Friday opening reception for the April art show, BLOOMING, on the first Friday evening of April 2nd. Great live music, food, and art, all in the beautiful historic Seabord Railway building at One High St. Artists from Richmond to North Carolina will be displaying paintings, photography, and sculptural work depicting the beauty in world of flowers. This event is free and open to the public from 5pm to 8pm.

Further up High Street, The Visual Arts Center of Tidewater Community College plays host to their 39th Annual Student Art Show. Featuring over 200 works by more than 100 students, media include drawing, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, sculpture, computer generated imagery and mixed media. Works were created for art classes since last May, and represent program courses in Fine Arts, Photography, Graphic Design, Pottery and Glassblowing. The event runs through April 25, 2010. Brian Kreydatus, Associate Professor of Art, and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, is this year’s judge. The Awards Presentation will take place Saturday, April 10, 2010, 11 a.m., at The Commodore Theatre, 421 High Street, Portsmouth. During the event, Kreydatus will present over $4,600 in awards in recognition of artistic excellence. The Opening Reception will follow the presentation of awards at noon at the Visual Arts Center.

The theme for 'First Friday' at The Courthouse Galleries is 'The Courthouse, Inside & Out'.

Skye Zentz, an acoustically soulful multi-instrumentalist from Norfolk, will perform at the Courthouse Galleries. Skye has been a creator of songs since she was 3 years old and played guitar since the age of 16. By 21, she had picked up the ukulele and finished writing all the songs that would make it on her first album, Legitimate Bohemia. Skye received nominations for "Acoustic/Folk Artist of the Year" and "Album of the Year" at the 2008 Portfolio Music Awards. Her songs are honest, thoughtful and easy to relate to.

Jim Keiper and Dick Hamilton of the Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), will provide a basic introduction to Tidewater railroad history and the transformation from steam to diesel along with discussing modular layout building and prototypes. Examples of historically accurate models will be on display during their presentation and discussion. A free 6-month membership will be available for anyone who wishes to join the NMRA. Both Keiper and Hamilton have been train enthusiasts since childhood.

Enjoy free admission and three great exhibits of '2010 Outdoor Sculpture', 'Trains & Transportation', and 'Illuminations: Tidewater Artists Explore the New', which features local artists within the Tidewater Art Alliance (TAA). Here's a look at each of the three exhibits:

2010 Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit Emily Smith of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA was the juror for the 2010 Outdoor Sculpture exhibition.

Her decisions were based on several factors: the characteristics of specific sites, relationship between the overall body of work and artistic quality. Selections reflect a balance of styles, from abstraction to more narrative approaches in materials ranging from stone, glass and steel to wood and wind.

Cast your ballot on your favorite sculpture featured in this historic garden setting (shown right) and help determine the People’s Choice Award for the 'Fifth Annual Outdoor Sculpture' exhibit. The show runs through October 10, 2010.

Trains and Transportation See a working model train layout featuring items from the Lancaster Antique Train and Toy Collection. A locomotive bell, rear backup light from a steam engine, lanterns, pistons and many rare trains and accessories will delight visitors of all ages. This show runs through October 10, 2010.

ILLUMINATIONS: Tidewater Artists Explore the New This annual juried multi-media exhibit offers members of the Tidewater Art Alliance an opportunity to exhibit a body of works (shown above, top) that represent a developed theme, style or vision. This show runs through April 25, 2010.

For more information call 757.393.8543. Presented by The Courthouse Galleries are located at the corner of High and Court Street. Be sure to stop by from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This month in the window at Olde Towne Art there will be the paintings of Laura Tovar Dietrick, Sarah Hanson and Betty Cornwell Estrada. These three women are some of the finest local artists around.

Stop by for the opening of this new show on April 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be plenty of food and drinks, and great music from the well-known performer Warren Seaburg.

While in the gallery, you'll be able to see the works of the other 23 resident artists.


Perhaps you'll sign up for an art class, or take home a beautiful original work of art. Olde Towne Art is located at 525 High Street.


Make sure that you stop by and visit some of Olde Towne's finest antique shops. Antique Adventures located at 507 High Street, Nearthebay Antiques located at 310 High Street, Queen Bee’s Antiques located at 425 High Street and Way Back Yonder Antiques located at 620 High Street.

You’ll find a number of stores open during the evening. Specialty shops open Friday include:

Spring into Summer at Paperwhyte with their Vera Bradley Sale. "Buy a large Vera Bradley Tote Bag (selected styles) and get a Virginia Beach beach towel or flip flops at half price". Plan now for that special graduation gift or your summer vacation! The sale is Friday and Satuday, April 2 & 3, 2010. Located at 610 High Street.

Barbara Vincents' N E X T upscale consignment shop features home furnishings, rugs, art, lamps, the unique & unexpected. They are located at 607 High Street.

Paulette Joseph featuring Faveur Natural Essentials offers an elcectic mix fashion and apparel and gifts. Some of their popular brands include Brighton and Crabtree & Evelyn. They are located at 614 High Street.

Your ‘First Friday’ event is not complete until you have dined in one of Olde Towne's extensive selection pubs, restaurants and eateries all within a short walking distance with over 20 chef-owned and operated restaurants to choose from. Some listed below will have live entertainment:

Amore Casual Italian will offer 10% off that persons food bill with a reciept from ANY of the shops downtown. 606 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.337.8382. Open 11 a.m. to midnight.

Baron's Pub & Restaurant is offering a Happy Hour Specials. They feature live entertainment from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Located at 500 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.399.4840. Open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Gosport Tavern will have live entertainment from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 702 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.337.0637. Open 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Griff's Restaurant & Sports Lounge will featue live entertainment from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday. 509 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.606.3990. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Montgomery Grill will feature live entertainment with 'Undercurrent' on Friday April 2nd and with 'Ted Doty' on Saturday April 3rd. All performances start at 9:00 and go until midnight. 725 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.393.3322. Open 11:00 a.m. until Midnight.


You'll also enjoy a couple of wine tastings taking place:

Angry Adam's Wine and Cheese Spot will present a 'First Friday Wine Tasting' featuring wines by Cobblestone Cellars from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Angry Adam's Wine and Cheese Spot is located at 501 High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth.

Brutti’s at 467 Court Street will host a wine tasting at their new Wine Bar from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. $1 per tasting glass. Enjoy live jazz featuring 'Drew Darrell and John Kidd Trio' from 7 p.m. til 10 p.m. Ask about the 'Specials' from Brutti's Kitchen. By the way, 'Black White Blues Band' performs Saturday night 8:30 p.m. til 11:30 p.m.


Interested in seeing a first run movie in a unique dining setting? The Ghost Writer (PG-13) is now showing at The Commodore Theatre starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan. This is a luxuriously restored 1945 Art Deco style motion picture theatre presenting first run films with a fine dining restaurant within the main auditorium. Shows are daily at 7 p.m.; matinees Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Same day ticket sales, in person, at the boxoffice. 24 hour Theatre & show information: 757.393.6962. The Commodore Theatre is located at 421 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth.



About First Friday: First Friday is held along the seven blocks of historic High Street between Effingham Street and the Elizabeth River the first Friday of each month, rain or shine, year round. Most shops & galleries are open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no admission fee for First Friday - participating businesses are open to the public. The event was started a few years ago by Barbara Vincent, owner of the former Vincent Hester Gallery on High Street. Shortly after, she was joined by Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery and Way Back Yonder Antiques and the event grew. Other businesses soon joined in and the event has become well-known in Hampton Roads.

First Friday is part of ‘FirstEvents’ co-sponsored by Portsmouth Museums, Portsmouth Partnership, Olde Towne Business Association, PRHA, EDA and the City of Portsmouth. This event is promoted by PortsEvents.

Have a great day!

David Cartier
Starboards

Visit Olde Towne Portsmouth for First Saturday: Antiques to Flea Market, Art, Music & Farmer's Market

Saturday April 3, 2010

The first Olde Towne Farmers Market of the year will take place this Saturday weekend at a new location. This month there will be a small market in the parking lot of The Courthouse Galleries. The location was previously on Middle Street, adjacent to the Sports Museum, off of High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth. The big change is the location - this month there will be a small market in the parking lot of The Courthouse Galleries.

The Olde Towne Farmer’s Market has items for sale that include fresh seasonal produce, flowers, plants, canned goods, baked goods, jams, breads, honey, and more! It starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. or depending on when they run our of their products, etc.

‘Antiques to Flea Market’ is held the first Saturday of each month, the Olde Towne Portsmouth. It offers an eclectic collection of unique and antique wares. With over 60 dealers and vendors exhibiting, bargain hunters and serious collectors will discover a great selection of antique and estate furniture, architectural antiques, china, silverware, art and prints, sporting gear, musical instruments, books and ephemera. There are even hand-made crafts and toys, as well as decorative accessories and flea market items of all types and one-of-a-kind items priced to sell.

Hampton Roads Magazine recently rated the Olde Towne's ‘Antiques to Flea Market’ as the ‘Best in Hampton Roads’! The Olde Towne ‘Antiques to Flea Market’ is conveniently located in the Middle Street Garage at the corner of Middle & London streets. It is held year round, rain or shine on the first Saturday of each month.  Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. There is always Free Admission & Free Parking! Call the Olde Towne Business Association.at 757.405.3500 for additional information.

There are a number of restaurants that offer breakfast: Brutti’s, Gosport Tavern, Griff's Restaurant & Sports Bar and the Foggy Point Point Bar & Grille (at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel). Local coffee shops include Starbucks and The Coffee Shoppe. These are all within walking distance of the Olde Towne ‘Antiques to Flea Market’ and the Olde towne Farmers Market.

After the ‘Antiques to Flea Market’, you may want to stop by and visit some of antique shops in Olde Towne. These include: Antique Adventures located at 507 High Street, Nearthebay Antiques located at 310 High Street. Queen Bee’s Antiques, 425 High Street and Way Back Yonder Antiques, 620 High Street. At High Street Landing, Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery specializes in nautical antiques.

The Courthouse Galleries offers a great show that opened last month. 'Reflection for the Sky' (shown above) is part of the new exhibit, 'ILLUMINATIONS: Tidewater Artists Explore the New'. This annual juried multi-media exhibit offers members of the Tidewater Art Alliance an opportunity to exhibit a body of works that represent a developed theme, style or vision. The show runs through April 25, 2010.

Parking is available next to the Courthouse and in both parking garages. The Courthouse Galleries is located at County and Middle streets, and London and Middle streets. For more information, call 757.393.8543.

If you have ever wanted to take an art class, this weekend may be just the time at Olde Towne Art.
Olde Towne Art is more than an art gallery for a number of artists. They produce several workshps and classes throughout the year. This Satuday, they will be holding a hands-on workshop focusing on 'Watercolor'. This workshop will consist of techniques, along with hands on applications needed for the beginner and the intermediate painter. Whether you're a beginner or have been painting for awhile, you can benefit and inprove your skills from this class. Instructor: Donna Silvis. .Price: $90. Questi ons and information: 757.301.6696. All supplies will be included. 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Olde Towne Art 525 High Street. Olde Towne Portsmouth.

If you want something unique to do with the kids this weekend, stop by The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Their 'First Saturday' program is ‘Portsmouth, Then & Now'.

Their April First Weekend event will give you an opportunity to discover what life was like in Portsmouth in the past and how it changed over time! Learn about the buildings on High Street, the changing technology of the Shipyard, and discover hands-on activities with real artifacts from Portsmouth’s past. Read about a young girl who lived in Portsmouth in the nineteenth century and learn how her life differed from children today. Everyone can learn about this city’s rich past and have fun with it at the same time.

This Saturday there is free admission and no registration required. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum is located at High Street Landing, on the corner of High Street and Water Street. Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Artist, David Narvaez, creating original artwork COMICS ART at the Lightship Portsmouth. Come to the Lightship Portsmouth for an ongoing demonstration combining Art and History! Come observe our resident artist, David Narvaez, as he creates original artwork for his newest illustrated book featuring U.S. Lightship history.

This book will be an adventure comic book. Visitors can not only garner more knowledge on the Lightship service and components comprising the ship, but also learn drawing techniques, perspective drawing, and color theory. Visitors are welcome to bring their own works of art, or simply come sketch the lightship (providing their own materials), to receive advice on composition and technique from David. Pencil drawing will be the focus during the month of April, followed by inking in May, and wrapping up with coloring in June. Saturdays, April thru June 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fee: Program is Free with Paid Admission to the Museum; Registration: No registration required.

For more information on this program, please call 757-393-8591. Lightship Portsmouth Museum, London Slip (foot of London Street) As with all their First Saturday programs, admission will be FREE to both the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Lightship Portsmouth!

Explore this charming building and view artifacts and exhibits that reflect the history of the Hampton Roads Jewish community. Jewish Museum and Cultural Center is open for tours Saturday (and Sunday). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this architectural treasure represents a rare surviving example of Eastern European Jewish Orthodoxy. Admission $3. 607 Effingham Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. 757.391.9266. Open 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.

Have a great day!
David Cartier
Starboards