If you’re uncertain what the word “tattoo” means in the context of Norfolk, Virginia’s largest annual event, Scott Jackson, producer/director of the military-themed spectacle known as the Virginia International Tattoo, is happy to explain.
A student of military history, Jackson recently learned that George Washington himself called for the first tattoo in American history. “At that time, a tattoo was a small military ceremony,” Jackson said. “It was basically a time each night when soldiers were called back to a base, and there was a roll call and a military ceremony, sometimes called a beating retreat.”
Jackson has seen firsthand how this simple ceremony has evolved into an incredible spectacle.
“About 15 years ago, I took a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, to see the Edinburgh Tattoo, which is the biggest tattoo in the world and the most famous,” Jackson said. “My hotel was at the bottom of a road called the Royal Mile ... and when you walk up this mile on the night of a tattoo performance, it’s totally vibrant. It’s so exciting. There’s music on every corner. There’s street performers. There’s food, there’s beer. When I got to the castle, I was already in a great mood.”
From that origin story, Jackson created the annual Virginia International Tattoo, which this year runs from April 16 to 19 in Norfolk’s Scope Arena. This year’s theme, A Salute to 250 Years of American Independence, will thread the spirit of 1776 through every act.
The Old Guard
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, wearing uniforms similar to those worn by military musicians in 1776, will demonstrate how fifes, drums and bugles once served as battlefield communication — the original radio operators of the Continental Army. The French Navy Band and a Royal Air Force rifle display team called the King’s Color Squadron represent the allies who stood with the colonies. South Korea’s Army Band will provide a “giant umbrella of Korean culture,” with traditional dance and costumes, a taekwondo display team and two K-pop stars currently serving their mandatory military service.
“In the U.S. in the ’50s, Elvis Presley was drafted into the Army, who felt like it was a distraction, so they actually staged him in Germany. He basically had a desk job,” Jackson said. “Well, the South Koreans said, ‘Oh, you’re a K-pop star, we’re drafting you. We’re sending you to Virginia Tattoo to represent.’”
How did the participating countries come to be part of this year’s Tattoo? Jackson cites a line from a hit Broadway musical to explain: “I want to be in the room where it happens,” the line goes. “Well, these were the countries that were in the room where it happened,” Jackson said.
Tattoo Hullabaloo
The festivities aren’t just inside the arena, Jackson noted. For several hours before each performance, the exterior Scope Plaza will come alive with brass quintets, traditional Celtic dancers, beer tastings, festival food and a market of makers selling Tattoo-related merchandise. This is the Tattoo Hullabaloo: a free pre-show open to the public and Jackson’s answer to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
“When you can, come early and relax, because then when the show starts, you’re already in a great place,” he said. “If you haven’t gone yet, this is the year to go.”
Tickets are available at vafest.org or by calling 757.282.2822. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
