CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – 200 years ago Friday… on October 6, 1817… former Presidents Jefferson and Madison — and then-current President Monroe — laid the cornerstone upon which the University of Virginia was built. This Friday, October 6, 2017, an epic celebration occurs on the Lawn commemorating that birth of the University. UVa arts provost Jody Kielbasa expects some 20,000 to converge on the Lawn beginning at 7 Friday evening for a plethora of performances, speeches, and a virtual projection mapping technology which will bring you through the 200 year University history.
Kielbasa says they’ll acknowledge the warts of slavery, racism, and LGTBQ discrimination. But they’ll also celebrate the things done right to make the University loved by students, alumni, and the community at-large.
Some 900 students and faculty will perform. Special guests will also perform including Leslie Odom, Jr. who played Aaron Burr in Broadway’s “Hamilton”; Grammy-award winning R&B singer Andra Day; and closing out the evening with a concert is rock group Goo Goo Dolls.
You’ll need a ticket to get into the Lawn, and they are free. You can see all the information and a link to ticketing by clicking here.
