NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia International Tattoo is known for filling Scope Arena with pageantry, music and hundreds of spectators each year.
But Tuesday, the performance looked very different.
Spirit of America Celebrate 250: Virginia International Tattoo
Instead of bright lights and packed crowds, musicians brought the show to a much smaller venue inside Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, where young patients and their families became the audience.
“If some of these kids were in school right now and not in the hospital, they could potentially be going with their classes to the matinee shows,” said Shannon Hood, director of integrative care. “We were able to bring that here for them, so I hope they feel special.”
Among those in attendance was AnnaBella, a young patient who has undergone four surgeries in the past month, according to her father, Jarrett Ross.
Ross said the performance offered a much-needed break from the stress of hospitalization.
“They can’t really do much in their rooms,” he said. “But getting them up here and doing activities helps change their mindset — not always feeling depressed or anxious.”
Children clapped along to Scottish tunes and smiled through familiar songs, including “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.”
Scottish and Irish folk singer Dougie Anderson said music can offer comfort regardless of a person’s circumstances.
“No matter what you’re going through in your life, a little bit of music … it could just be a feel-good song,” Anderson said. “It generates that feeling of happiness and warmth. Without music, I think we would all be lost.”
From the grand stage at Scope Arena to the hospital halls, organizers say the Virginia International Tattoo’s impact goes beyond performance — reaching those who need it most.
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