Free 'Symphony Under the Stars' concerts return to Williamsburg, Yorktown next week

Plus: A Williamsburg man was arrested in connection to the shooting death of an 18-year-old, and the City of Williamsburg is launching a new series on zoning laws.

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August 29, 2026 Good morning, Historic Triangle! A warm but mostly dry weekend is ahead as August draws to a close. Highs will be in the low to mid-80s today, with overnight temperatures dipping into the low 70s. Sunday will be a bit warmer, with highs climbing into the upper 80s, according to WTKR Meteorologist Tony Nargi. There is a slight chance for stray showers or thunderstorms on both days. The 7-day forecast for Aug. 29 - Sept. 4. (Image by Tony Nargi/WTKR News 3) Temperatures will begin to rise again on Monday, setting up another muggy work week. Highs will reach the 90s, and heat indices will be in the 100s through Thursday. Scattered storms are expected to move in on Friday.  Now to the news. -Christin Free 'Symphony Under the Stars' concerts return to Williamsburg, Yorktown next week The Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs in Yorktown in 2025. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle) Symphony music will fill the air in Williamsburg and Yorktown next week as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra's (VSO) beloved "Music Under the Stars" series returns to the Historic Triangle. This year's theme, "Musical Mosaic," showcases timeless composers and favorite hit scores from classics like E.T., Peer Gynt and Oklahoma! VSO will first perform at Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre in Williamsburg at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, and then will return to Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5.  Susan Corbett, William & Mary's communications specialist, noted that the Williamsburg performance "highlights the close connection" between the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the college's Department of Music. William & Mary partners with the City of Williamsburg to sponsor the outdoor concert each year. Additionally, several music department faculty members perform with the orchestra, including trumpet instructor David Vonderheide, bassoon instructor Laura Leisring and flute instructor Joanne White. The Riverwalk Landing performance will feature a special presentation of the Yorktown Centennial March, which was written for the 1881 centennial celebration in Yorktown.  According to William Cole, Chairman of the Celebrate Yorktown Committee, the score was composed by John Philip Sousa and performed on Oct. 19, 1881. Sousa returned 50 years later and composed another march for the Yorktown Sesquicentennial, which he conducted along with the "Star-Spangled Banner." The Celebrate Yorktown Committee was elated to learn that VSO would perform the march this year amid the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, Cole added. "The VSO almost never varies from the standard fare, so we were very pleased when they responded to our request to play it," Cole said. Prior to the start of the Yorktown concert, the Fifes & Drums of York Town will take the stage at 6 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to pack a cooler and bring a picnic, and blue ribbons will be awarded for the most creative picnic arrangements. While the Symphony Under the Stars series is free and open to the public, Cole emphasized that the concerts - which draw thousands of locals and visitors alike annually - require extensive planning.  The Celebrate Yorktown Committee, a volunteer-run organization, works diligently throughout the year to raise the money needed to cover the cost of the program, Cole said. The event is made possible through generous support from York County, the York County Arts Commission and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, as well as community organizations, businesses and individuals.  "The Celebrate Yorktown Committee of the Yorktown Foundation thanks the many individuals who have financially supported our presentation of the VSO for the 27th year," Cole said. "We could not welcome the public for free without these donations." Parking and admission Parking for the Yorktown concert will be available at the Riverwalk Landing Parking Terrace on Water Street, as well as York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, the County Administration Building, Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and blanket. No tickets are required. Because the concert draws a large crowd, early arrival is recommended.  The Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs at William & Mary in 2024. (Photo by Alfred Herczeg) Guests who attend the Williamsburg concert will need a wristband to enter the venue. Seating is limited, and wristbands - which are free - will be provided to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.  Concertgoers are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets, provided they do not obstruct the view of others. Personal coolers and picnic baskets are welcome, but glass containers and outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited. All bags and coolers will be inspected before entry. Food and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase inside the Lake Matoaka venue. Parking will be available in the garage at 201 Ukrop Way. Handicap spaces will be open at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business parking lot, and golf carts will be on site beginning at 6 p.m. for those with mobility issues. The amphitheatre is about one-third of a mile from the parking garage, and guests should be aware that the walking route includes uneven terrain, a downhill grade and several sets of steps. From the drop-off location, guests will still need to walk a short distance to reach the audience seating area. In the case of inclement weather, the Williamsburg "Musical Mosaic" concert will be rescheduled to Sept. 15, while Yorktown's rain date for the program is Sept. 8. VSO will also perform in free summer concerts in Newport News, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Portsmouth. For more information, visit virginiasymphony.org. NEWS TO KNOW  Williamsburg man arrested in connection to fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jayquone Lee Jones. (Photo courtesy of York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office) A 20-year-old Williamsburg man was taken into custody on Monday in connection to the shooting death of an 18-year-old, according to the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office (YPSO). On Aug. 7, York-Poquoson deputies and Virginia State Police officers were called out to the 100 block of Emma Rose Court in the York Terrace neighborhood. Upon arrival, deputies discovered an 18-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The victim was identified as Caleb Zecharia Cotman. Cotman grew up in the Williamsburg area and graduated from Lafayette High School earlier this year. A passionate cook, Cotman was "bubbly, playful, loved to talk and could bring laughter and energy wherever he went," his obituary states. "His presence was one that could be felt, and his family will forever miss hearing his voice, his jokes and simply having him around."  An eyewitness told The Triangle the shooting took place during a celebration for a local student who recently graduated from high school and was set to attend football camp. The event was reportedly quiet and controlled until shots rang out, at which time numerous people ran from the house. The suspect, Jayquone Lee Jones, reportedly fled on foot before police arrived. Jones was arrested on Aug. 24 at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, where he remains incarcerated. He was charged with murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Williamsburg launches series on zoning ordinance impacts A City of Williamsburg sign. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle) The City of Williamsburg is hosting a new series of forums to inform residents about the ways zoning ordinances impact the community's homes, businesses and neighborhoods. Presented by Heather Markle, the city's zoning administrator, "Zoning Matters," a four-part program, will take place on the first Wednesday of the month from September through December.  Each forum will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room 128 of the Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St. The programs are free and open to the public. The series will be presented as community conversations, with different topics each week, followed by question-and-answer sessions. The schedule is as follows: Sept. 2: Housing & Occupancy  Oct. 7: Tree Regulations  Nov. 4: Signs & Signage Dec. 2: Other Zoning Topics  For more information, visit williamsburgva.gov/1301/Zoning. CRIME REWIND Man faces charges following child sexual abuse materials investigation in York County (WAVY) Former Portsmouth prosecutor charged with sexual battery against teens at Water Country USA (13News Now) 2 arrested following James City County vape shop drug bust (13News Now)  IN THE HEADLINES ‘Humbling’: Williamsburg poet laureate reflects on his first year (WHRO)  NN mobile health bus may fill gaps amid potential Medicaid, SNAP cuts (WTKR)  Two people arrested after driver assaulted, strangled near VCU campus in Richmond (WRIC) Virginia man killed in I-64 wreck lost control before vehicle overturned, troopers say (WTVR) Report Card: Virginia’s infrastructure is mediocre, requires attention (WAVY) Apple Wallet adds driver’s licenses and IDs for Virginia residents (Virginia Mercury)  LOWEST GAS PRICES TODAY All gas prices shown are per GasBuddy. To check the latest prices based on zip code, click here.  Help us keep our articles and newsletters paywall-free. Support Our Work This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading! 📰 Sign up to receive The Triangle's free weekly newsletters here. 🖥️ Visit our website to read previous articles. 📧 Want to reach out? Email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email. Sent to: godlyman@alexanderofyork.com Want to change how you receive The Triangle? Update your preferences here or unsubscribe here. The Triangle, P.O. Box 7004, Williamsburg, VA 23188, United States

MEETING Sept 3 - YCRC

YCRC Members and friends,

Attached you will find the DRAT Minutes from the July Meeting and the Call to the meeting to be held next Thursday at the Library. As my prior email stated, this meeting will be primarily for the organization of our  District/Precinct team game plan. 

We do have the opportunity to order signage in bulk at a discount, as was done last time. Mark Daniel, our First District Chairman, will be attending and have more information on this opportunity.

Thank you,

DeLois Stallman

YCRC Chairwoman

Fw: ATTN SCC Members: Official Call - August 22, 2026 Meeting

YCRC and friends:

Attached you will find the Official Call for this Saturday's VAGOP State Central Committee meeting.  I am anticipating that we will learn about opportunities for YCRC to get signage at seriously discounted pricing, as we did last time, on the 3 constitutional amendments. When more information is available on the bulk pricing, I would like to place an order so we can get them in the field.

Once again this election I am looking for confirmations for all District Leaders & Precinct Captains and many Republican volunteers to reach out to Republican voters about 1) Sept 18 early voting, 2) substantive issues we face in this election and 3) to promote Bert and Rob's candidacies, etc. 

This is a preemptive ask to everyone on the email list to commit to making 50 calls. Please be ready to assist in the effort. Our highest point of leverage is locally, calling people in our own precincts and being an advocate for voter participation.

I am preparing call lists for voters who 

participated in 2024's general election AND

who are "modeled Republicans" AND 

who have a "reliable phone number" AND

who participate in either 1, 2, or 3 out of 4 election cycles.

So, these are our "lower propensity" Republicans who we will target with direct , personal voter outreach. In order to win statewide, we must maximize Republican turnout in York County.  We can best do this through our amazing committee members' efforts. 

Remember, many hands makes light work.

We will meet at the Yorktown Library on September 3 to get out teams and assignments underway. Please plan to attend and bring any likeminded friends or neighbors as well.

I will try to have the candidates call in, if they are able.

Thank you,

DeLois Stallman

YCRC Chairwoman

Subject: ATTN SCC Members: Official Call - August 22, 2026 Meeting
To: scc@stallman.us <scc@stallman.us>

Hotel Room Block Link

OFFICIAL CALL SCC MEETING Saturday, August 22, 2026 11:00am Natural Bridge Hotel 15 Appledore Ln, Natural Bridge 24578-3602 Click HERE for Official Call (or see below) Note from the Chairman regarding New Business: Consistent with the State Central Committee’s approval of the Appeals Committee Report on the Lynchburg Republican City Committee (LRCC) Canvass, I appointed Zach Melder as Chairman of the LRCC. In reconstituting the LRCC’s Executive Committee, Chairman Melder, working with Doc Troxel, recommended Brian Triplett be retained as LRCC Treasurer. After interviewing Mr. Triplett, I concurred with Chairman Melder and Dr. Troxel’s judgment, allowing Mr. Triplett to serve provisionally as LRCC Treasurer. I am requesting Remedy 5 of the Appeals Committee Report be amended to allow Mr. Triplett to serve as LRCC Treasurer. Additional Notes: A block of rooms has been reserved at the hotel. Please see below for link and info. If you're unable to attend the meeting, please arrange for a proxy. Click HERE for proxy form. If you're a new member and have not yet ordered your permanent name-tag, please contact Cathy Bolden HERE. HOTEL INFORMATION Natural Bridge Hotel by Wyndham 15 Appledore Lane, Natural Bridge 24578 RPV Room Block Rate: $122.00/night To reserve online: Click HERE  To reserve by phone, call 540-291-2121 - Group Code: 082126RPV  To reserve an accessible room, please call 540-761-1660 Thank you, and please feel free to contact me with any questions. See you there! Jill Cook, Secretary cooks471@gmail.com 703-624-3896