The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, May 9, 1996                  TAG: 9605090033
SECTION: DAILY BREAK              PAGE: E3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY TERESA ANNAS, STAFF WRITER 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   50 lines

INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL ROCKS THE BEACH IN JUNE

THE VIRGINIA BEACH Amphitheater won't be the only rockin' venue this summer. For 10 days in June, Oceanfront stages will be agitating with the sounds of Jefferson Starship, Roomful of Blues, Blood, Sweat and Tears and other national and regional acts.

The free concerts are part of an international arts festival sponsored by the Virginia Beach Center for the Arts. The project also includes a hefty schedule of films, theater, visual arts, dance and a children's festival. Most events are free and take place from June 7 to June 16 at outdoor stages along the Boardwalk and in the arts center.

With more than a nod to the city's new amphitheater, this year's festival took on a rock 'n' roll theme.

The first component opens Friday: A major traveling show, ``It's Only Rock and Roll: Rock and Roll Currents in Contemporary Art,'' which continues through June 30 in the arts center's main galleries.

Starting Wednesday, the ``Reel Rock'' film festival features vintage rock films - from ``Easy Rider'' to ``Alice's Restaurant'' - on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the arts center's theater. Beginning June 7, films will be shown daily inside the arts center and outside at 17th Street Park. Admission is free at 17th Street; a $3 donation is suggested at the arts center. A $25 block pass is available to see the 16 films at VBCA.

All other events take place starting June 7. Among the highlights, free unless otherwise stated:

Day and evening concerts and other performances at the 17th and 24th street stages at the Oceanfront. A few key dates (all are night shows): BeatleMania Live! (June 8), Jefferson Starship (June 9), Roomful of Blues (June 14), Blood, Sweat and Tears (June 15) and Bachman Turner Overdrive (June 16).

The 41st Boardwalk Art Show, June 13 to 16, featuring 455 artists along the boardwalk.

An international animated film series, ``Animation Around the World,'' June 15 and 16 at the arts center. A $3 donation per day is suggested.

A children's international festival June 15 at 17th Street Park, with hands-on workshops, demonstrations, music, theater and storytelling from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A festival kickoff party June 7 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the art center, with BeatleMania Live! performing. Admission is $44 per person.

For more information, call 425-0000. by CNB