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

DATE: Sunday, July 7, 1996                  TAG: 9607050068
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 16   EDITION: FINAL 
                                            LENGTH:   16 lines

ANOTHER SATISFIED AUDIENCE

ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by VICKI CRONIS

Sting and Natalie Merchant kept a nearly sell-out crowd on its feet

Tuesday night at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater. Thousands of

concert goers roared their approval and danced in the humid night

air as both stars performed on stage. Merchant, above, was the

opening act for Sting, left, and his six-piece band. Even a few

minor rain sprinkles didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the loyal and

vocal audience. by CNB