Between the New York Times recognized Chrysler Museum, ever-changing exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), two thriving art districts — the Vibe District in Virginia Beach and the NEON District in Norfolk — and more, there is no shortage of beautiful art to admire in Hampton Roads.
Our region has a growing music scene with festivals, local, and national acts performing across all genres. Every summer, the American Music Festival brings together the largest outdoor music crowd on the East Coast at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, while the Neptune Festival celebrates the sand and surf with a sand sculpture contest in September. Grammy Award-winning artist Pharrell Williams hosts the Something in the Water festival in his hometown of Virginia Beach, welcoming more than 35,000 guests. Other live entertainment venues in the region include the Hampton Coliseum, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Norfolk Scope, Harrison Opera House, Sandler Center, Chartway Arena, Chrysler Hall and Virginia Beach Amphitheater.
Pharrell Williams is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. Williams was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia where he attended Princess Anne High School. Williams released his first solo single, “Frontin'”, in 2003 and followed it with his debut solo album, In My Mind, in 2006. His second album, Girl, was released in 2014 and included the globally recognized single “Happy.” “Happy” was the most successful song of 2014, with 13.9 million units (sales plus equivalent streams) worldwide.
In 1994, Williams and childhood friend, Chad Hugo, formed the record production company, The Neptunes, focused on producing hip hop and R&B music. Williams also owns I Am Other, a multimedia creative collective that serves as an umbrella for all of Pharrell Williams’ endeavors, including Billionaire Boys Club.
Throughout his career, Williams has received numerous accolades and nominations. Collectively, he has been nominated for over 200 awards and has won 58 including 13 Grammy Awards.
The Virginia Arts Festival has brought various types of art to southeastern Virginia including music, dance, and theater. They put on national and regional performances at numerous locations throughout the Hampton Roads. Every year they honor an artist with strong ties to the Hampton Roads with the “Ovation Award” honoring the artists lifetime achievements. Check out their website, www.vafest.org, to learn more and purchase tickets to upcoming performances.
The Neptune Festival is a private, non-profit organization that produces 40+ events annually that bring the people of Virginia Beach and surrounding areas together, while also having the opportunity to benefit the city and other non-profit organizations financially. Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend alone annually generates $26.1M in total economic impact, $17.6M in direct economic impact, and $1.35M in tax revenue by festival visitors. Investing in and partnering with other regional businesses whenever possible, the Neptune Festival spends in excess of $2,000,000 with local businesses, service providers, vendors, and suppliers annually.
From free concerts and seaside wine tastings, to athletic events and a 30-block long celebration of the beach life on the boardwalk, there is sure to be a Neptune Festival event is just for you! For more information, please visit www.neptunefestival.com.
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