Simone Quary | Staff Writer
Every year on the last weekend of April, college students along the East Coast flock to Virginia Beach for a weekend of camaraderie, relaxation and creating memories to last a lifetime. College Beach Weekend is an event started by students to celebrate the completion of the school year.
Although it was first started as a fun event, in recent years there have been many incidents such as shootings and lootings along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. In efforts to change the stereotype of College Beach Weekend, Virginia Beach native and Grammy award-winning artist Pharrell Williams decided to create Virginia Beach’s music festival, Something in the Water. Pharrell shared his vision for the festival in an April 2018 interview with Gayle King on CBS This Morning: “We want for corporations to come down here and see the incredible opportunity Virginia Beach has to offer; we want to raise the awareness that Virginia is here and open for business.”
Something in the Water’s first year exceeded the expectations of many. The festival featured Virginia natives Missy Elliott and Chris Brown, and a variety of artists of different music genres such as Mac DeMarco, Kaytranada, Diplo, Jhene Aiko and Travis Scott.
After attending Virginia Beach’s first music festival last year, frequent music festival goer and Hampton University sophomore Clinton Pugh reminisced on his experience.
“When I attended the festival last year, I had no idea what to expect,” Pugh said. “Since I am from California and I have only been to festivals out there, I knew that this was going to be a whole different experience because of the culture, vibes and people.
“Overall, it was more than I could have imagined and cannot wait to attend [next] year.”
Fortunately, the commercial success of Something in the Water has allowed for Pharrell and the city of Virginia Beach to prepare for 2020. This time, they plan to do things a little differently.
As reported by CBS 6, a news release regarding the music festival by the Virginia Beach City Council states that the music festival will take place the week of April 20 to 26. The festival lineup will be announced Nov. 12, with ticket sales for the general public going on sale beginning Nov. 15.
However, a limited number of pre-sale tickets will be sold exclusive- ly for those with Virginia citizenship on Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 5 p.m., both online and in person at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphi- theater in Virginia Beach. Additionally, returning ticket purchasers will be able to gain access to the “locals only” ticket sale with a unique access code.
Although HU sophomore Danielle Tigs did not attend the festival last year, she still enjoyed the festivities.
“I’m honestly excited for SITW 2020!” Tigs said. “Last year was sort of a bust because we did not go to the concert, but this year, we are definitely going. Last year was still exciting since we saw some famous people and even made some friends!”
For those who did not attend the music festival, the Something in the Water team provided free events for visitors and the local community such as the Pop-Up Church, which attracted large crowds. The Pop-Up Church Ser- vice had various gospel artists perform such as Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin and the Warryn Campbell Band. Addition- ally, corporations such as Sony and Timberland also provided mini concerts throughout Virginia Beach featuring up-and coming artists, refreshments, photo booths and merchandise. Wheth- er visitors and locals decide to attend the music festival or not, Something in the Water stays true in its vision to unite and welcome everyone to the state of Virginia.
The Hampton Script 