Richmond, VA –– The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) is pleased to announce its sponsorship of SOMETHING IN THE WATER, a multi-day music and culture festival, on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The festival is led by Pharrell Williams, a Virginia native and Grammy award-winning recording artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Alongside city officials and council members, Williams revealed that the festival would return to his hometown of Virginia Beach for the first time since its inception, gathering thousands in Virginia Beach April 28-30.
The VCA joins fellow sponsor entities – including fellow state agencies – to support SOMETHING IN THE WATER as a major arts experience for Virginians and visitors to Virginia alike.
“Being a sponsor of this event is incredibly important for us as the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts for all Virginians” states Dena Jennings, chair of the Virginia Commission for the Arts. “As the visionary behind SOMETHING IN THE WATER, Pharrell Williams is bringing high-quality performers, arts patrons, and future generations of music enthusiasts together from far and wide. He is lifting the Commonwealth of Virginia through the arts. And we are proud to acknowledge such an impactful initiative through our support.”
The VCA is also supporting SOMETHING IN THE WATER with a programmatic component with The Jason Cale Band, listed on the VCA’s prestigious Touring Artist Roster, on the stage. Members of the band are veterans hailing from the Hampton Roads region and their blues, jazz, and funk-infused set will kick off this innovative arts celebration at the 24th Street Community stage on Friday, April 28.
About the VCA Touring Artist Roster
The Virginia Touring Artist Roster is comprised of high-quality vetted musical artists and ensembles. Any eligible Virginia nonprofit organization, units of local or tribal government, or educational institution can apply for funding to book artists on the Touring Artist Roster, via Virginia Touring Grants. Learn more at: https://vca.virginia.gov/grant/virginia-touring-grants/
About the Virginia Commission for the Arts
The Virginia Commission for the Arts, established in 1968, is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VCA fulfills its mission through funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, distributing grant awards to Virginia artists; arts organizations; educational institutions; nonprofit organizations; educators; and local and tribal governments. Learn more at www.vca.virginia.gov.
About SOMETHING IN THE WATER
SOMETHING IN THE WATER’s mission is to unite the community and celebrate the diversity and magic of Virginia Beach. The weekend celebrates opportunity and the chance to empower everyone from the youth to the small business owners. SOMETHING IN THE WATER has created a legacy highlighting the pillars that Pharrell is so personally passionate about shining a light upon and celebrating his hometown community. Musicians, students, artists, activists and more will converge on Virginia Beach to activate and amplify, collaborate and co-author, shift and shape the future.
VCA Media Contact
Margaret Hancock, Executive Director
804.225.3132
margaret.hancock@vca.virginia.gov