Two of America’s Olympic sweethearts are taking on a new patriotic job. Rio stars Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky will officially sponsor the future USS Enterprise. The new aircraft carrier will be built in Hampton Roads, with construction set to begin in 2017.
Category Archives: Culture
Super-cool art exhibits coming this winter to Hampton Roads
Attention art aficionados: Big names like Botticelli are coming to the Hampton Roads art scene this winter, along with a broad selection of multicultural works of art from European, Japanese, Native American and local Hampton artists. Check the DP’s compilation of upcoming exhibits for details.
Your guide to HRVA holiday events
‘Tis the season for lots of holiday-themed festivals, performances, parades and more. And those inclined to find themselves overwhelmed by all the holiday hullabaloo don’t need to worry. The Daily Press has you covered with a concise list of the 10 events you need to hit up.
‘Craft cocktails’ are the new thing in Hampton Roads
HRVA is sipping on some signature drinks more and more, and people are buying more and more of the craft liquors that go in ’em. Virginia ABC data shows an increase of more than $200 million in sales. Experts say the rise in “craft cocktails,” like the rise of craft beers in previous years, plays a big part in the spike.
Acclaimed military drama headed to The American Theatre
The military-themed and highly acclaimed multimedia documentary “Basetrack Live” is headed to Hampton’s American Theatre this November, and its themes are likely to hit home for many in HRVA. The work takes an in-depth look at the toll of wartime on military families, making the 757 a “natural stop” on the show’s tour.
Virginia Air & Space Center wants to bring math to life
The Virginia Air & Space Center is taking on an age old challenge: making math fun for all. The museum is debuting a new exhibit, MathAlive!, aimed at connecting math to everything from sports to video games. There’s even a snowboarding simulator, according to the Daily Press.
Get your gyro on at this weekend’s Newport News Greek Festival
From Thursday to Saturday, all day at the Hellenic Center, the fall edition of the Newport News Greek Festival brings the best of Greek dancing, cuisine and culture to the community. The food, drinks and desserts defy description, but you can still check out the mouth-watering menu here.
Monet comes to HRVA (and you should totally Gogh see it)
Some of the biggest names in art have come to the Chrysler. The Pilot reports the new “Agrarian Ideal” exhibit will feature Van Gogh and Monet, the latter of which is on loan from Paris. Chrysler’s chief curator says Monet’s “Haystacks” is “a rare treat for the area,” and the Daily Press touts it as a best bet for fall arts.
Why does reality TV take a fall during the fall?
Has anyone else noticed that reality TV takes a low-key hiatus during the fall? According to Daily Press, of the 87 broadcast prime-time hours airing each week during fall, only 9 are dedicated to reality TV. The reason for this is because, they say, reality TV dominates during the summertime, and views flip to other interests.
Bros, in study: Why work when you can play?
Research has indicated that millennial men would rather play video games than work —and, duh, they’re happy about it! Men without college degrees have utilized about 75 percent of their former working time with playing video games, the study finds. Although they are working less, surveys suggest that they are happier than ever. Check out the full video here.
Get your “Game On” for free at PFAC
If you’ve got a hankering for fine arts, sports history or free stuff, a weekend trip to PFAC might be in order. Admission is a whopping $0 until Oct. 9, at which point they will also close their long-running “Game On” exhibit that showcases the evolution of worldwide sports in art.
Like coloring? Find an #HRVA adult coloring group
What a time to be alive! Coloring isn’t just socially acceptable for kids. In fact, adult coloring books have topped the Amazon best sellers lists. Portsmouth has four separate adult coloring groups that meet, according to the Virginian-Pilot. Both the Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton campaigns have books available.
Newport News nightlife is about to get an upgrade
A few little changes to Newport News zoning laws will make it easier for businessowners to run places like nightclubs, pool halls and bowling alleys in the city, as well as host late-night entertainment like musicians and comedians in businesses. City Center in particular looks to benefit; DP reports here.
The Chrysler wants you to talk about the elephants in the room
An altar of blown-glass tusks surrounded by 12-foot elephant statues perform a silent protest at the Chrysler. They’re part of a new installation: The wildLIFE Project, by Wendy Maruyama. The pieces powerfully advocate against poaching and will be on display until January, according to the Daily Press.
Find fall farm fun at the state fair in Doswell
The Virginia State Fair is running from now until October 2 in Doswell, VA at the Meadow Event Park. The event offers everything you would expect: thrill rides, petting zoos, exhibits, craft beer and food options ranging from fried to farm fresh. Tickets run between $11 and $25; get ’em here or at the gate.
Visit the Peninsula Fine Arts Center for free
It’s never been a better time to visit the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. That’s because it’s offering free entry from now until Oct. 9, according to the Daily Press. Its current exhibition, “Game On: Sports in Ancient and Modern Art,” celebrates sports and those who push the limits of physical achievement now and throughout history.
From L.A. to #HRVA, a Norfolk artist’s TV-based sculptures come home
Brian Bress, one of Norfolk’s own, has designed a costume for Sia and has had his pieces featured on a Pet Shop Boys’ music video. But on Thursday, he’s bringing a little love to his old home. The Chrysler will display two of his monitor-based sculptural forms, the Pilot reports. Intrigued? Click here.
Catch the Neon Festival in Norfolk’s arts district
Six years after the birth of Norfolk’s arts district, the city will celebrate the Second Annual Neon Festival Sept. 15 through 18 with a slew of a new public art. The events kick off that Thursday with an extra-special Third Thursday at the Chrysler featuring a new installation, live music and food trucks.
#GoLocal applies to the arts, too
Support your local songwriters this Saturday at VB’s Barry Robinson Theater. Daily Press reports that the fifth annual Acoustic Music Gathering, sponsored by the Tidewater Friends of Acoustic Music, will host workshops for the songwriters, culminating in a public concert at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10. Check here for the local lineup.
Be in this B-movie in Norfolk
This could be your big break. Alt Daily reports that filmmakers are looking for 13 actors for a movie filming on the USS Wisconsin. Auditions for “Haunted Ship: Alien Terror” will be held at Nauticus on Sept. 12. Training, rehearsals and filming run from Oct. 11 to 29.
Hampton Roads’ biggest music fest ever kicks off Friday
The largest outdoor event this side of the Mississippi is happening this weekend. hrScene reports that Friday kicks off the weekend-long American Music Festival in Virginia Beach. The 5th Street beach will host headliners, with smaller stages set up along the boardwalk, but check the festival’s website as some acts have changed due to inclement weather. Get your lineup and tickets now (it’s $25 at the door).
Bill Nye the Science Guy is headed to Netflix!!!
If you’re heart jumped happily when you heard the first note of Bill Nye’s theme song in middle school science, this is really exciting news. The legendary scientist/TV host/national treasure will launch a new show on Netflix, called “Bill Nye Saves the World.” There’s no word yet from the streaming giant on a release date.
ODU students dive into politics
Republicans at ODU are looking forward to a busy semester ahead of them. The school’s College Republicans have been looking for Trump supporters and trying to convince undecided voters to vote for him. If you would like to get involved with politics on your campus, visit the sites for the Republican Party of Virginia or the Democratic Party of Virginia.
A guide to the start of fall festival season in #HRVA
The end of summer and all it has to offer can be sad, but fall is also full of exciting chances for fun throughout HRVA. Nothing shows this better than the plethora of food and drink festivals, and The Daily Press already has you covered with a guide to the best fests set for September.
Help the Portsmouth Seawall Art Show give back
hrScene reports that the 46th annual Seawall Art Show will set up its juried showcases along the Portsmouth Waterfront once again this Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 27-28). The volunteer-run show is put on by Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission, and all proceeds benefit the arts of Portsmouth. More info here.
Norfolk to put local art on billboards
Yet another arts projects where you have a chance to get your work in front of thousands. The City of Norfolk Public Art Commission is looking for four local artists whose work they will display on billboards in the city. The deadline is Oct. 1. 13 News Now has more details.
Local podcast plays with Williamsburg ghosts
“Lost in Williamsburg” is a local podcast run by Phillip Merritt, who moonlights as a landscape architect by day. The Gazette reports that Merritt’s fictional podcasts follow a rock band of W&M students whose lead singer disappears. The series oscillates between now and the 18th century. Find the podcast here.
Richmond is getting a new bike-share program
While vehicle traffic inches along in Hampton Roads, Richmond is about to out-Richmond itself. The capital city (for hipsters) is spending more than a million dollars on a bike-share program that’s slated to roll out in a few months. Ideally the bikes are for shorter one-trip rides, as Style Weekly explains.
Some advice for incoming Old Dominion University freshmen
Some advice for ODU’s new freshman class: One, follow Blend757 on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with what’s going on around the seven cities (we’re great for procrastinating). Two, bookmark this guide from Alt Daily. It’s like an insider guide to the great food and stuff to do near campus.
Create art for Hampton (and get paid for it)
If there’s one thing #HRVA businesses and localities are doing right, it’s giving local artists chances to get their work seen. Downtown Hampton is looking for artwork to adorn their new light pole banners. The city wants to use them to advertise their recently created arts and cultural district. Check Alt Daily for more details.