July 2023 Veer Magazine

101 Things To Do Now in the 757 Now

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Ghent – One of the 2018 Great Neighborhoods named by The American Planning Association. With its unique blend of fine restaurants, boutiques, cafes, specialty stores, hip salons & spas, and professional services, Ghent is truly a diverse urban destination. And, remember, buying from locally owned businesses, not only supports the local economy, but it also supports your friends, neighbors, and the community as a whole.

Ladies

The Forgotten Borough

By Tom Robotham

There are places I remember / All my life, though some have changed. – John Lennon

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about places that hold deep meaning for me: Manhattan; Paris; Leicester, England, birthplace of my paternal grandfather; parts of Florida; Ocracoke, and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, among others.

Reflecting on this, I began to write an essay on the resonance of place: the idea that the mere mention of a particular city, state or region can strike within us mystic chords of memory, to borrow Lincoln’s lovely phrase. Certainly, the places where we lived in our youth continue to resonate for many of us. And they vibrate all the more intensely as we age. I remember talking with my mother, as she was descending into dementia, and being taken aback when she announced plans to move back to Tallahassee to live with her parents. They had been dead for 50 years. But when the mind starts to go, I learned in that moment, past and present run together like water colors on a thin sheet of paper.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that one essay would be insufficient. Each place deserves its own in-depth consideration. And so, I begin this series with the place where I grew up—Staten Island, which is part of New York City but often called “ the forgotten borough.” To many New Yorkers, in fact, it has long been the butt of jokes. This is especially evident on many television police dramas, where wayward cops are warned that if they don’t shape up, they’ll “ be walking a beat on Staten Island”— the idea being that it ’s so remote and boring that it might as well mean exile to Siberia.

This troubled me as a child. From an early age, I absorbed the notion that New York was the greatest city in the world, and I wanted to be fully a part of that. But in most local-TV newscasts, not to mention The New York Times, it was rarely acknowledged. When it was, on occasion, I got excited. It was as if, by talking about my home borough, the reporter had affirmed my own existence.

Years later, with that inferiority complex in mind, I laughed out loud when I learned that Richmond County—i.e., Staten Island—had been named for the Duke of Richmond, King Charles II’s bastard son. How appropriate: an “illegitimate” borough named for an “illegitimate” child.

In spite of these feelings, the Staten Island of my childhood was a fine place to grow up, in many respects: just a half-hour boat ride from “ the city,” as we called Manhattan, and yet as different from it as North Dakota. OK, that’ s a slight exaggeration—but not much of one.

I have only a few vague memories of the first two years of my life, but mental images from age 3 on remain bright and clear. A month before

my third birthday, my family moved to a newly built house in an emerging development just north of historic Richmondtown, where a collection of restored Dutch and English Colonial buildings still stand. Our new street had not yet been paved, and I distinctly remember playing with a Tonka truck in the dirt out front, near an idle bulldozer, on my birthday itself. Our new street, moreover, was surrounded on three sides by woods, which became the playground for me and my friends. As a result, during my early childhood, I spent more time on fertile soil—rich with clay, as opposed to the sandy soil of Norfolk—than I did on asphalt or concrete.

A good portion of that part of the Island is still woods, thanks to the establishment of the so-called “Green Belt,” a system of contiguous natural areas that were preserved despite the best efforts of Robert Moses—the infamous master planner—to build a highway through it. Amidst the Green Belt is an impressive golf course, and the dramatic slope at the first tee made for excellent sledding during the winter, which routinely brought heavy snowstorms when I was young.

By the time I entered my teens, though, other sections had been developed with abandon. The houses on my street had been solidly constructed but, increasingly, the newer houses were made with cheap materials and were hideously ugly. One reason for this is that the Island back then was dominated by the Mafia, which controlled a lot of construction. It’s well documented that they routinely cut corners, thus putting average residents at risk. Perhaps most egregious was the development around the Staten Island Landfill, the largest garbage dump in the world at the time. New home buyers had been promised that the landfill would soon be covered over and turned into park land, but that pledge remained unfulfilled for decades, and many residents got sick from living so close to the toxins.

I was blissfully unaware of all this, however, until I started working as a reporter for The Staten Island Advance in 1979. Not that I’d been unaware of the Mafia’s presence. But all that meant to me, through my teens, is that the Island had some of the greatest Italian restaurants in the city. The owner of the deli down the street from my house—the place where my friends and I bought all of our baseball cards, candy, sodas, and later beer, not to mention the best hero sandwiches you can imagine—was also alleged to have mob ties. So was the owner of a store and sweet shop, where my friends and I went regularly to drink Egg Creams, buy “ Spaldeens” (pink rubber balls made by Spalding) and

sneak peeks at Playboy.

The influx of “Italians”—who were often stereotyped because of the Mafia’s presence—increased after the Verrazano Bridge was built in 1964. (I say “Italian” because at the time few people said, “Italian-American.” Among my friends, you were simply “Italian” or “Irish” or “German” or whatever.) Indeed, so many people of Italian descent moved to the Island after the bridge opened that the span came to be called the “Guinea Gangplank ” by non-Italian, pre-bridge Islanders.

Staten Island had a Black population too, when I was growing up, but there was stark segregation. In fact, I knew only one Black kid as a child. Somehow, his family managed to get an old house a couple miles from my neighborhood. Most lived well to the north, and I didn’t encounter them—except, on occasion, at a public swimming pool six miles away—until I went to an integrated high school during the “ busing” era.

This, unfortunately, remains a defining element of Staten Island as I remember it: the degree of racism that I observed there from my teenage years onward. A case in point: In 1972, a group of white vigilantes, in a neighborhood adjoining mine, burned a house to the ground after learning that a Black family had bought it.

The rampant development remains another defining feature. And it always makes me think of the Island as a kind of paradise lost. To get a full sense of this, read Thoreau’s journal entries about the place. For six months, in 1843, he lived on the Island with Emerson’s brother William for the purpose of tutoring William’s kids. In his spare time, he took long walks and wrote ecstatically about the remarkable diversity of the native flora and fauna. Had he lived to see what transpired, he would have been heartbroken.

For decades, moreover, parts of the northern section were severely run down. I remember going into one of the housing projects as a reporter and feeling the strong sense of despair. I also recall touring the area with Pete Seeger in the early ‘80s, after we’d gone sailing in the harbor, and seeing the look of sadness on his face as he gazed at the signs of urban decay.

I haven’t been back to the Island in eight years, so I can’t speak to how much it ’s changed. But that’s really beside the point. The resonance of place, after all, is often rooted in memory. It occurs to me as well that the word resonance doesn’t always have positive connotations. To me, it simply means that certain place names vibrate with meaning. I’m thankful that when I think of Staten Island, the early memories of playing those woods—a child ’s paradise —resonate more strongly than the later ones. At the same time, I can’t forget the dark side. I guess that’s as it should be, though. Perhaps places only truly resonate with us when we see them whole, rather than through a romantic haze.

Note: This is the first in an occasional series about the Resonance of Place.

CREATIVE

CONTRIBUTING

Tom Robotham, Diane Catanzaro, Chris Jones, Jerome Langston, Marisa Marsey, Jim Morrison, Montague Gammon III, Betsy DiJulio and Jim Roberts, Kate Mattingly, Joel Rubin, Mark Edward Atkinson

CONTRIBUTING

Brenda Mihalko, Giorgio Valentini

Veer is published by Veer Magazine, Inc. on the 15th of each month and is free of charge. Veer may be distributed by authorized distributors only. Veer assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of Veer Magazine.

www.GhentNorfolk.org

Ghent – One of the 2018 Great Neighborhoods named by The American Planning Association. With its unique blend of fine restaurants, boutiques, cafes, specialty stores, hip salons & spas, and professional services, Ghent is truly a diverse urban destination. And, remember, buying from locally owned businesses, not only supports the local economy, but it also supports your friends, neighbors, and the community as a whole.

O’Connor Downsizes, Armed Forces Sets Up Camp in Norfolk

By Jeff Maisey

On a recent late Friday afternoon, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office sent out a press release announcing Armed Forces Brewing Company would be locating in Norfolk in the former O’Connor Brewing facility.

At first this sounded odd since O’Connor’s original site was small and had become occupied. Then, nearly 30 minutes later, came a social media post from O’Connor Brewing Company stating they’d sold their current building and brewing equipment to Armed Forces.

After the initial shock the deal makes sense for all parties involved, though many longtime loyal fans of O’Connor felt a sense of sadness.

In 2010, O’Connor Brewing Company opened in Norfolk during the exciting early days of the modern craft beer Renaissance, a time when there were just a handful of breweries operating either as brewpubs or manufacturing facilities because state law prohibited beer makers from operating a tasting room.

O’Connor, like most breweries at the time, was focused on producing European-style brews with abundantly more flavor than the mega-produced lagers dominating the marketplace.

After SB604 passed, O’Connor was one of the first in the Hampton Roads region to expand its entertainment offerings, first as street parties, and later full-scale festivals once it moved to its second location. Thousands of people filtered through the brewery for events such as O’Connoroo and O’Ctoberfest. The brewery raised thousands of dollars for local charities in the process. Giving back to the community was of vital interest.

Every brewery hopes to have that one big seller like a Devils Backbone Vienna Lager, and O’Connor found its one-hit game-changer in El Guapo Agave IPA. To this day it remains one of the top selling independent beers sold across the Commonwealth in retail stores.

While the impact of the pandemic hit O’Connor’s taproom sales it continued to do fairly strong business thanks to grocery store sales of El Guapo. Then, however, a much publicized internal sexual harassment scandal threaten to sink the business. The lingering local consumer backlash impacted visitation to the brewery in a major way, something O’Connor never fully regained.

With declining on-site sales and a changing marketplace where trends seem to indicate younger consumers wanting options other than craft beer, the O’Connor decision to dissolve its physical brewing operation makes good sense.

Based on what little we know from O’Connor’s social media statement, El Guapo and perhaps a few of its other popular brands like Proper lager will be brewed, canned, packaged in 12-packs, in kegs, and distributed throughout Virginia and the Outer Banks.

While O’Connor did not say which company will produce its products through what’s known as contract brewing, I suspect there’s a good chance New Realm Brewing Company in Virginia Beach is its future brewing partner.

In a recent interview with New Realm’s co-founder and brewmaster Mitch Steele, he revealed New Realm had acquired additional fermenting tanks to significantly enhance its brewing capacity. Steele also said contract brewing accounts for roughly 20% of New Realm’s business.

In its social media statement, Kevin and Penny O’Connor suggested there’s a possibility of operating some sort of smaller scale retail taproom, but no specifics were shared.

To operate in this manner where O’Connor could brew small batches of experimental beers like a micro brewery does, and have a New Realm produce its hitmakers for mass consumption is a very workable solution, especially if O’Connor set up shop in Virginia Beach or even the Outer Banks. But that’s just speculation on our part.

As for Armed Forces Brewing Company, they’ll be taking over the O’Connor building on July 24.

“ We’ll need several weeks to renovate, rebrand, and set up our operations,” CEO Alan Beal told us in an email. “ We’re looking to open the taproom doors to the public at the end-ofsummer or early fall.”

With regard to retaining O’Connor personnel, Beal said, “We hope to keep the talented production staff. Our goal is hire 70% military veterans, so there will be some personnel changes in the front of the house.”

Given Norfolk’s longtime connection to the US Navy, the Mermaid City is ideal — think of the branding — for Armed Forces Brewing Company to operate its headquarters. There appears to have been a push for them to locate in Norfolk.

“Governor Youngkin and Secretary of Commerce Merrick called me a year ago and asked me to look into Virginia and what Virginia had to offer, and we did,” Beal continued. “The Virginia Economic Development Partnership stepped in with the City of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Alliance and presented us a relocation incentive program.”

Stay tuned.

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101 Things To Do NOW in

C oastal Virginia

By Staff

INthe past we published variations on the themed feature

101 Things to Do in Hampton Roads Before You Die. Each year the story has well-received by readers, and many continue to share their favorites.

Month after month, this list continues to be a top 10 most-read post on our website.

This time around, we’re making a slight twist to the mix list and billing it as our 101 Things to Do This Now in Hampton Roads — as in mid-July through early September — the peak and end of summertime vacations and overall relaxation.

At Veer, we hope to remind locals and educate tourists about our many scenic gems and outdoor natural beauty in our region as well as steer folks towards cool things happing in the 757, from concert experiences to the places we ourselves like to dine.

The original idea came to me a few years ago when I took some friends sailing on the American Rover schooner. Everyone knew about the Rover, but most had never been onboard. A common remark was, “Wow, this is great. I can’t believe I’ve never done this before.”

I suspect many of us can think of something we’ve often considered but somehow never found the time to do.

With that in mind, here’s our 2023 101 things list. Enjoy – and get out and about this summer.

1

Beyond Van Gogh

Through September 2

Virginia Beach Convention Center

Imagine being completely immersed in more than 300 of the greatest works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh. Now imagine experiencing all of this art liberated from its two-dimensional limitations into a three-dimensional experience that exhilarates every sense and brings to life one of the most influen-

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Beyond Van Gogh is a mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic view of the painting of Vincent Van Gogh.

All Mixed Up

STILL

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tial artists the world has known. It’s all part of Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, produced by Montreal-based Paquin Entertainment Group, which has sold over 5 million tickets globally making it one of the most popular current traveling exhibitions. Co-presented by Virginia Arts Festival.

2

Roll the dice, play a hand of Black Jack, put your chips on a number of the roulette wheel, punch the “play” button of the colorful slot machines, wager on a sporting event, dine, and check out live entertainment at Portsmouth’s new Rivers Casino.

3Experience a Symphony By The Sea concert on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at 31st Street Park. This series is presented by the Neptune Festival. Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs July 27 and August 17. Symphonicity plays August 10.

4Hike the 5-mile Noland Trail in Newport News through forest, along lakes, over bridges, hill and dale for a great urban workout in the woods.

5Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week is July 16-23. Get a taste and deal at participating restaurants including Codex, Freemason Abbey, 456 Fish, Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 219 Bistro, Monastery, Leone’s, Saffron Indian Bistro, Varia, and Omar’s Carriage House.

6The 40th Annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is a must-attend event for smooth jazz lovers. The evening of August 18 will feature Keiko Matsui and Gerald Albright, while the 19th big names are Dave Koz and Jazz Funk Soul. Setting is Town Point Park on the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk.

7Dance all day from 2-10 PM during the 22nd Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk. Luisito Gomez is the headliner.

8Shake your booty with locals during the 14th Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party featuring the disco sounds of Evelyn Champagne King and others at the 24th Street Stage/Beach on the Oceanfront. 7-11 PM.

9Walk, bike, or take a tram or boat through Norfolk Botanical Gardens, one of the true gems of Southside with 155 acres of trails and water, and walkways though 52 themed gardens, including aza-

leas, rhododendron, a nationally recognized camellia garden, and an abundance of flowers and trees, some which hold state records. Plus the NATO Tower is open for treetop level views.

10Take in a show at the region’s largest venue: Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater @ Virginia Beach. Upcoming headliners include Matchbox Twenty (July 26), Snoop Dogg (August 5), and Jelly Roll (August 12).

11Go to a Tides baseball game, drink beer and eat hot dogs while cheering for our home team at Norfolk’s Harbor Park. Some say it’s the nicest minor league stadium in America.

12Attend the first-ever Virginia Beach Carnival July 20-23 at the 24th Street Park on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for a festival of bands, parades, dance, food, and music featuring Caribbean culture.

13Hike, bike or take a tram ride to the remote False Cape State Park, with several beach and forested trails, with possible sightings of wild ponies, fox, deer, feral pigs, and wildfowl. Plus Back Bay Wildlife Refuge with wetlands trails, an interpretive center, wildfowl viewing, and access to False Cape.

14

Attend the 8th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival August 26 at the 31st Street Park at The Oceanfront. Over 30 breweries serve great regional brews with live music and food trucks. Presented by Neptune Festival.

15

Go surfing at the Oceanfront between 1st and 5th Street. We have the Atlantic Ocean at our doorstep. Get in it!

16

Hike or drive into the Dismal Swamp’s Lake Drummond from the Suffolk side on the Wildlife Drive. Or canoe to mysterious Lake Drummond on the mile-long Dismal Swamp feeder ditch from Chesapeake.

17

Veer Recommended: We dine out a lot and have some favorite local spots we’re willing to share: The Coach House Cafe (half-off wine bottles on Wednesdays), Syd’s Fish Pig Cafe, Pacifica, Le Grand, Luna Maya, Press 626, 1608 Crafthouse, The Monastery (Old World Eastern European), Coastal Grill, Kismet, Mermaid Winery, Omar’s Carriage House, Esoteric, Zoe’s Steak & Seafood, Orapax, No Frill Grill, Becca, Terrapin Restaurant, Rajput Indian Cuisine, The Mod Olive, Circa 1918 Kitchen & Bar, Fat Canary, Blue Talon Bistro, LUCE, and Green Onion. There are others, but these will get you started. See you there.

sides of building while visiting bakeries, restaurants and galleries.

23

Walk around Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District and Norfolk’s NEON District — both designated arts districts — and enjoy the many murals on the

18

19Visit historic Smithfield, VA, with fine restaurants, lovely shops, an attractive, historic main street, and many side streets filled with elegant homes

Have a late dinner at Brothers restaurant in Norfolk on a Friday or Saturday and stay for the Night Cap Live Music offering of smooth jazz and R&B. Owner Tony Brothers, an NBA referee, is known for having a lot of his celebrity friends pop in for a visit. You’ll never know who you might see.

as: The Illuminated Body,” on exhibition through August 20.

27Visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach, with the best of ever-changing modern, contemporary art exhibits from talents around the world.

20

Visit the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News, one of the world’s finest nautical museums, featuring the recovered turret of the famous Civil War-era Monitor, famous participant in the first battle of ironclad ships.

21

FAMILY THEATER: Take the kids to Hurrah Players’ performance of the musical “All Shook Up” August 10-13 at the Susan Goode Theatre at Virginia Wesleyan University.

24Visit the combined museum and visitor center facilities at both historic Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown’s battlefield, with many great forest, beach and shoreline trails for biking and walking, as well as archaeological digs often in progress at Jamestown.

28Bees & Beers: For those who love locally sourced everything, visit The St. George Brewing Company and ask to join an apiary tour to bee the worker bees and brewers who collaborate to produce the brewery’s award-winning Honey Mead Lager.

25

Bike or walk and dine on Duke of Gloucester Street and make a point to seek-out and tour the backyard gardens of historic Williamsburg. Many of the lovely gardens and side alleys and streets are open to visitors (except as noted as a private residence). It’s a living history museum in our backyard.

22

Bike, walk, drive or run the beautiful 13½- mile Colonial Parkway along the York and James Rivers from Yorktown to Jamestown (or the reverse), a scenic drive that is a true area treasure.

26Visit the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk for one of the country’s finest mid-size museums with more than 30,000 items in its care, featuring a world-class glass collection and well-trained, helpful guides. Don’t miss “Barbara Earl Thom-

29Bike the three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk. We recommend early mornings (to avoid crowds) on the designated bike trail.

30How many people know that Newport News Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the eastern United States? It’s got everything a park should have, including two golf courses, fishing, lakes, Civil War fortifications, campground, mountain biking and hiking trails, and more.

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31

Take a sail on the Elizabeth River on the four-masted American Rover docked at Norfolk’s Waterside marina. Help raise the sails once under way.

32

Visit Norfolk’s Nauticus with interactive nautical attractions, an aquarium, films, and access to tours of the USS Wisconsin , the enormous battleship at the adjacent dock. While there, visit the free Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Enroll your young would-be sailors in the afterschool Sail Nauticus program or have them learn to build a rowing skiff at the Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop.

33

Forget the tolls! Get over there and bike or walk Portsmouth’s historic and beautiful Old Town and be charmed by the many port-style homes that will remind you of a mini-Charleston. Walk High Street and discover many fine restaurants and shops, plus the Virginia Children’s Museum, a must-see for the little ones. The Bier Garden features over 400 beers; the Commodore Theater has the largest movie screen anywhere.

34Speaking of movies, the Naro Expanded Cinema is an art deco jewel and a longtime beloved gem in the heart of Ghent. From blockbusters to independent films, throwback flicks from yesteryear to special events, this is a one-of-a-kind experience.

35Truly get away and disappear into 40 miles of biking and hiking trails in First Landing State Park from the Shore Drive north entrance in Virginia Beach; across the street is the park’s Bay beach and campground. At the south entrance of the park at the end of 64th Street at what’s called the Narrows on Broad Bay, rent a kayak, paddle-board, jet ski, or a motorboat or just enjoy the beach there.

36Visit the Great Bridge Locks Park and watch barges and boats get a lift or a drop in the canal lock there. The American Revolution’s little-known but significant Battle of Great Bridge was fought in the area.

37Visit the War Memorial Museum in Newport News with an outstanding collection of personal artifacts, weapons, vehicles, uniforms, posters and much more, tracing military history from 1775 to the present.

38Visit the U.S. Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis. If it has wheels or a track and a motor, you will see it here, with an example or an exhibit of every vehicle that moved the U.S. Army from place to place in war and peace.

39Take a Norfolk Naval Base bus tour and see the ships, carriers, and subs on the world’s largest naval base. Also, see it from the water on an Elizabeth River boat tour on the Victory Rover.

40Bike the Elizabeth River Trail south to north mostly along or near Norfolk’s waterfront from Harbor Park through many lovely coastal neighborhoods as well as Old Dominion University’s campus all the way to Lochhaven and Norfolk International Terminals.

41Check out the Gas Light Hotel’s restaurant and bar. Visit the adjoining glass art gallery from the Perry Family’s personal collection.

42DIGGING THE DEAD: If you love the music of the Grateful Dead, check out local tribute band Grateful Jed, performing three sets August 5 as part of Smartmouth Brewing Company’s Missing Digit Street Festival (4-10 PM), and Last

Fair Deal, playing 4 PM at Elation Brewing on July 19, August 2 at New Realm Brewing Co (6 PM), and September 2 at Elevation 27.

43Take in a concert at Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion in Portsmouth. Key upcoming headliners include Barenaked Ladies (July 18), Lindsey Stirling (August 2), and Masters of the Mic (August 18)

44Go natural, fresh, and organic and visit an area Farmers Market, including the Virginia Beach Farmers Market on Princess Anne Road and the Old Beach Farm Market Saturday’s at Croc’s, Talbot Park Farmers Market, and the Ghent Farm Market the first Friday in August and September.

45Rent jet skis, take a scenic boat ride, go head-boat or deep-sea fishing, whale-watching, or parasailing, all out in the ocean, from one of the many rental concessions at the Beach’s Rudee Inlet.

46Go to a locally-owned coffee shop, have a cup of java and a conversation with someone you don’t know. Leave your laptop, cell phone and tablet at home. Consider it Digital Detox. Here are some

good ones: Roast Rider at Hilltop, Cafe Stella Ghent, Cure Coffeehouse Olde Towne Portsmouth and Freemason District, Coalescence Coffee Company, Voyager Cold Brew Coffee, Starving Artist Cafe, Three Ships Coffee Roasters, Fika coffeehouse Hampton, Aromas Coffeehouse Williamsburg, and Java Surf Cafe.

47Visit the MacArthur Memorial where WWII hero General Douglas MacArthur is buried. See his famous corncob pipe, hat and car along with many other artifacts from the war.

48Enjoy a day at one of the area’s first-class theme parks like Busch Gardens, Water Country, and Virginia Beach’s Ocean Breeze waterpark.

49Visit the Virginia Aquarium at the Beach for everything you would want to see in an aquarium, including seacritter touch tanks, otter and seal pools, an IMAX Theater, a walking trail, the multilevel Adventure Park, and much more.

50Eat your heart out, Smithsonian! We also have a terrific Air and Space Museum in downtown Hampton. A special treat are the popular flight simulator rides.

51Hampton Roads is fast becoming a craft beer-lovers paradise. Visit a brewery tasting room or take a brew tour of several craft breweries in the area. Over 30 to choose from.

52Break the standard American grub habit and make a point to try one of the many ethnic restaurants in the area for new taste experiences. We’ve got South and Central American, Eastern and Western European, and Near, Far and Middle Eastern, etc. Don’t be scared to try that little place with the strange sounding name in the little strip shopping center – you might get a really exciting taste surprise!

53Tour the historic Cavalier Hotel at the Oceanfront. Be sure to pull-up via the driveway to valet-park and checkout the indoor pool. Sample award-winning

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spirits downstairs at Tarnished Truth Distillery and enjoy the ambience of the Hunt Room and Raleigh Room.

54Walk the fort walls behind the moat at Fort Monroe, one of the country’s newest National Monuments and a true area treasure. While there, bike or tour the grounds of the historic fort, visit the Casement Museum.

55Go mountain biking on several trails or rent a kayak to explore the waterways at the York River State Park.

56You’re not a local until you’ve had a barbecue sandwich with cole slaw and a side of baked beans at the iconic Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que in Williamsburg. Additional smoked meats and BBQ mustvisit options include Redwood Smoke Shack, 1608 Craft House, Beach Bully BBQ, Whitner’s Pit-Smoked Barbecue, Smokin’ Joe’s, and Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Bar.

57See on the ground, in the hanger and in the air one of the world’s largest collections of World War I and II classic airplanes at Virginia Beach’s first-class Military Aviation Museum.

58Paddle and hike the woods and waters of Chesapeake’s Northwest River Park.

59Dine at night on the rooftop of Leone’s Italian restaurant, Orion’s Roof on the oceanfront, The Ghent, or Grain.

60Go fishing. Try deep sea fishing by chartering a boat or cast your line off the pier.

61See African-American, Native American, and Pacific and Asian art and artifacts at the Hampton University Museum on the lovely and historic campus. It is the oldest African-American museum in the nation with over 9,000 objects in its collection.

(continued on page 22)

62Camp locally overnight under the water oak trees at First Landing State Park and take a swim on the Bay beach there before returning to your campsite for the evening’s cookout.

63Vroom…go see a car race at Langley Speedway in Hampton. It’s a fun night for the family as several classes/levels of cars race around the track.

64Party like it 1776? Walk back in time through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and enjoy lunch or dinner at Shields Tavern, Josiah Chowning’s Tavern or by candlelight at the King’s Arms Tavern or Christina Campbell’s Tavern. Tell ‘em George Washington sent you.

65Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic homes along Norfolk’s Freemason Street; then, from there, walk north across the Ghent Footbridge and stroll among the venerable mansions of Mowbray Arch..

66Enjoy a tasting flight at Mermaid & Williamsburg Wineries. Try a local cider at Sly Clyde’s and Back Bay’s Farmhouse.

67GOLF! That new multi-level golf driving range with the huge threatening-looking net next to I-264; Bayville Golf Club, Sleepy Hole golf course/park; Broad Bay Country Club, Woodlands Golf Course, Swells Point Golf Course, Ocean View Golf Course, and King’s Mill Resorts.

(continued from page 20) (continued on page

Pull your vehicle up to the car port at Doumar’s and order a BBQ, Taylor Pork Roll sandwich, limeade and ice cream as patrons have done for over 70 years.

68

69Take the family to the Virginia Zoo and observe lions, tigers, giraffes, zebra and a world of reptiles.

70Fly a kite from the top of Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach.

71Go see a local band performing a free show at one of the following music series: YNOT Wednesdays, Sunsets on the River at the Hermitage Museum, Live On The Lawn at TASTE Bayville Farms, Downtown Hampton Block Party, Sunset Thursdays in Portsmouth, and Suffolk TGIF at Bennett’s Creek Park.

72Walk the Labyrinth at the Edgar Cayce ARE Center.

73Downtown Norfolk Pagoda, or Taiwanese Pagoda, is the centerpiece for the tranquil garden. The tower was a 1989 gift to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Norfolk honoring Taiwan’s trading ties with Virginia. The two-story pagoda, with Chinese architectural details and ornamentation, sits on the concrete foundation of an old molasses tank. The Pagoda is the centerpiece of the Oriental Garden. This unique building provides a panoramic view of the beautiful Oriental Garden, the USS Wisconsin, and sunsets over the Elizabeth River.

(continued from page 22)

74Have drinks on the Ocean View Pier at sunset.

75Purchase fish right off the boat next to Dockside Restaurant near the Lesner Bridge.

76Step way back in time at Norfolk’s French Bakery. This unique deli opened nearly 100 years ago. Order the orange donuts and get the hot pastrami on rye sandwich. Dine inside for character and characters.

77Watch the stars or a laser show at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News.

inlet. Watch the pleasure and working boats motor past at Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant & Crabhouse, Dockside, Chick’s Oyster Bar, and The Back Deck. Another nearby scenic dining option is The Porch on Long Creek.

80

The neighborhood gay bar: MJ’s Tavern in the Riverview section is home to Norfolk’s popular restaurant and bar where everyone’s invited as long as you are LGBTQ friendly. Also try The Wave and 37th & Zen.

Stroll down Mellen Street in Phoebus, a historic main street with exciting new restaurants, bars, Sly Clyde’s Cidery, the American Theatre, a used bookstore and numerous antique stores.

81

Stroll the grounds and enter the historic Hermitage Museum & Gardens in Norfolk.

78

Seafood on the Water: Just over the Lesner Bridge on Shore Drive are a cluster of seafood restaurants right on the

79

82

The 757 region has several performing arts centers and the charming Sandler Center for the Arts has two live performances of note this summer worthy of your attention: Herb Alpert (July 26) and Sergio Mendes (August 16). 90

(continued on page 26)

Now On View

This new exhibition brings together over 70 works of art drawn from the private collections of some of the area’s most passionate art collectors. Visit today to connect with art lovers of all kinds and with the collector in each of us. Reserve your free tickets at virginiamoca.org

Explore ARTlab

Our interactive gallery for all ages located off our main galleries

Presenting Sponsor:

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Tyler Haughey, Gold Crest Resort Motel, 2016. Archival pigment print, 40 x 50 in. © Tyler Haughey. Collection of Tom and Alison Johnson

83Sit in on an open mic night and play a song of your own – even if you make it up on the spot. Suggestions include Stuft, South Beach Grill, Abbey Road, Winston’s Cafe, and Elation Brewing.

84Slow sip spirits and smoke cigars at three Peninsula distilleries: Caiseal in Hampton, Ironclad in Newport News, and Cooper Fox in Williamsburg.

85 Check out a fun drag show at Croc’s, The Vanguard, The Wave and 37th & Zen.

86Laugh like there’s no tomorrow at Cozzy’s Comedy Club, Funnybone, Push Comedy Theater, and Zeiders American Dream Theater.

87Ever attended a play at the Peninsula Community Theater in the Hilton Village section of Newport News? Here’s

your chance: the musical “The Prom” is being presented July 28 through August 19.

88Check out some local jazz performers Friday evenings at Cafe Stella and Sundays at Gosport Tavern. Also take note of of Jimmy Masters and friends July 20 at the Sandler Center.

89Observe local visual artists at work in small studio collectives at the Virginia Beach Arts Center and d’Art Center in Norfolk.

90Learn how the Medieval drink Mead is made and taste some new recipes at Silver Hand Meadery in Williamsburg

91Pick your own produce at Ann Firman’s U-Pick Blueberries, Mount Pleasant Farms, Vaughan Farms’ Produce, and Cullipher Farm Market.

92Visit Fort Story for a two-fer: see the First Landing Cross at the spot

where the English explorers and first Jamestown settlers allegedly first set foot on the beach of the New World in 1607. Then climb the steps of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the country’s first, dating from 1792.

93Flip through the new and used vinyl collection at local record stores like Birdland, Vinyl Daze, AFK Books & Records, Freshtopia, and Skinnies.

94Farm fun for the kids: visit Hunt Club Farm for a bird-walk aviary, animal petting farm, tree walk adventure, and more.

95Have an old school hot dog from Doug’s Hot Dogs, Perfectly Frank, Famous Uncle Als, Danny’s Hot Dogs, and Gus’ Hot Dog King.

96Rent a boat for the day and head out into the Chesapeake Bay from VB Boat Rentals.

97Don’t miss the spectacular “Claudia Bueno: Echoes of the Heart” exhibition at the Hermitage Museum.

98Ride a lime green scooter through the streets of downtown Norfolk.

99Attend a church service at Christ & St. Luke’s.

100Challenge yourself on the ropes course at the Virginia Aquarium’s six-level Adventure Park with 15 trails, 21 zip lines, and almost 200 challenge bridges. Also go on a dolphin watching trip.

101Drive across the Chesapeake BayBridge Tunnel to Cape Charles and back. While in the historic, quaint town of Cape Charles be sure to visit the Lemon Tree Art Gallery, retail shops, restaurants, and take in a show at the Historic Palace Theatre where “Annie” plays July 21-22.

A Curatorial Gem

By Betsy DiJulio

I go to art museums to be inspired, transported, challenged, and even provoked, but not perplexed. Feeling baffled in an art exhibition is deeply unsatisfying and, frankly, irks me because it generally means someone hasn’t done their job.

But curator Gayle Paul does her job. Yet, Color Outside the Lines, the title of the current exhibition at Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center, initially left me a bit baffled, as did her response of “ big, colorful paintings” to my query regarding what she sought for the summer show.

Here’s why: the show is mouth-wateringly lush and truly stunning, but it is much more than that. As I explained to her good naturedly, “ You are one of the most thoughtful and conceptual curators in the field, so I am not going to accept that ‘big, colorful paintings’ are the glue that held this exhibition together.” She laughed. Similarly, while I understand what she means by “color outside the lines”—an unconventional stance that breaks the so-called artistic rules—as I argued, “All of the artists you show fit that definition.” “True,” she replied.

So, I was (nicely) insistent about wanting to know why she chose these artists at this moment in time for this particular show, asking if she would share a glimpse into her thought process. As she explained, when “building” a show—a verb I find so apt—she sometimes begins with a title and she sometimes applies it after the fact, which was the case here. In some ways, the title was a mar-

keting decision to suggest to visitors that they would encounter color as well as innovative artists. I would have chosen something else— though I’m not sure what—because, further into our dialogue—a deeper theme emerged, one that is, to me, Paul’s true POV.

While she was after juicy color, especially appropriate in summer, large paintings, and Virginia artists, she also sought those whose work she had not shown or not shown in many years, and a range of approaches from non-objective to abstraction to hyperrealism. Check, check, check, check, and check. But there are more significant layers to this show that are instantly recognizable. As invited artists were—or weren ’t—able to participate with—or with other—bodies of work which she pursued, emerging “dialogues”—another apt term—began to emerge. And Paul is a master at shaping those dialogues while, especially in this case, granting each of the six artists a gallery-within-a-gallery. Hello, skillful sight lines.

As we talked, my understanding of what I was grasping for began to coalesce, namely that all the work seemed to explore and pose questions about the intersection of the natural world and the built environment from the liminal space between. I articulated this to Paul asking if that was too much of a stretch. Her response was, “No, in fact I think that is what all of my shows are about.” So, there. Now it made sense beyond the thin veneer that the title suggests. Working clockwise around the gallery: Populated with plants and animals—

based on keen observation, but wonderfully imaginative— Iona Drozda’ s paintings are, as always, a spiritually grounded, compassionate, and nonjudgmental query into our stewardship of Mother Earth. With an iconography of images and symbols that joyfully dance across her large canvases, viewers sense the wonder and harmony with which Drozda lives a life immersed in the natural world, looking both backward and forward, at Wren House, her home in Virginia Beach, and Bluebird Gulch, her farm in the Piedmont.

In the figurative paintings of Jing Qin, ODU’s most recently hired assistant art professor, imagination and the commonplace intersect to create an implied, but obscure narrative. For this show, Paul chose a series of colorful, intentionally flat paintings of people in patterned garments with disproportionately small heads against backgrounds of solid color. Each figure embraces an animal such as a lizard or sloth with large arms and hands in an encircling gesture so bountiful and encompassing that it seems to imply the fullness of the earth.

for inspiration, an odd synthesis when you think about it.

Color Outside the Lines

Matt Lively, of whose work I mostly know from his mural painting, stopped me in my tracks. The monumental size is riveting, but his subject matter, technique, and color palette is even more so. Lively terms the underlying thread of these large paintings—with their dislocating perspectives and clash of house forms, animals like sheep and bees, and quasi-dysmorphic landscapes—“human assisted adaptation of nature.” By that he is referring to large-scale, science-based interventions in the natural world for the purpose of improving the lives of people that create unintended side effects requiring new science-based interventions in a never-ending cycle.

Through October 15

Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center portsmouthartcenter.com

Sheila Giolitti’ s mesmerizing paintings may not shout “quantum physics,’’ but, in fact, her interest in this direction, which she has pursued in recent years, has emerged as a physical and meditative exploration of what she calls an “essential unity not only of all matter and energy, but of a universal consciousness that pervades everything.”

Working with a wide range of seductive materials, she creates a lively dance between the random and the deliberate, collaborating with her inks and marks to produce microcosms of binary opposites from simple to complex, bold to intricate, and much more, all metaphors for the unfathomable mysteries of life as we (barely) know it.

Christi Harris’ s hyper-realistic close-up paintings of piped frosting and decorations could be considered contemporary takes on the 17th century Dutch vanitas compositions that paradoxically warned pious protestants against excess while reveling in the decadence of, then, lobsters, lemons, and libations, and here, swirls of fattening buttercream and sugary sprinkles. But what do decorated cakes, through which we show our love and mark special occasions, have to do with the convergence of the natural and manmade worlds? To my way of thinking, the imitation colors and flavors of the frostings and the floral forms and flourishes of fancy cakes rely on the natural world

Eloise Shelton-Mayo, a beloved art professor/teacher and artist, could be credited with introducing artists in this area to oil and cold wax as a medium. Her colorful, generally non-objective, and richly textured mixed-media paintings suggest both landscapes—some more than others—and what she calls “decaying surfaces,” a reference to the built environment that natural processes erode over time. For a show of this nature, my only wish is that her paintings had been larger or perhaps installed in a grid for even greater impact on a par with the rest of the large-scale work in the show.

Movement and Light: the Barrier Islands of Virginia

While at the museum, which is closed on both Mondays and Tuesdays, be sure to view this exhibition of photographs and cyanotypes by Pam Ponce in the galleries on the lower level. According to the museum: “Ponce has spent several seasons photographing the Virginia Nature Conservancy ’s Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve, an environmental treasure of barrier islands and lagoon landscapes located off Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The 40,000-acre reserve provides vital habitat to numerous birds and marine species and protects coastal communities from storm surges and flooding. The reserve has become a laboratory where scientists from universities and government agencies partner with The Nature Conservancy to study coastal processes. They work to save species, restore oysters and eelgrass beds, prevent habitat loss, and develop models for adapting to climate change.”

Matt Livelly, “Orbit”

Kyle engage in ough ou

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4 To Explore

Compiled by Staff

“Artists Who Teach”

Through August 26

Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center charlestaylorvisualarts.org

“Artists Who Teach” is an annual juried exhibition that presents the artwork from talented visual arts educators throughout Coastal Virginia, including Clayton Singleton, whose “Chloe” is pictured above. Artwork in all media will be presented by current educators of local schools, colleges, art centers, and institutions. This year’s exhibition will be juried by Betsy DiJulio, a full-time National Board Certified Art Teacher, teacher at Norfolk Academy, and Veer Magazine’s contributing visual arts writer.

“Collector’s Edition”

Through December 31

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art virginiamoca.org

Are you curious about the artwork people in your community collect? Some of it might surprise you. In this exhibition, Virginia MOCA showcases works of art from the personal collections of notable folks from the region and beyond, including Hugo McCloud’s “Take a Seat” from the collection of Meredith and Brother Rutter.

“All Mixed Up”

Through July 31

Virginia Beach Art Center artcentervb.org

All Mixed Up is a juried exhibition featuring the work of regional artists from Hampton Roads. The exhibition is an exploration of mixed media creations that combine two or more art mediums or materials to create a cohesive work. Pictured is Michele Barnes’ “Daffodils.”

“The Possibilities of Paper”

Through October 15

Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center @ CNU thetorggler.org

Step into a world where paper emerges as a captivating force that both defies expectations and expands conventional perceptions of the medium.

“The Possibilities of Paper” is an exhibition that reflects the inventive use of paper, and elevates the medium from a conduit of art, to center stage. Featuring 13 artists from the United States and Canada, the exhibition explores diverse techniques and sweeping content through works ranging from massive installations to intricate constructions. Pictured is Eric Standley’s “ Verum Object 4.”

Escape to Margaritaville

Little Theater of Virginia Beach Presenting Jimmy Buffett Musical

By Jim Roberts

Jimmy Buffett’s not touring this summer, but Hampton Roads’ “ Parrotheads” can experience the next best thing when the Little Theater of Virginia Beach presents “ Escape to Margaritaville.”

The jukebox musical includes 11 of the 13 songs on Buffett’s greatest hits album, “Songs You Know by Heart.” (“Boat Drinks” and “Pencil Thin Mustache” didn’t make the cut.)

Tr é Veon Porchia stars as Tully Mars, a philandering musician at Margaritaville, a rundown hotel in the Caribbean. Jaliyah Branch and Anna Super will tag-team performances as Tully’s love interest, Rachel.

“ She makes him see the world a little bit differently,” Porchia said. “ He starts to change and grow as a person because of this woman, and we don’t see that player version of him that we see at the very beginning of the show. The show kind of centers around that journey.”

The cast also includes Cody Hall as Brick, Kat Sinclair Fenter and Willow Harris (double cast as Tammy), Dave Hobbs as J.D., and Chonise Thomas as Marley.

“ Everyone’s extremely excited for this show,” Porchia said. “ Being able to do a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously—except for a few moments—it allows everyone to just have fun. The dancing aids in how much fun it is. … There’s a story that goes along with it that’s not super fantastical. It’s just a regular ‘boy meets girl ’ story that doesn’t need anything super extra. It ’s a lot of fun—very grounded, very realistic.”

Sharon Davidson Cook, the show’s director —and a recent retiree—has a difference in attitude.

“ It’s all about relaxing and taking time off,” she said. “Get off the hamster wheel and just let your hair down. Live in the moment and just enjoy life. We’re so busy, busy, busy, busy, busy— doing this, that, whatever. … As one of the songs says: ‘Breathe in, breathe out and move on.’”

“ Escape to Margaritaville” debuted in La

Jolla, California, in 2017 and also played in New Orleans, Houston and Chicago before opening on Broadway in 2018.

The show was panned in The New York Times—and closed after only 124 performances—but Frank Scheck gave a positive review in The Hollywood Reporter, writing: “ Even those unfamiliar with Buffett’s songwriting oeuvre (I know, not a word usually associated with the composer of ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’ ) should find the proceedings relaxedly enjoyable. This jukebox musical is the theatrical equivalent of sipping on a frozen drink while lying on a beach chair in the blazing sun. It’s not good for you, but it feels good.”

Coincidentally, Cook said her favorite song in the show is “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

“ I love the energy in that number,” she explained. “ I was sitting there the other day, watching them finish up the choreography, and I just got chills. I said, ‘ Y ’all, I am so excited about this number. This is my absolute favorite song.’ The choreographer, Jennifer Kelly Cooper, has really done a great job in really capturing the energy of that song, so I’m excited about that.”

If you like yours with lettuce and tomato, feel free to sing along.

“ I want the audience to know that they’ re taking the journey with us,” Cook said. “ They are a part of the cast. … For those two hours, just relax and allow themselves to escape those things that bring them worry and anxiety and just enjoy living in the moment at Margaritaville. Enjoy the music. Participate. Just have fun. … Breathe in, breathe out, and move on.”

Little Theater of Virginia Beach will present “ Escape to Margaritaville” from July 14 through Aug. 6. Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $22; discounts are available for seniors, active-duty military, full-time students, children under 12 and groups of 20 or more. For tickets or more information, visit ltvb.com.

The cast from Little Theatre of Virginia Beach’s “Margaritaville.” Photo by Joshua Stubbs.

The Icon & Iconic Album Cover

By Jeff Maisey

One of the most recognizable, iconic record album covers in pop culture almost never saw the light of day.

“If it was up to me I would have rejected the cover,” said legendary trumpet player Herb Alpert, who released “ Whipped Cream & Other Delights” with his Tijuana Brass Band in 1965. The album art featured a photograph of a alluring young female model — Dolores Erickson — seated seemingly nude but covered in whipped cream.

“The art director came into the studio when I was doing the album and I looked at it and didn’t like it at all,” Alpert continued by phone from his home in California. “I mean I liked the girl, she was pretty, but it didn’t reflect the music I was playing. So I didn’t get it. But my partner Jerry Moss and the art director, Peter Whorf, were really excited about it.”

Herb Alpert was willing to take the creative advice of his working partner who also came up with the name for the album.

The album cover along with the hit song from the record, “A Taste of Honey,” became an instant success in American pop culture. In some cases, consumers purchased the album for the cover alone.

“This guy comes up to me a month after the album was released on A&M and says, ‘Mr. Alpert, I think you should win an award for that cover. I love the girl. I love the whipped cream. I love everything about it.’”

“I said, ‘Thanks a lot. What about the music?’”

“He said, ‘Well, I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet.”

“For some reason that album cover has touched a lot of people,” Alpert continued. “I understand why now.”

While consumers were enamored with the sexuality of the album cover, the music was captivating and became so iconic of the mid-1960s vibe. Instrumental pop songs like the hit “A Taste of Honey,” which earned Alpert a Grammy Award, “Whipped Cream,” and “Lollipops and Roses” kept the album in the top 10 of the Billboard charts for 61 weeks.

Herb Alpert views much of his success

to being in the right place at the right time, and the timing was perfect for instrumental jazz/pop in the mid 1960s.

“I got lucky with that,” Alpert reflected. “I finished that album and in the studio wanted to listen to the whole album to see how it connected and to see if the sequence (of songs) was right. I was sitting on the couch with my eyes closed. When it finished I said to myself, ‘This makes me feel good.’ And that’s the way I make records.”

Herb Alpert learned to play music at the age of 8. He came across a table with instruments and just happened to pick up the trumpet.

Alpert said he, like many musicians, first tried to emulate those who influenced

him. In his case Harry James, Louis Armstrong, and Miles Davis. He loved jazz music but wanted to find a voice of his own.

“Luckily I had this experience working with my partner Lou Adler, who wrote a song with Sam Cooke. I was in the studio and watched Sam record and spent a little time with him. He said, ‘Herb, people are just listening to a cold piece of wax, man. It either makes it or it don’t.’”

Sam Cooke, who was referred to as the King of Soul before his unfortunate death at age 33 in 1964, carried a booklet of potential song lyrics with him, according to Alpert.

“He showed me this lyric,” said Alpert, “and I thought it was the corniest thing I’d ever seen. I didn’t say that to him.”

Alpert asked Cooke to play the music that was to accompany the lyric.

“So he picked up his guitar and started playing to that same lyric, and I thought, man, he just transformed that corny lyric into something that’s really interesting. From then on I realized it ain’t what you do it’s how you do it.”

Herb Alpert also shared another “ah-ha” moment that helped him find his musical voice. He was working with his trumpet teacher and having trouble with the mouth piece. Alpert asked if he should change his trumpet.

“He (music instructor) said, ‘Look kid. This trumpet of yours is just a piece of plumbing. You’re the instrument. The sound comes from within you and this trumpet is just an amplifier of your sound. So what you have to find is your own voice; your own sound.’”

“That was the big moment for me and I try to pass that on to kids when they ask, ‘What’s the secret to your success?’ When I found my voice it was working for me.”

Herb Alpert will perform with his longtime wife Lani Hall on July 26 at the Sandler Center. Alpert said fans can expect a full segment of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass Band material as well as some of Lani’s repertoire, which includes tunes from her time as lead vocalist with Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66. Beyond the heyday of the Tijuana Brass years, Herb Alpert released material including the 1979 hit “Rise.”

Alpert has had many awards bestowed upon him including the 2012 National Medal of Awards from then president Barack Obama.

As a philanthropist, his foundation provides 11 up-and-coming, cutting edge young people a $75,000 (each) fellowship in the areas of dance, theater, visual arts, and film/video.

As the co-founder of A&M Records, Herb Alpert said he always allowed the recording artists he signed to do their own thing. His favorite A&M artist was The Police.

And, regarding performing live in concert at age 87, the remarkably sharp-minded and witty Alpert shared this: “I love what I do. I’ve been doing it for so long. I do it to keep healthy. Playing these concerts I feel oddly energized from it. I feel like I just had a transfusion of energy. I feel useful and that I’m doing something worth while.”

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Koz Brings Summer Horns to Norfolk Jazz Festival

By Jeff Maisey

Grammy-winning smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz is no stranger to Hampton Roads. For a decade and counting, Koz & Friends have performed their annual Christmas show at the Ferguson Center in Newport News.

On Saturday, August 19, Koz returns to the region as the headlining act of the 39th Annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival, a two-day festival featuring world-class smooth jazz artists.

Joining Koz on stage will be Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer and saxman Eric Darius. Dulfer is known for both her solo recordings as well as her studio and/or live performances with Prince, Dave Stewart, Beyonce, Lionel Richie, Pink Floyd, and Van Morrison.

Eric Darius has performed in Norfolk in the recent past as a solo artist. His new album, “Unleashed,” is on the streets. He’s performed with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Carlos Santana, Babyface, and others.

Dave Koz calls this dynamic billing “Summer Horns,” and he’s released a pair of albums under this theme (though not with this lineup), each going to #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz album chart.

The “Summer Horns” albums each pri-

marily feature cover songs rearranged into an instrumental smooth jazz format. Summer is a fun time and that’s what these tunes are designed to communicate and connect with listeners.

In a recent phone conversation with Dave Koz, we discussed many of these songs and why he loves the melody, composition, and vibe.

Graham, the bass player and an original member, hearing the story of how those songs came together was infinitely inspiring to me.”

39th Annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival

August 18-19

Town Point Park, Norfolk

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

5:30 PM: Kim Waters & Kayla Waters

“Taking these classic songs and doing new arrangements is a bit of a high-wire act because the songs in their original form are perfect,” said Koz. “You have to take it to another place; you have to make it unique in your own style. That’s really the challenge in doing covers. The key is have great arrangers, which we did on all the ‘Summer Horns’ projects.”

7:30 PM: Keiko Matsui

9:30 PM: Gerald Albright

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

5:30 PM: Kandace Springs

7:30 PM: Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson

9:30 PM: Dave Koz & Friends

www.festevents.org

One of the most streamed songs on Spotify from “Summer Horns” is The Crusaders’ “Keep That Same Old Feeling.” In some ways, The Crusaders were the precursor to smooth jazz, blending funk, jazz, and pop music.

“I was a huge fan of The Crusaders and Joe Sample, specifically,” Koz shared. “The melodies were so strong as were the vibe and the groove.

“And you’re right, The Crusaders were a huge brick in the laying of the groundwork for what would become smooth jazz.

Dave Koz & Friends have also delved into pop music, recording and performing Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.” Koz recalls the impression the music of Chicago — dominated by horns — made on him as a young listener.

“I have an older brother and sister,” said Koz. “In our house, my parents were listening to the singers, the crooners — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, and that kind of stuff. My brother was listening to progressive rock — Jefferson Airplane, Genesis. And my sister was listening to Chicago.

“I remember going into her room and checking out Chicago. It was just a revelation: pop songs with amazing melodies, great singing, and that horn section behind everything. The combination of elements in that band was a musical turn-on. And this was before I tookup the saxophone, when I was 11 or 12.”

In addition to cover songs, Dave Koz & Friends will perform key songs from each of their solo careers. This will likely include Koz’s “Summertime in New York City.”

Regarding Sly & The Family Stone’s “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” Koz shared this thought: “As I became friends with Larry

“I always loved that particular song. There are probably Crusaders songs that are way more popular, but that one, to me, has the pump to it.”

“That song was one of the big hits from the album ‘A New Day,’ for me,” said Koz. “That song was written as a love note from me because New York City is a place I love. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, but I’ve always had a soft spot for New York.”

(L-R) Dave Koz, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius

Benoit & Rosano Team-Up for Album and Tour

By Jim Morrison

Tab Benoit may be best known as one of Louisiana’s finest blues guitarists and vocalists with a three-decade career releasing solo records and working with legends like Anders Osborne, George Porter, Jr., and Cyril Neville.

But Benoit has also been a restaurant owner, painter, ardent conservationist championing his state’s wetlands, and most recently a record label founder.

That last vocation led him to a collaboration with local blues phenom Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos. Benoit produced the band’s latest, “Cheat the Devil” for his label, Whiskey Bayou Records. Rosano and crew are joining him for a string of a dozen shows, including one that brings them to Elevation 27 in Virginia Beach on July 18.

“We had a great time making this record,” Rosano said in a press release. “Tab is a great guy to hang with and we share similar musical influences and sensibilities. Before going into the studio, we talked about our favor-

ite records and how most of them were recorded  live. This record is strictly three guys, all together in the same room playing live in the studio. We had talked about bringing in other musicians on certain songs, but Tab convinced us to maintain the power trio format that reflects our true live sound. There were no overdubs and no edits, and it was mixed directly to tape. Ultimately, we captured the perfect vibe and ended up with a perfectly imperfect organic record.”

Tab Benoit

W/Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos

it was due to constraints or situations involving their label. I just finally decided I wanted to kind of specialize in making records that came as close to capturing my live sound as possible. I’ve never been much of a studio guy anyhow. I’ve always been more like, “OK, let’s line up and play it like there’s an audience, only the audience is the mics and engineers.” So that’s how I approached that part of it.

July 18

Elevation 27 elevation27.com

The two met about a decade ago, but Benoit’s entry into the record business is more recent, a chance to do things his way.

“For many years I’ve heard artists talk about how they don’t get to make the kind of records they want to make for whatever reason” he told an interviewer. “Much of the time

As far as the production part goes, it’s really more about me making sure that the musicians on the label are comfortable, and again, that we’re coming as close as we can to replicating a live performance. The acts that are on the label are all people I really admire, and people whose music I greatly respect. My goal is to make certain that whatever we release is true to the spirit of the artist and their music.

That’s way more important than any concern over things like sales, radio airplay, whatever. Not that I’m opposed to that. Who wouldn’t want to sell a lot of records? But I’m not putting that ahead of doing the kind of records I’m proud of and the people on the label are proud of as well.”

The acts on his label have done fine. They include Eric McFadden, Damon Fowler, Eric Johanson, Jeff McCarty, and Dash Rip Rock. He sometimes works with his artists writing songs although Rosano penned the tunes on “Cheat the Devil.”

Benoit’s studio is in his hometown of Houma, Louisiana. At the beginning, he would drive five hours a day twice a week to jam at joints in Baton Rouge. On another day, he’d cruise for three hours to New Orleans and back. It was the best of an apprenticeship. “ I was hanging around with Raful Neal and Tabby Thomas and Henry Grey, and I was listening to great music,” he told an interviewer two years ago. “Man, I listened as much as I played, more than I played, really because I was hearing stuff I was never gonna be able to hear down here (in Houma).”

His take on songwriting is the more spontaneous, the better. His advice is to start with the bare-bones outline of a song and finish it during recording. “I tell them not to write everything out. They should record it as they experiment with their feelings and let it happen. If you write out the songs ahead of time you might overthink things. It’s important not to let your head get in the way of your art,” he explained.

“Sometimes, the way we write, we will be thinking about how to finish writing a song, but then we move on to something else. A lot of time is spent just talking and hanging out and telling stories, and then something for the song gets sparked off from that. It happens naturally. It always seems as if the best songs on the album are the ones that were written right there,” he added.

Benoit’s preference for recording live comes from experience after releasing nearly 20 albums. “I had to learn how to listen to myself more objectively once I started producing my own records, and usually the first time you play is the best,” Benoit explained. “Maybe it wasn’t exactly as you would want to play it, but it was honest. We play as we feel it and let the honest take be the one that goes on the record. It’s a conversation with the audience, so let it be that. The industry doesn’t always want to hear that. They want to put out some polished, finished piece to make people want to buy it.

But I think the music we put out can be listened to by the average music fan and they can tell it is honest music for honest real people.”

Tab Benoit is on his game. Photo by Jean Frank

Demons Respond to Current Moment in Time

By Jeff Maisey

Norfolk hard-edge punk rock band Demons will unleash its new full-length album, “Under the Western Heel,” with a big stage performance August 12 at The NorVa.

Previously, the quartet, comprised of Zach Gehring (vocals/guitar), Chris Matthews (guitar/vocals), Jonathan Anderson (bass), Drew Orton (drums), have released three EPs — “Great Dismal” (2015), “Made in the USA” (2018) and “Swallow” (2022) — as well as the long-play studio records “Embrace the Wolf” (2017) and “Privation” (2021).

The NorVa album release party — get the blue vinyl — will also serve as a showcase of local underground music with electronicafocused Karacell both opening and closing the evening, and Rose Milk, Wandcarver, and Community Witch also of the bill.

I recently caught up with Gehring for some insights into the new album.

VEER: Is there a message behind the album title “ Under the Western Heel ” or is it up to the listener to determine? A weakness (as in Achilles) in or living in Western Civilization 2023?

Zach Gehring: More-so the latter. It’s taken from James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time.” We decided upon it here as a response to this panicked hysteria triggered by the perceived “decline of Western values” heralded by fascist talking heads and cautious (neo)liberalism. It underscores the lyrical frames of these songs, which are, implicitly and explicitly, a response to the grotesque and decrepit meanderings of our current moment

VEER: A lot of bands release tracks/singles in advance of an album. Is there an advantage in doing so?

Zach Gehring: At a very basic level, I think the advantage is simply raising awareness of the coming album. In the pre-streaming era, releasing advance singles was part of the promotional strategy to make the first week’s sales as high as possible. Today, raising awareness of the coming album is, of course, still important, but the strategies and metrics have changed. I personally still don’t have a solid grasp on how those strategies are developed for streaming platforms within digital economies, and at the moment, Demons operates below that realm.

Knife Hits Records and The Ghost Is Clear Records, both very cool and very small indepen-

dent labels we worked with to put this album out, simply want to get the record in front of as people as possible.

VEER: “Sweet Dreams” is one of two released in advance thus far. In a recent interview with Decibel, Zach, you’re quoted as saying, “Lyrically, ‘Sweet Dreams’ is a rationalization of the decision to play along in something that I know won ’t end well.” Can you expand upon this and share what is is that won’t go well?

Zach Gehring: There’s nothing specifically autobiographic that I’m discussing here. I’m talking about the very limited horizon and situational awareness that infects ambitions or goals, be they relational, professional, creative, etc. The foregone conclusion of failure is not merely a specific result of our own decisions but also a recognition that what we’re engaging in is conditioned to fail by design. We’re infected with guilt because we still have this stubborn attachment to the rhetoric of the “American dream” and individual responsibility that we, nonetheless, simultaneously understand to be an ideological fantasy; a guilt that still translates systemic inadequacy as personal failure. The complexity and contradictory flows of thought and emotion are exhausting, and when we can’t explain ourselves clearly, or understand ourselvesit manifests in weird ways. I’m interested in what motivates us to do the things we do.

VEER: Lyrically, are the songs on the album more focused on personal experiences, social issues, or political commentary?

Zach Gehring: My initial response is that our songs fall more in the personal sphere. But, I also think that our personal experiences are connected and stem from social and political issues, so it complicates the distinctions you draw here. Songs that are personal (e.g. “Thankful,” the last track on the album) are ultimately, to a degree, socio-political. That being said, you can definitely see a stylistic and topical distinction between the words I write vs those Chris writes. Perhaps they are just individually existential?

VEER: When composing an album’s worth of tunes, do the lyrics come first or the music? What is Demons’ songwriting process?

Zach Gehring: It mostly starts with a musical idea, and the song is developed with little

consideration of words. We are not a melodic band. The question of lyrics mostly revolves around a rhythmic dimension, i.e. how can we deliver the words we write within this particular time signature or riff? Some songs come fast, some come slow. Our last EP called “Swallow” was a COVID project where we decided to write only minute-long songs. We recorded four songs and it takes about 4.5 minutes to listen to the EP. At this point, we’re definitely starting to see how our personal creative styles are diverging and converging, and it’s making things more interesting - at least in terms of writing the songs.

VEER: Musically, “ Husk” and “ Sweet Dreams” have a chaotic blend of heaviness bordering both hardcore punk and nonCookie Monster metal. What emotions do Demons hope to both express and elicit in its approach to heavy instrumentation and raging vocal “melody ” ?

Zach Gehring: The first word that comes to mind is desperation. So much of what we are doing lyrically is a reaction to our own experiences within a shared reality we, like everyone else, are forced to navigate. For us, this manifests in noise.

VEER: Do chaotic times — wars, pandemics, social upheavals, environmental danger zones etc — require equally harsh art — whether music or paintings — to reflect the urgency and pain of humanity?

Zach Gehring: I think harsh art always has

a place at all times. Equally, I think art that expresses other sentiments is equally important at all times. I think art is a way of dealing with our experiences. I don’t like to deify art, nor do I presume art is inherently sacred. Art is one tactic among many, one that is especially vulnerable to instrumental exploitation because of the ideology (e.g., art as “transcendent”) that informs how we understand and consume it. Art is social and historical.

For us, the ideology of Demons is not a totality. We relish and take seriously the joy and the love in our lives. I’m not entirely sure how to understand and withstand the eternal presence of and felt impact of injustice; often we’re not sure how to respond and negotiate it. But we don’t dismiss or attempt to evict our viscerally angry reactions either; rather, we explore them and responsibly nurture them. They are important and a healthy response to injustice, even if, at first, we don’t have a full understanding of those reactions and what triggers them.

VEER: Your album release show is at The NorVa. What do you like about performing at the venue?

Zach Gehring: Everything — the crew, the stage, the sound, the built-in amenities. The only daunting thing about The NorVa for a band like Demons is its size. So, we do hope that everyone who wants to attend will! We can’t wait. I’ve been seeing shows at The NorVa for the last 15-20 years of my life — a memory that’s never lost on me when I get to play there.

SELWYN BIRCHWOOD

w / CLAY MELTON

JULY 22 | 8:00

FREE SHOW

Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos

“Cheat The Devil”

(Whiskey Bayou Records)

More cowbell?

How about immediate cowbell?

Virginia Beach blues-rock trio Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos makes its long-awaited debut on Tab Benoit’s independent record label, and Rosano and the guys sizzle and rock with 11 tracks of instantly infectious music sure to turn some heads.

As hoped, Rosano’s blistering guitar licks and passionate voice are front and center in the mix. In fact, on the opening “Sweet Little Devil,” “Scattered Bones,” and “My Baby Gets Around” he all but puts on a clinic of hot guitar licks.

“What Kind of Fool” sonically channels some of the early heaviness of Black Sabbath as Rosano’s soulful vocal melody revisits Grand Funk Railroad’s “Mean Mistreater” days, and even a little live Rainbow via its “On Stage” album. It’s a great classic rock, 6+ minute deep-cut kinda track.

As for the “hit” on the album, that tune with a memorable hook and vocal melody you push “replay” to hear over and over again, “Rosalita” is the one, with the title track and its slugging groove a close second.

Rosano’s not selling snake oil here, so treat yourself to “Cheat The Devil.” — Jeff

Maisey

A place to collaborate, create, work, produce and be a star!

Coastal Collective is co-working with a twist! We offer several different types of workspaces with amenities, but we also offer something no one else does. We have a fully functioning sound studio for any manner of media production. Whether you need a space to roll up your sleeves and work or a place to film your music video, we’ve got you covered.

Schedule your free tour today.

Sea of Souls

“Dreamland”

(Self-Release)

If you woke up from a nap thinking you’re still dreaming, you are not. Sea of Souls did, in fact, drop a new studio EP featuring four new tunes.

The biggest surprise is the title track, “Dreamland,” and it might just be the best song singer/bassist Andrew McNeely has ever written. McNeely’s rare melodic side comes through.

The other standout is “A Wind That Bellows,” which, in places, echoes Bad Company’s “Shining Star,” and possesses some nice dynamic changes and a wonderful guitar solo by Lucky Riggs. You can hear some fine elements of classic rock from McNeely’s subconscious seeping out. And that’s a dream come true. —

Jeff Maisey

Infinite Flava

“Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses” (Single)

(Self-Released)

Just in time for summer, Infinite Flava turns us on to a delightful new R&B track reminiscent of late ‘70s R&B with some unbelievable saxophone solos, wicked bass lines, fabulous lead and backing vocals, and retro keyboards. You may want to pinch yourself to make sure you didn’t travel back in time through a sound machine anchoring the Love Boat.

“Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses” is refreshing and fun.

— Jeff Maisey

Atlantic Union Pavilion

7/18 - Barenaked Ladies

8/2 - Lindsey Stirling

8/18 - Doug E. Fresh/ Rakim/EPMD

Veterans United Home Loans

Amphitheater @ Virginia Beach

7/14 - Chris Stapleton

7/21 - Godsmack/Staind

7/22 - Fall Out Boy

7/26 - Matchbox Twenty/

The Wallflowers

7/28 - Counting Crows

8/1 - Lil’ Durk

8/4 - Slightly Stoopid

8/5 - Snoop Dogg/Wiz

Khalifa

8/11 - Kidz Bop Live

8/12 - Jelly Roll

8/13 - 50 Cent/Busta

Rhymes

Sandler Center

7/26 - Herb Alpert & Lani

Hall

7/29 - The Sinatra Experience

8/11 - Daybreak: Music of Barry Manilow

8/12 - Devotion: Earth, Wind & Fire Experience

8/16 - Sergio Mendes

Ferguson Center

7/26 - Zach Williams The NorVa 7/15 - Saved By The 90s

- Killer Mike

Elevation 27

7/15 - On The Border: Eagles Tribute

7/16 - Fleetwood Mac

Tribute

7/18 - Tab Benoit w/ Anthony Rosano & The

Conqueroos 7/19 - Less Than Jake

- G-Rex

- Tom Petty Tribute

- Red Hot

Peppers Tribute

Church

YNOT

at The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery in Hampton

Concerts

Cape Charles Central Park

7/15 - The Jangling

Reinharts

7/22 - Good Shot Judy

7/29 - Better By Tuesday

8/5 - Mashup & Cozy

8/12 - Allen Hudson & The

8/19 - The Delorans 8/26 - Brasswind

- The English Channel 9/9 - Cat5

Towne Bank

Center

7/20 - “The Originals”

8/17 - Lori Williams

9/14 - “Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn” Sunset Thursdays

7/20 - Elements Band 7/27 - Brasswind 8/3 - Calden & Company

- Tidewater Drive

8/12 - Brian Grilli

8/19 - Brasswind

8/26 - Michael Clark Band

Port Warwick Summer Concert Series

7/19 - Celeste Kellogg

8/2 - Inside Out

8/9 - Nashville Nights

8/16 - Good Shot Judy

8/23 - Forte Jazz Band

8/30 - Vinyl Headlights

Suffolk TGIF

Summer Concert Series (Constant’s Wharf)

7/14 - Slap Nation

Suffolk TGIF

Summer Concert Series (Bennett’s Creek Park)

7/28 - Inside Out

8/4 - Tailgate Down 8/11 - The Deloreans 8/18 - Wonderland

Big Bands on the Bay

7/30 - The Top Hats

8/6 - Southside Little Big Band

8/13 - Glen Boswick & The Sounds of Swing

8/20 - The Top Hats

Orchestra

8/27 - Khedive Notables

Dance Band

9/3 - Glen Boswick & The Sounds of Swing

Smithfield Summer Concert Series

7/21 - The Tomcats 7/28 - Higher Ground 8/4 - Chisman Creek

- Fleet Forces Band

- Forte

Strawberry Street Parties

@ Cape Charles

7/28 - Tisburys

8/11 - Two Bridges Duo

8/18 - The Shoal Shakers

8/25 - The Stingrays

Miller Lite Hot County Nights Series @ Waterside District

7/14 - Morgan Evans

7/28 - Celeste Kellogg

8/2 - Granger Smith

8/19 - Buckshot

Waterside District

Blue Moon Outdoor Stage

7/29 - Snackbar Jones

8/12 - Vinyl Headlights

8/18 - Nashville Nights

Big Ugly Brewing

Live Music Thursdays — Sundays Brothers Nightcap (10 PM) Music Fridays & Saturdays

7/27 - RaJazz Trio

8/10 - RaJazz Trio

Elation Brewing

7/15 - Derek Smith

7/16 - Dominick Hanle

7/19 - Last Fair Deal (4 PM)

7/21 - Jessie Marie

7/22 - Soft Plan Band

7/26 - Fixity

7/29 - The Bay Rats

Scandals Live

7/14 - Rehab

7/21 - That Which Sleeps/ New Mutiny/BB Guns/Felt Side Out

8/12 - Lana Scott

(continued on page 48)

PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA

Riffhouse Pub

7/16- Neverless

8/5 - Makes My Blood

Dance

8/12 - Something Dead in the Water

Big Pink/Victorian Station

7/15 - The Hot Momas

7/20 - Open Mic w/The Love

Cats

8/13 - Ann Gray/Dakota

Smith/Bryson Jett/Carrie Brockwell

Froggies

7/15 - The Gold Sauce

7/22 - Slackdog

South Beach Grill

8/2 - Borderline Crazy

8/9 - The Baddadz

Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub

7/14-15 - Don Bunch

7/18-22 - Brian Gaffney

7/25-29 - Pat Garvey

8/1-5 - Amanda & Roo

8/8-12 - Conor Malone

Decoy’s

7/15 - Celeste Kellogg

7/16 - James Ford

7/21 - Retro

7/22 - Derek Smith

7/23 - Brian Pinardi

7/28 - Kershaw & Foutz

7/29 - Fine Swiss Cheese

7/30 - Cody Stageberg

8/4 - Running with Scissors

8/5 - Snackbar Jones

8/6 - Dustin Yates

8/11 - Vince Kornegay Band

8/12 - Island Boy

Acoustic Carnival

The Coffee Shoppe/Olde

Towne Portsmouth

7/20 - Jarvis Griffin

8/31 - JP Lewis/Robbie

Bradshaw/Jonah Ross

9/21 - Lane Rice & Hannah

Jai

Flat Iron Crossroads

7/15 - Good Shot Judy

7/22 - Issac Hadden Project

7/29 - Rapjack

The Roads Bistro

7/15 - Andy Gilstrap Project

7/19 - Big Forest Fire

7/22 - Christian Mitchell

Project

7/26 - Karl Werne

8/2 - Big Forest Fire

8/9 - Derek Smith

8/12 - Andy Gilstrap Project

8/19 - Soft Plan

Smartmouth NFK

7/20 - Bobby Bare/Derek Smith/Ronnie Talman

7/22 - Lazy Dangers/Pet

Name/Tyler Donovan/ Grass Maiden

Smartmouth Pilot House 8/4 - Drew Armstrong

Hanks Filling Station

7/23 - Dan Pellegrino

7/30 - Paul Urban

- Fox & The Bear

Rivers Casino

8/6 - Wonderland

8/7 - Neptune Groove

8/8 - Frank Sings Frank

8/10 - Zen Mojo

8/11 - Schooner or Later

8/12 - Better By Tuesday

8/13 - Two Arms of Flight

8/14 - JP Lewis

Hilton Tavern

O’Connor Brewing Co.

7/22 - Red Stapler (Vee’s

B-Day)

7/28 - Troy Breslow

Sly Clyde Ciderworks

7/21 - Ray Meeks

7/28 - Eric Staab

Calypso Bar & Grill

7/19 - Aaron Fulcher

7/22 - Vinyl Headlights

7/28 - Halfway Decent

7/29 - Cultivated Mind

Tap It Local Norfolk

7/27 - Jared Farrell

7/28 - Brian Pinardi

Grain

7/19 - Matt Holloman

7/20 - Snackbar Jones

7/21 - OK

7/22 - TA Gatling & The

Guns

7/28 - Billy Joe Daniel Band

Varia

7/20 - Neptune Groove

7/21 - Frank Sings Frank

7/22 - Boca

7/29 - Travis Colby

Old Beach Tavern

7/22 - Everafter

7/26 - Everafter

7/28 - Nate Sacks

7/29 - Milk Crate Mafia

Ballyhoos

7/21 - Take The Cake

7/22 - Rob White Duo

7/28 - Brandon Bower Band

Big Woody’s Great Bridge

7/19 - Everafter

7/20 - Kelly Vaughan

7/21 - Dave Cynar

7/22 - WOAH!

7/27 - Brandon Bower

7/29 - OK

Open Mic Nights

Mondays - South Beach Grill

Mondays - Tap It Local

Tuesdays - C.I.P.H.E.R. at Noir

Tuesdays - Hilton Tavern w/ Megan & Zach Moats

Tuesdays - Abbey Road w/ Doyle & Dunn

Tuesdays - STUFT Open Jam

Tuesdays - Winston’s Cafe w/Joey Wood

Tuesdays - Froggies w/Fred Karam

Tuesdays - 501 North

4th Tuesdays - St. George Brewing Co.

Wednesdays - Sunset Grill

Wednesdays - Capstan Bar Brewing Co.

Wednesdays - Stellar Wine Co.

Wednesdays - BLVD Bistro

Thursdays - Blue Ribbon

BBQ

Thursdays - Poppa’s Pub

3rd Thursdays - Victorian Station

- Kelly Vaughan

Redbones Raw Bar

7/19 - Grant Austin Taylor

7/20 - Brian Grilli

Allen Hudson & The Halfmoons play August 18 at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens.

Afterglow Brewing Shines in Norfolk ’s Railyard District

By Diane Catanzaro and Chris Jones

Here’s some exciting news for beer lovers! Norfolk ’s newest brewery held their Grand Opening the weekend of July 8. Afterglow Brewing is now open for business at The Railyard at Lambert’s Point! We were there for the soft opening and enjoyed excellent beers, friendly service, and are thrillled to have a new brewery in this super-sweet location between Old Dominion University and the Sentara-CHKD-EVMS Medical Center.

The Railyard at Lambert’s Point is still under development and is great example of how Norfolk is combining adaptive reuse of older buildings with new construction to create an entertainment district that will have restaurants, breweries, entertainment, outdoor events, and office and retail space. While most of this new destination is still a construction site, Afterglow Brewing is ready to quench your thirst right now with a brand new brewery that seats 4060 indoors, combined with a large tented outdoor space and open-air yard. Afterglow can accommodate up to 240 persons in these combined spaces, where customers can enjoy firepits, fooseball, or “ the big game” on one of the indoor or outdoor television screens along with great beer.

Afterglow’s founder and head brewer Josh Evans is a former physical therapist who loved his field but was ready for a career move. Partner Jeff Hartline, also a physical therapist, was inspired by Josh ’s vision to create this family-friendly destination brewery in Norfolk. Today this dream has become a reality; the name Afterglow represents the feeling of accomplishment in bringing this brewery dream to fruition. As medical professionals Josh and Jeff lived in a world of “relative value units” used to determine payment, also known as “RVUs”. Instead of RVUs, they now deal in IBUs and craft brews.  Josh is a long-time homebrewer and former member of the Hampton Roads Brewing & Tasting Society. He admires Sam Calagione, who leveraged his homebrewing chops to found a little start-up called Dogfish Head Brewing, now one of the premier craft breweries in modern history and part

of the Boston Beer Company family. Josh is quick to praise his wife Amanda and fatherin-law Sal with the support and love that helped to make this venture possible. As part of Josh and Jeff ’s business plan Josh studied brewing science to earn certification through the Cornell Craft Brewing Certificate Program, and also traveled several

times to Axe and Arrow Brewing in New Jersey to gain hands-on brewing experience in a commercial brewery.

Of course you are interested in learning about the beer! The beers offerings will change regularly, as Josh is brewing on a nimble 7-barrel system that allows him to vary the brews according to season and

customer demand.

At the opening, we were very impressed by Cone-fection, a uniquely fragrant and delectable cream ale brewed with vanilla, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. The fragrant  aroma will transport you to your favorite ice cream cone memories, perhaps a childhood walk on the boardwalk where the waffle cones lured you like sirens to a hand-dipped scoop or two of tasty ice cream.  Quaffable due to the light cream ale base, but with a tantalizing aroma and flavor that will perhaps lead to a discussion of whether it is more reminiscent of a waffle cone, sugar cone, or cake cone. This beer is cone-fection perfection.

IPAs were represented by Lazy Hazy, a New England style IPA. This version is low in hops bitterness, instead the Amarillo and El Dorado hops provide a hint of pineapple and tropical fruit, making it very approachable even for those who typically find IPAs too bitter for their taste.

Right Track Wrong Train is a fruited sour, full of passionfruit, guava, and orange. While too often breweries offer American versions of goses and other ‘kettle sours’ that are over-the-top tart, this one is balanced and not so aggressively sour that the fruit is overwhelmed. Nicely done.

A pilsener-style beer, brewed with ale yeast instead of lager, wasn’t available at press time but we look forward to trying it. Josh calls it a ‘pseudo-pilsener’ due to the use of ale yeast instead of lager yeast. The use of ale yeast saves time because lagering takes too much time and people want their beer now! Don’t you want your beer now? Head over to Afterglow and get that beer right now (check opening hours!) While they don’t serve food, they will regularly have food trucks, and also share a parking lot with Sanctuary DMZ, which has some of the best tacos this side of the border.

Hope to meet you in the Afterglow! Location: 2330 Bowdens Ferry Road, Norfolk.

Opening hours: Tues through Thurs 3 - 9 pm, Fri 2 - 10 pm, Sat 12 - 10 pm, Sun 12 - 8 pm.

Josh Evans and Jeff Hartline . Photo by Diane Catanzaro.

Summer Libations

Compiled by Staff

Local craft breweries have their outdoor patios and green spaces open with tents, chairs and picnic tables for friends and family to enjoy this summer.

Locals and tourists alike turn out for fun conversation, community gatherings, and to taste the latest seasonal specialities and tried-n-true favorites served-up by the brew team.

Breweries have a variety of seasonal beverages to chose from including hard seltzers to quench your thirst during this hot and humid time of year.

Check these out for starters:

New Realm Brewing Company

Psychedelic Rabbit Transcendent IPA

Fresh from the mind of IPA brewing legend Mitch Steele, this 6.5% ABV brew features a blend of four hops — Cashmere, Azacca, Citra, and Mosaic — for an exotic taste of tangerine, passionfruit and pineapple.

Wasserhund Brewing Company

Let’s Go Party!

Believe it or not, old school Barbie is big this summer thanks to the new movie, and the folks at Wasserhund tap into the popularity with this hot pink Kolsch fruited with Red Dragonfruit. Light and tasty. 5.3% ABV.

Smartmouth Brewing Company

No Thoughts, Just Swings

The brewery touts this very low alcohol — 4.3% — beer as a “golf lager,” and it’ll no doubt rehydrate those folks on the driving range looking to lower their par score. It’s a hole-in-one.

COVA Brewing Company

Aloha State of Mind

This two-time World Beer Cup gold medal winning contemporary gose smoothly blends the flavors of hibiscus and passionfruit. Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re in Hawaii. Flawless.

Elation Brewing

Larchmont Lager

There’s a reason this flagship is so popular with the North Colley neighbors — it’s so damned smooth. Larchmont Lager is a German-style pilsner. 5/1% ABV.

Big Ugly Brewing

Grapefruit Tangerine Seltzer

This gluten-free seltzer is super light and refreshing and ooooh so good! Great for cooling off on these blistering hot summer days (and nights).

Coastal Fermentory

Elevenses New Zealand Pilsner

“As crispy as they get,” shared the brew team, “this beautiful beer has tasting notes of white wine grapes with a mild dry finish.” It pairs perfectly with anything from a mid-day snack to supper. 4.5% ABV.

Caiseal Beer & Spirits Co.

Chingon Cerveza

This Mexican-style lager uses lime puree and adds corn to the malt bill for an authentic, slightly tart refreshment. 4.7% ABV. Nice can label featuring a mountainous desert landscape at twilight.

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Benjamin Franklin

739A HIGH STREET, PORTSMOUTH POST-SECONDARY-BREWING.COM

739A HIGH STREET, PORTSMOUTH POST-SECONDARY-BREWING.COM

Another fun label from Smartmouth

July

www.downtownnorfolk.org

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The St. George Brewing Company

Honey Meade Lager

If you are new to the region and want to try an award-winning local beer, grab St. George’s Honey Meade Lager. It’s made with honey harvested right on the brewery grounds.

Post Secondary Brewing

After Lights Out

This is PSB’s version of a Smoked Vanilla Porter (6.8% ABV). It’s smoked with cherry wood for a slightly sweet aroma. The recently opened brewery in Portsmouth’s Olde Towne specializes in dark beers — hence “lifts out” — and is a smooth winner of a brew.

Commonwealth Brewing Company

M Ā NG ŌROA

This New Zealand-style lager is twice dryhopped with Nelson Saigon and Motueka cones giving it what the brew team describes as having “smooth soft white grape and citrus notes.” 5.1% ABV.

Billsburg Brewery

Juan’s Nightstand

Mexican-style beers are hugely popular these days for their low alcohol (4.3%) and easy-to-drink qualities. Sit on the deck

overlooking the marina at sundown at Billsburg with a pint of Juan’s.

Bold Mariner Brewing Company

Lucky Cat Japanese Pilsner

Talk about a deliciously crisp beach beer: This highly refreshing pilsner is great for hot, steamy afternoons in the sun. 5.6 % ABV.

1700 Brewing

Oh Dark Thirty

Liquid chocolate, anyone? This malty, dark beer with a balanced, roasted, and chocolatey flavor gives way to a background toffee sweetness. It’s a rare chocolate porter, and an excellent choice after dinner as the sun goes down. 6.9% ABV.

Benchtop Brewing Company

Stallion

This Italian-style pilsner has a nice malty quality and maintains a great head — as few American beer do. One of our recent favorites.

Alewerks

Kolsch

This award-winning Williamsburg brewery seems to excel at everything, including this 4.6% ABV clean and crisp German-style, ultra-light Kolsch.

Lucky Cat Japanese Pilsner

Whole Foods Sees Demand for Virginia Beer

By Jeff Maisey

David Gouveia, the Senior Category Merchant, Adult Beverage for Whole Foods Market’s Mid-Atlantic/Southeast/Southwest regions, noticed something trending upward in early 2023 — demand for local, independent craft beer in Virginia.

If you’ve ever been to a Whole Foods Market, chances are you’ve noticed highlighted local produce, seafood, and craft beers and cider.

On a recent visit to my Virginia Beach Whole Foods, one of 15 in the Commonwealth, I found a large variety of made-in-Virginia craft beer products, including Old Bust Head, O’Connor, Starr Hill, Bingo, St. George, Young Veterans, Hardywood Park, Three Notch’d, Smartmouth, Midnight Brewery, Legend, Pale Fire, Alewerks, and Aslin Beer Co. to name a few.

I recently talked with Mr. Gouveia to learn more about what he’s seeing in the craft beer marketplace at Whole Foods Market locations.

VEER: Matt Griffin from Hop & Wine Distributors shared with us your insights into recent trends at Whole Foods locations in Virginia. What are you seeing?

David Gouveia : What we saw in 2022 was that national craft beer beat out local craft as far as

units and sales.

We’re seeing a dynamic shift in 2023, especially in post-Dry January with local brands gaining market share in shelf space as well as total sales dollars. We’re really looking positive for Virginia local.

VEER: Why do you think local, Virginia craft products are gaining strength at Whole Foods this year?

David Gouveia : I feel this is essentially local brands putting in new strategies.

The last two years, they were extremely focused on survival, whereas this year, they’re taking some approaches focusing on in-house sales in addition to creating an impactful retail business by focusing on accounts that are closer to the breweries instead of expanding their brands (to outside markets). It’s essentially bringing local back locally.

Since Whole Foods started, we’ve really prioritized local producers, so we’re really excited about this trend.

VEER: When you look at Virginia brands, which are doing best in terms of sales? Or, are you seeing more upward trends related to beer style?

David Gouveia : I think one of the reasons we are seeing the breweries trending up is because they’re willing to be nimble and focus on what the customers are looking for. They can move quicker than a national brand.

We’re seeing craft honing in on traditional European styles. We’re seeing a lot of Kolsch, Mexican-style lagers, and Belgian styles.

VEER: From the Virginia craft packaged products, are you seeing more bottled six-packs or cans in four-packs and 12-packs?

David Gouveia : Another trend we’re seeing is variety packs, which is really a local craft opportunity in Virginia. We’re seeing a lot of the national brands winning with variety packs and we see a lot of local brands capitalizing on that.

And then, you have brands such as Three Notch’d and Solace, which are cans. Then, you’ll see Port City, which has bottles. Even cider brands are producing variety packs. Potter’s Craft Cider will be introducing a variety pack shortly.

VEER: How are Virginia craft brands promoted, merchandised within Whole Foods stores?

David Gouveia : Within my position, I really focus on local brands. I oversee a third of the country.

We love brands that come in and support demos. It gets our customers excited; it gets our community excited. It gives them (breweries) an opportunity to talk about their specific brand. We love to focus on brands that are philanthropic by nature; that support their local communities, and that are really cause focused. Those are the brands we really love to support.

VEER: If a local Virginia brewery wants to have their craft product sold at their nearby Whole Foods Market, what is the best approach to getting on your shelves, whether through a major distributor or small service?

David Gouveia : Developing a relationship with your distributor is definitely important. For us, it’s about partnerships. If you’re willing to support us with a great partnership with what’s new and exciting…we’re all about creating partnerships with our local suppliers.

VEER: Craft beer and cider producers put a big effort in their packaging to stand out from the competition on retail shelves. Various design strategies emphasize color, brand logo identity, and style — as in IPA — to catch the eye of consumers overwhelmed by the selection. What do you see as being key to successful packaging?

David Gouveia : I think the Whole Foods shopper is really in-tune with the brands and the quality of beer as opposed to packaging. The packaging obviously helps depending on what products are side by side.

If everyone is in-tune with these loud, colorful labels, if you have a flat, clean label I think you’re going to stand out. And vice versa if the shelf is filled with these clean designs. But, I’ll revert back to the Whole Foods customer being more in-tune with the quality and the style as opposed to packaging.

VEER: How does Whole Foods determine brand placement on the shelves? Obviously, a craft beverage brand is going to prefer to be positioned at eye-level as opposed to the bottom of the shelf at ankle level.

David Gouveia : It’s at random, essentially. There are some guardrails that are utilized, but at the end of the day it’s based on style or regional location.

VEER: As a beer style, IPAs are top of sales in the craft realm. Are you seeing that at Whole Foods as well?

David Gouveia: Yeah, IPAs — that’s what’s selling. As I mentioned earlier, I’m seeing a lot of growth in high quality craft European styles. A lot of local craft brewers are focusing on consolidating an assortment and creating a high quality product, as opposed to some national brands trying to be everything to everyone.

In addition, we’re seeing a local cider revival as well. Local ciders are really winning, especially in Virginia. They’re utilizing local apples.

VEER: Regarding cider products, are cans more successful than 750-ml bottles?

David Gouveia : Cans are definitely winning. A lot of cideries are able to play around with new flavor combinations.

A snapshot of Virginia craft beers on the shelves at Whole Foods Market in Virginia Beach.

Return of The Belvedere

By Marisa Marsey

Were you as ecstatic as I when you heard that the beloved Belvedere Coffee Shop & Diner was being resurrected in the spanking new Moxy Hotel at the Oceanfront? If you possess any VaBeachVa history, I’m guessing that’s a resounding, fist-pumping “YES!”

Perhaps you were a fan of the Eye Opener, a fried egg, parmesan-encrusted tomato slice and ham or bacon layered on a squishy-fresh onion roll; arguably the greatest breakfast sandwich under the sun. Or you might have been one of the legion who made the “secret ” Belvedere sauce, the grace note of the “everything-but-thekitchen-sink-and-maybe-even-that” Belvedere omelet, the most requested side.

It’s where you could have first encountered Ray Labuen, OG griddle maestro (now owner of the eponymous Ray Ray’s at The Mayflower), been served by big-hearted Brenda Miklos who later ran the joint, or shot the breeze with Bob Stivers when the gracious, longtime manager of the adjacent same-name, five-story hotel popped in for a to-go.

The Belvedere was a coffee shop (the

Guy Fieri-baiting “ diner ” appended only later in life) in the purest sense—pre-Starbucks, pre-triple-skinny-lattes-two-extrapumps—complete with paper placemat menu bona fides. Locals and tourists alike knocked sandy knees on swivel stools or scooched into booths overlooking the boardwalk, the backs of their sunscreenlathered legs sticking to seats like melted Swiss on the grilled Reuben’s corned beef.

The mirrored back wall meant everyone could watch the waves lap the shore no matter which way they faced, though that splendor faced stiff competition from the short order cooks filling tickets in balletic synch, prepping plates that could legitimately be classified greasy spoon yet somehow soared to Epicurean heights. Was it the tang in the salt air? The conversation and conviviality? Or just plain old seaside magic?

Alas, the half-century-old iconic coffee shop at 36th Street and Atlantic Avenue was demolished along with the hotel in 2020 to make way for a Hyatt Place.

Isn’t it ironic? J. Christopher Perry was one of us who mourned the loss.

He’s the CEO of Suburban Capital, the Virginia Beach-based hospitality company that developed the 13-story, 140-room homogenized hotel on the Belvedere’s plot. He grew up believing that there was, “Nothing better than sitting at the counter as a teenager and watching them make your favorite food!” When he became a father, he relished bringing his son there. (While dad’s top pick was the Eye Opener, his son favored the pancakes.)

Perry diligently tried to keep the coffee shop but couldn’t squeeze it into the Hyatt Place’s blueprint. As luck would have it, though, it grooves with the seven-story Moxy, another Suburban project, at 12th Street and Atlantic Avenue.

Moxy pulses with pluck. Inspired by European hostels, its rooms contain IKEA-like “ hygge” furnishings (some feature two sets of queen-sized bunk beds!) with everything you need and things you never knew you lacked: a funky phone that tells bedtime stories, art you can literally rip off (pads of posters decorate the walls) and playful pillows stitched with cheeky epigrams (“Resting Beach Face”).

Lodgings are purposefully compact, comfy but not exactly plush and lush, to drive guests downstairs for mixing and mingling over games and drinks. A sliding

board is slated to deposit fun-seekers from the second floor to the lobby’s bar which doubles as the check-in desk.

As a fellow Belvedere fancier uttered, “Its food is perfect food for a hotel whose focal point is a bar.”

Indeed, eggs, bacon, patty melts are nothing if not alcohol-absorbent, and its mimosas and Bloody Marys are well-suited for hair of the dog disciples.

Relabeled Belvedere South (since it’s situated two dozen blocks south of the original) and looking cryogenically preserved, the studied vintage-ness complements Moxy’s, well, moxie. Its seating capacity nearly doubled (56 including outside tables), but the orientation, the counter placed just-so to kibbutz with the cooks as they deftly scrape the flattop, the gleaming blue and white color scheme (déjà hue!) make it a flashback phenom.

Unlike the fountainhead, though, it doesn’t perch on the boardwalk (plus there’s no demi booth, sigh). The Moxy’s party-ready pool area runs along the back of the hotel, meaning you have to strain a tad to glimpse the ocean. Understandable positioning, and one not without compensation. The view of the neighboring Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum housed in the historic de Witt Cottage generates its own Old Beach vibe.

The menu, too, hews nostalgic with creamed chip beef on toast and a club house triple decker. Of course, some things didn’t age well (cottage cheese had to be cut) and updates appear (hello, breakfast bowl!). Hash browns, colorful with pepper and cheesy goodness, could go head to head with Waffle House.

Rob Murphy, Suburban Capital’s vice president of hotel operations, candidly admits that he tried to woo the Belvedere’s last manager to come on board for still more authenticity but she wasn’t able to join them. “But we got the pancake recipe from her,” chimes in Tim Scheetz, kitchen manager (another loyalist who grew up going to the original).

When I got a sneak peek last month, it wasn’t officially open for business so I can’t give an accounting of that Eye Opener. But by the time you read this, it will be and you can. Save me a seat at the counter!

Belvedere South Coffee Shop & Diner at the Moxy Hotel at 1201 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. 757-452-4515. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ orfvx-moxy-virginia-beach-oceanfront

TALBOT PARK FARMERS MARKET EAST BEACH FARMERS MARKET

Aloha Snacks is the Perfect Summer Eatery

By Betsy DiJulio

If I were to visit Hawaii, I would want to stay in a comfy-casual Airbnb that looks just like Aloha Snacks: floors the color of the ocean, tropical wallpapers with a retro vibe, tin ceiling tiles, mid-mod furnishings, books, art, plants, island tchotchkes, and a little tiki kitsch.

With a Food Network Beat Bobby Flay slay to his credit, chef-owner Jesse Wykle opened his fusion eatery in 2018 to celebrate all things Hawaiian with a tasty nod to Asian cuisine and his Southern roots. Though Wykle brought the Iron Chef to his knees with lumpia, a Filipino favorite, the menu is varied, and the colors and flavors vibrant.

Seating at an indoor tiki bar, a counter stretching along a wall of windows, indoor tables, umbrella-covered picnic tables, or a covered patio allows guests to create different dining experiences with each visit. And a large chalkboard menu plus additional specials means diners can return often without repeating their orders.

Even the plant-based patrons have enticing options. Some of the dishes can be made vegan by substituting here and there but, far better, there are three selections on the main menu that were thoughtfully conceived with hungry, health-conscious herbivores in mind. I have sampled them all and would be hard-pressed to choose a favorite.

The “Fo-Ke”($12) and the South Pacific Farmer ($11), both bowls—hardly “snacks”— offer craters of wholesome fresh ingredients, vibrantly balanced in taste and texture. The Fo-Ke features vegan poke, pickled beets, super-flavorful sticky rice—that turns a beautiful fuchsia color from the beets—briny seaweed salad, juicy chunks of pineapple, crunchy sesame seeds, and a sauce that is more like a brilliant golden fruit puree than a preservative-laden condiment. The Farmer serves up the lightest and fluffiest quinoa, seasoned black beans, creamy avocado, crisp greens, pickled beets, pineapple, carrots, and cilantro, all lightly bathed in a miso dressing.

If you are craving something a little greasier—but not unappealingly oily—then try the scrumptious Mushroom Tempura Burger ($12) which comes with crispy edges

and a side of waffle fries. Once again, rather than schmears of salty, processed condiments, both sides of the perfectly toasted potato bun are spread with a deliciously different pickled black bean spread. In between is a bulgogi-marinated and tempura battered portabella cap and a pile of fresh greens. Something about the griddled flavor of the bread melded with the deep-fried flavor of the mushroom is a substantial stack of paradise.

I ordered my meal to go because I was in a bit of a hurry and knew I would be saving much of my big island order to enjoy as leftovers, so the burger steamed a little and the warm food was not all the same temperature. Though the food was still soulsatisfying, I recommend dining in. And while Aloha Snacks offers catering, there is ample parking for a crowd even at the beach in July.

Aloha Snacks is the perfect summer eatery—fun food that is bountiful, colorful, and nutritional in a relaxed tropical setting— though I will be returning throughout the year and encourage you to do the same.

LeGrand Lives Up To It’s Name

By Jeff Maisey

Back in late May, Yelp reviewers rated LeGrand Kitchen’s sizzling, stacked patties among the Top 100 Burgers in America.

Admittedly, I had never dined at LeGrand in the past. I could never seem to find close parking at its previous location on North Colley and I never found the interior lighting all that inviting, even as Veer contributing music writer Jim Morrison ate there frequently and raved about the place.

Finally, with its relocation in the former Crackers’ spot in Riverview, it was time to give ‘em a shot.

I have long known chef/owner Stephen Marsh as a guitar-wielding punk rocker in the local music scene. I also admired his devotion to the city’s music history. LeGrand, you see, is the name of the record label that defined the Norfolk Sound back in the 1950s when Gary US Bonds and Lenis Guess were making a splash with Frank Guida at the production helm.

The new LeGrand Kitchen is aesthetically warm with its bluish/gray painted walls and elements of industrial chicness. The leatheresque cushioned chairs in the front dining room are as comfortable as they are modern.

The food menu is seasonal and yet I suspect the LeGrand Burger ($13) is probably a mainstay. With all the accolades, there was little doubt what I was going to order.

The staff, I must say, was exceptional on each of my three visits. Multiple, enthusiastic wait folks tended to whatever questions and need Lynn and I had. It was refreshing to see the staff in constant motion, where one checks on your drinks, the other delivers your food, and yet a third person buzzes by to make certain

your expectations are met.

First and foremost, the burger was exception, and I love my hamburgers. LeGrand’s is a big stack—open your mouth wide—of double patty beef, melted American cheese, grilled onion, a couple jalapeño slices, roasted shallot mayonnaise, and a most pleasing bed of shredded picked lettuce. The all important bun was a heavily sesame seeded Big Marty. In short, the best burger I’ve ever had.

At first I was surprised the burger came a la cart, with no side of anything. Then, after consuming it, there was no need for anything else.

On our second trip to LeGrand, we brought friends and all four of us had a delight experience.

For me it was time to explore the Butcher Steak ($40), which was cooked to request and came with mashed potatoes and semi-crispy mushrooms.

Lynn ordered the burger again and it was a two-time champion selection.

Our friend Gayle opted for the Braised Shortrib ($34). It was paired with baby carrots and Carolina rice grits. Susan went for the Pork Belly ($14) with candied jalapeño, coconut, almond and cherries. All delightful.

For dessert, we all found the classic Atlantic Beach Pie (lemon, saltine crust, whipped cream, $8/slice) addicting.

The drinks menu isn’t overbearing and is exactly what is needed to compliment the dinner.

Reservations by text are a must almost any night between 5-7:30 PM. I’d recommend a 7:45 arrival on Friday and Saturdays.

LeGrand is LeGreat in our books.

LeGrand Kitchen, 4226 Granby St., Norfolk, legrandkitchen.com, 757-285-1887.

LeGrand’s burger is a hit.

The new Mermaid Winery is now open at 101 Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk. Our new home is both a registered National & State Historic Landmark on the corner of Main & Granby Street. The building is a Beaux-Arts NeoClassical style and was built in 1908 as a bank. The building’s exterior is made of limestone and has stately, massive columns. The interior is spectacular with intricate ornate plaster. The beauty of this building is truly unparalleled