“Vibes” have long had beachy associations — think “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys — and Virginia Beach’s newest music festival, Vibe Check, rides that wave.
The free hip-hop and R&B festival, headlined by Waka Flocka Flame and Bryce Vine, will be held April 25-26 at the Oceanfront. It will take over the slot set for Pharrell Williams’ Something in the Water.
Vibe Check organizers wanted to use the word “vibe” because it relates to music, hip hop and R&B. Using the word launched a partnership with ViBe Creative District, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Artists from the ViBe District will paint at the festival while artists perform on the stage, said William Younce, director of Beach Events.
The festival, organized by the city’s events contractor Beach Events, is meant to kickstart the summer tourist season at the Oceanfront. Younce said he is looking to drive business to restaurants and hotels before and after the summer crush.
The city asked Beach Events to be ready if the city had an opening for the last weekend in April, Younce said.
In late January, Virginia Beach called off the Something in the Water after months of cancellations, missed deadlines and extensions.
Younce said Beach Events created the festival to appeal to people in their 20s, from students on spring break to people a little older who might travel and book hotels.
The festival also takes over College Beach Weekend, when spring breakers flock to the Oceanfront.
The two national headliners on Friday and Saturday night will be preceded by local and regional artists, including Shaolinn, Young Crazy and Pretty Savage.
Concerts will be on a stage on the beach at 24th Street. Vendors will set up along the boardwalk and the 24th Street Park will serve as a box office. Although the concerts are free, tickets for special viewing areas will be on sale. Tickets are $50 for both days.
