(Blue Oyster Cult had radio-played songs like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and “Godzilla.”)
BY JEFF MAISEY
A series of free concerts will take place this summer on outdoor stages at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This mix of performers include classic rock greats Blue Oyster Cult (June 16 @ 17th Street Park), Cracker (June 23 @ 17th Street Park), North Mississippi All Stars (July 7 @ 17th Street Park), Niko Moon (July 14 @ 17th Street Park), and Brett Dennen (July 24 @ 24th Street Park).
The Oceanfront Concert Series, as it is dubbed, will replace what was the American Music Festival (formerly held over Labor Day Weekend). Organizers at Beach Events essentially wanted to spread the national caliber bands out over the entire summer tourism series, and provide a sustained positive economic impact for hotels, restaurants, and businesses as well as being a draw for locals and tourists alike.
“When AMF was introduced 30 years ago, it was the first outdoor concert in Virginia Beach in decades and the first show of its type held on the sand along the East Coast,” says Beach Events Creative Director Mike Hilton. “Also, very few multi-day music festivals existed anywhere, so we were completely new to most people. Top recording bands loved to perform in the unique open-air beach setting.”
“The Oceanfront Concert Series will extend quality musical excitement across the entire summer along the boardwalk rather than focus only on one weekend.”
More concerts will be announced in coming weeks for 17th Street, 24th Street and 31st Street stages. All concerts will begin at 7:00 PM with one opening act.
