Violence, chaos, and tragedy; For decades, “beach week” at the Oceanfront has been an unfortunate tradition. For one weekend every April, Virginia Beach turns into a variable hell on earth. Crowds of loud, crazy college kids pour in out of nowhere to drink, sell and use drugs, party, have sex, and get into fights. Several shootings have taken place over the years. Not to mention, with the 30th anniversary of the infamous 1989 Greekfest riots fast approaching, (an incident in which black college students clashed with police, forcing city officials to call in the National Guard), beach natives and local law enforcement were wary about what might happen when Pharrell Williams decided to organize the something in the water festival. It is safe to say that now; against all odds; Pharrell and friends have the beach singing a different tune.
First, understand this was no half-baked, after-thought. This was not just another concert for Williams. Rather, this was a passion project very near and dear to his heart. Williams is a proud Virginia Beach native, who consistently inspires and gives back to the Hampton roads community. Knowing the havoc and heartbreak that beach week has historically caused, he took it upon himself to organize a very successful, deeply positive experience. Something in the water was a very well thought out, well planned, well organized, and well-executed event. He rallied the community, and with support from the Virginia Beach City government, the rest of the world came to see what we are made of.
Unlike many big events at the oceanfront, this was widely marketed and planned very intentionally. They thought about every little detail from solving the difficult situation of limited parking at the oceanfront to organizing a strategic trash pickup afterward. Williams even had a popup church service that kept going continuously throughout the night.
Something in the water was a message from Virginia Beach to the rest of the world: “We just wanna raise the awareness that Virginia is here and open for business.” Williams said. “We have a lot of CEOs flying down here to look around to see what’s going on and see the incredible opportunity here.” We’re ready for big events, concerts, sports teams, and new and exciting industries. Between partnering with local businesses, and attracting new business to the area, Pharrell has done great things for his hometown. This festival will no doubt be a staple for the area, and Something in the Water 2020 is set to solidify that notion.
It is no secret that our nation is divided. We, as a people have become jaded. America is politically, culturally, and socioeconomically more polarized than ever before. People like Williams remind us that it is still possible to bring people from all tribes and tongues together and enjoy peace, harmony, surf, sand, and song. “I feel like there’s been so much divisiveness in the air,” Williams said. “We need to come together and not only celebrate our differences, but recognize that through celebrating each other, we can do great things.”
He has modeled the way for his fellow celebrities, and no has doubt inspired them to do more with their fame. Everyone knew Pharrell was a great musician, but he is also a leader and a talented community organizer who remembers his roots. This is merely the latest way in which Williams has gone out of his way to set an example for the children, teens, and young adults in the Virginia Beach Area. He has inspired us all to want more out of life and to do more for the world. He encourages us to be good stewards of our talents and our dreams. Pharrell’s often quoted as saying “there’s something in the water” in Virginia Beach because so many talented and successful people are from here.
Sources:
https://uproxx.com/music/something-in-the-water-festival-review-pharrell-williams/