Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by Kat Marie
Pharrell Williams is a musical icon, artist, and fashion designer. But did you know that he grew up here in Virginia Beach and is doing things right now as we speak to make our great city even greater? Yes, it’s true!
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Who is Pharrell Williams?
Pharrell Williams is a multi-talented American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for his contributions to contemporary music. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1973, Williams rose to prominence as one half of the acclaimed production duo The Neptunes, alongside Chad Hugo.
The duo met at a gifted camp for kids right now here Virginia Beach as well and even went to the same high school I went to, Princess Anne High School.
With a unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop influences, Williams has produced numerous chart-topping hits for artists ranging from Jay-Z to Britney Spears.
Beyond his production work, Pharrell Williams has also achieved solo success with chart-topping singles like “Happy,” showcasing his versatile talent as a performer. Additionally, he has been involved in fashion, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, making him a widely respected figure in both the music industry and popular culture.
1. Something in the Water Music Festival
What better way to bring people together and put Virginia Beach on the map than a great music festival with great performances RIGHT ON THE BEACH! Usually an annual event, the people that come down and enjoy the festival also bring their money and word of mouth.
This year, the festival will be done at a later date vs. the usual April time frame due to the rain that every year has cancelled or delayed performances. I remember the first time Pharrell had the festival and big name people headlined such as Snoop Dogg, Ashanti & Jarule, Usher and many other famous artists!
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2. Atlantic Park
Another way Pharrell is changing Virginia Beach is that he’s creating a wonderful SURF park!
So far, it’s cost $350 million, it’s one of the largest public-private partnership in the City of Virginia Beach’s history. The vision of this place is having a new entertainment district with an indoor/outdoor concert venue, apartments, office space, restaurants, and retail space.
This place will be a destination for families and people from all over just to enjoy this unique experience.
3. Promoting Small Virginia Beach Businesses
During Something in the Water, Pharrell paid close attention to the businesses affect by the traffic change from Something in the Water.
He held multiple local events that showcased a collection of local vendors, merchants, entrepreneurs, and entertainers representing the 757’s vibrant culture.
I really liked how he showed his roots and remembered the buy local motto. For this year’s festival, the layout will be a little different due to the local businesses stating their case about the lack of foot traffic to their establishment.
The final plans have not been announced yet but keep checking back here for all the info!
4. Team Yellow
The Yellow Project by Pharrell Williams is a creative project that aims to foster learning and personal growth in young kids.
It encompasses various initiatives, including the Yellow Ball, an event that combines music, art, and entertainment to benefit the Young Audiences Arts for Learning.
This Team Yellow also supports arts education and provides opportunities for artistic expression among kids. The center of learning is the child, and the instructors take each unique quality of the child and helps them succeed!
5. Pharrell filming a movie in Virginia Beach
This is the most recent development of the project, but it has been announced that Pharrell Williams will be filming a coming-of-age movie loosely based on his life.
Even the governor had a press release stating the movie will hire local talent as well as Virginia resources resulting in multiple high paying jobs! How cool is that!
Final Splash
If you enjoy Pharrell Williams music, now you know there is more to him than just catchy tunes! He is truly an entrepreneur. I’m hoping we will hear something soon about this year’s Something in the Water festival because I love seeing what big names will pop up here in Virginia Beach.
I foresee Virginia Beach being a beacon of great music and wonderful festivals!
#teamocean
Welcome! I’m Kat Marie, founder of Beach Kids Club! Virginia Beach, VA is my hometown and I love where I live! My connection to the beach is more than just a geographical one; it’s a profound passion. Whether I’m catching waves, enjoying long walks by the oceanfront, or simply enjoying the sun, I find so much happiness at the beach. Virginia Beach is more than just a location; it’s a way of life, and I’m here to share my hometown experiences and love for the beach with all of you!