Legendary Composer Hailstork Headlines Free African American Music Month Celebration June 1 at Mount Trashmore Park

Celebrate African American Music Month with a free, exclusive engagement, highlighting the deep and timeless legacy of African American music, 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Drive.

Symphonicity, under the masterful direction of Maestro Daniel W. Boothe, will take audiences on a journey through blues, jazz and classical compositions, weaving together the rich tapestry of African and African American musical heritage. Highlighting this rare event is a special appearance by world-renowned composer and Virginia Beach resident, Dr. Adolphus Hailstork, whose innovative work has captivated audiences worldwide with its tonal brilliance and societal relevance.

“As the District 3 Council member, I am thrilled to kick off African American Music Month at Mount Trashmore with an extraordinary celebration of the profound impact African Americans have had on the music industry,” said Councilmember Michael Berlucchi. “This event is more than just a concert. It's a special chance for everyone to experience the incredible talent of Dr. Adolphus Hailstork, whose music represents the very best of modern composition.”

This year’s African American Music Month Celebration features a rare opportunity to bring together multiple musical genres for one symphonic event and will focus on the influence of the Black Diaspora in classical and symphonic music.

District 4 Councilmember Dr. Ross-Hammond, founder, and chairman of the Virginia African American Cultural Center and former chair of the Music Department at Norfolk State University, shared her excitement about the event. “Dr. Adolphus Hailstork is not just a respected composer, he's a colleague and someone I deeply admire. His compositions are performed nationally, and it speaks to the heart and soul of African American musical heritage with incredible brilliance. This event is our way of honoring the incredible legacy of African American musicians and composers, a legacy Dr. Hailstork embodies with grace and distinction,” she said.

This event also features the delightful vocal stylings of Akeylah Simone, along with the incomparable blues master Bobby Blackhat.

Elisha “Cadillac” Harris and Clarence F. Nelson, Jr., from the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association, Inc., will serve as masters of the ceremony. Attendees may bring blankets, chairs and tents (no tents with stakes allowed) to sit and enjoy the event. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy a picnic with the show.

Event is free and open to the public and presented by the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, Virginia Beach History Museums, Department of Parks & Recreation, the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni and Friends Association, Inc. (PACTS/UKHS) and the Virginia African American Cultural Center.

Advance registration is encouraged. Register in advance at culture.virginiabeach.gov/events. Please email vbhistory@vbgov.com or call 757-385-5100 with questions about this event.

About the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City's Public Art Program, oversees the Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA, the ViBe Creative District, and the Virginia African American Cultural Center, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.

About the City of Virginia Beach History Museums

The City of Virginia Beach History Museums include the Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House, Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum and the Thoroughgood House, and are part of the City’s Cultural Affairs Department. As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. Visit www.vbmuseums.org for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on Twitter, to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.