NEWPORT NEWS—Newport News will bring the past to life in a unique way during the Big Bands, Blues, and Brews Crawl in the city’s Yard District on 23rd Street. In a nod to the speakeasy era, the event, which will take place on Saturday, October 23 from 5 to 8pm, includes two stages of live entertainment, street performers, vintage cars, food trucks, and more.
Guests will enjoy outdoor games, themed décor, photo opportunities, and giveaways. There will be a costume contest for those 21 and over with fun prizes.
The live music begins at 5pm with nationally recognized artist Nelson Cade III. In February of 2020, Nelson turned all four chairs on the NBC hit show “The Voice” and went on to make it to the top 20 on John Legend’s team. A lover of different sounds and styles of music, his shows feature a variety of genres, including blues, pop, folk, indie-rock, and oldies and originals. He will soon be releasing his debut album, Totally Unrelated.
The evening concludes with a lively performance from the classic swing dance band The Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra beginning at 7:15pm. Felten sings hits from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Bobby Darin, featuring the original big band arrangements of Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Quincy Jones.
The entertainment line-up also includes:
- 5:45 to 6:30pm: Tom Euler Trio
- 6:30 to 7:15pm: Melanie Faye
Participating Food Trucks:
- Kona Ice of Hampton
- Little Piggy’s Wurst Nightmare
- Pops Kettle Corn
- Chesapeake Concessions
- Empanada Workshop
- Skrimp Shack
- PA Dutch Funnel Cake of Virginia
Activities will take place at 110 23rd Street in the Yard District. Parking is available in the Newport News City Hall parking lot. The event is free (food and drinks are available for purchase) and open to all (no pets, please).
For more information, contact Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism at 757-926-1400 or visit www.nnva.gov.