Hot Fun in the Summertime: Hitting the Streets, with Caution

As of June 1st, the governor lifted restrictions in Virginia.  I was scrambling to make a list of all the things I wanted to do as if I hadn’t had a year and a half to think about it.  Live music was first on deck with music in the park.  In Richmond, local reggae band Mighty Joshua blessed us at Friday Cheers, followed by R&B band Legacy on Saturday at the Festival of the Arts.  In Hampton, Rajazz performed downtown, including lead singer Jus Jon, season 19 contestant of The Voice.  All three vocalists were incredible, but the saxophone rendition of Johnny Gill’s “My, My, My,” got a standing ovation.   

Fourth of July was amazing.  I took the $2 Elizabeth Ferry from Portsmouth to Norfolk and boarded the American Rover for my first sailboat trip.  It was a sunset cruise with a tour going down the river and a guitarist coming back.  As we entered Waterside, we stopped just ahead to catch the fireworks.  The ferry was packed on the return trip, but it was better than trying to get out of the parking decks. There are dozens of free festivals lined up this summer, and I am here for it.