This week in NFK: Music Fests, Startup Action, New Restaurants, Military Circle, Test Scores, Heirloom Watermelons, S’mores, & more.

by | Aug 26, 2022

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Community. 

Owners of Luce, Baxter’s, Brother’s, and Hell’s Kitchen tell the Pilot that they don’t support proposed restrictions on bars downtown. Rip it.

With several of the 95 tenants at Military Circle Mall speaking at City Council this week, the Economic Development Authority suggests extending the leases by one additional month. Rip it.

The City of Norfolk expanded car allowances, worth up to 10K per year, to three additional City employees. Rip it.

A pending lawsuit could require local elected officials to maintain their own records for FOIA requests and respond to inquiries instead of using City-provided FOIA officials. Rip it.

83% of Norfolk Public Schools recorded increases in English performance scores, as scores improved across several metrics. Rip it.

Virginia’s federally recognized tribes are working with the Department of Education to correct how history is taught. Rip it.

A report found Virginia teachers, on average, make 32.7% less than other college-educated professionals, giving the state the third-largest such pay gap in the nation. Rip it.

Norfolk Police Officers will soon have access to daily personal fitness training, mental health services, a 24/7 crisis intervention hotline, and more. Rip it.

The Navy plans to remove 400 trees from the west Bayview area that pose a safety risk to aircraft using a nearby runway. Rip it.

There’s a national shortage of poll workers, and the Norfolk Office of Elections is taking stop s to recruit younger volunteers. Rip it.

Health insurance plans bought under the Affordable Care Act are set to get dramatically cheaper in Virginia. Rip it.

As public health concerns escalate, The Wave is hosting the first monkeypox vaccine clinic in the region. Rip it.

OneVirginia2021, the group that led redistricting reform in Virginia, relaunched with a focus on bringing ranked-choice voting to the Commonwealth. Rip it.

After 2 years, the Grand Illumination Parade is set to return to Downtown Norfolk this November. Rip it.

Wildlife officials are asking residents to kill any spotted lanternflies, an invasive species, seen in the city. Rip it.

Signs continue to point to a 2024 presidential run by Governor Glen Youngkin. Rip it.

Culture.

To See a World in a Grain of Sand, the latest exhibit at Chrysler Museum features sand from across the planet turned into stunning glass art. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.

NEON Festival will return to Norfolk this fall and is seeking artists to perform, exhibit, and more. Rip it.

Mummenshanz, a swiss performing troupe known for creating a “gentle mayhem,” is coming to Chrysler Hall in October. Rip it.

ODU Libraries is hosting a national exhibit honoring U.S. servicewomen of color called “The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen” through September 10th. Rip it.  

The Attucks Jazz Club is back for another season of incredible jazz artists in an intimate club setting. Rip it.

Catch some of the photos and videos that came out of UVIR’s Saturn Project. Rip it. 

Nado is bringing an RNB Block Party to Norfolk Scope Plaza for Labor Day Weekend. Rip it.


Fake Uzumi drops a new single: SAMO LAMO. Rip it. 

VA Symphony is hosting a community play-in and sing-along in September. Rip it.

Brian Culbertson and Tower of Power headline Jazz Fest at Town Point Park this weekend. Rip it.

On Saturday, the self-proclaimed “Norfolk’s Best Rock and Roll Band,” Crimeline, headlines LAVA MiniFest. Rip it. 

Currently on Display:
MC Escher: Infinite Variations at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Motion / Emotion at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Hirata Gōyō: The Birth of the Japanese Art Doll at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Roberto Lugo: Pottery With Purpose. Rip it.
Drones at Nauticus. Rip it.

 

Commerce.

6 months of startup heaven could be yours. 757 Startup Studios has opened its application pool. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.

Dominion Energy says that SCC rules on operating wind energy farms would prove untenable. Rip it.

Breweries are lobbying the Commonwealth to allow direct beer distribution to retailers, removing the requirement for middlemen distributors. Rip it.

TowneBank has reached an agreement to acquire Farmers Bank for $56 million. Rip it.

The former Ship’s Cabin restaurant is on track to be transformed into Shutters on the Bay. Rip it.

ODU is fundraising for a new baseball stadium development. Rip it.

July marked the busiest month on record for Norfolk International Airport. Rip it.

The Fairwinds Landing project at Lambert’s Point Docks took a step forward as leases were signed. Rip it.

The burgeoning offshore wind industry gathered with congressional representatives to discuss further investments and partnerships with local trade groups. Rip it.

Local startup Drone Up announced plans to invest $27.2 million in a major expansion and hire 655 employees. Rip it.

Buzz Franchise Brands, a fast-growing company building home service franchises, plans to launch a home decorating brand. Rip it.

A military contractor plans to build a new $13 million training facility in the region with the promise of hiring 50 additional employees. Rip it.

Tacos y Tequila signed leases for the former Red Dog space, confirming the new Colley Ave restaurant. Rip it.

Gas prices in Virginia have fallen over a dollar from the mid-June peak of $4.86 per gallon to an average now of $3.86 per gallon. Rip it.

Research from ODU says that the pandemic boosted growth in the surfing industry. Rip it.

Layoffs and discharges are slowing in Virginia as employment churn stabilizes. Rip it.

Summer 757 helped one ODU student land an internship with NASA. Rip it.

London & Norfolk, a local commercial insurance company, is celebrating 30 years in business. Rip it.
 

Historic Freemason District Sticker

Willoughby Mug

Crowds.

Rocker’s Dozen: LAVA brings 14 bands from across the eastern seaboard in a huge showcase of indie music talent this Saturday. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.

Norfolk Tides’ Turn Back the Clock Night returns on August 30th. Rip it.

This Wednesday, catch Catbite, Take Me Off, False Cape, and Longsleeves at Norfolk Taphouse. Rip it.

Coming soon to Reaver Beach: Kinship NFK, an art and music festival led by RVSHNFK. Rip it.

Nauticus is rolling out its inaugural Sailfest featuring a sailing race, pier party, and more. Rip it.

**Please note that listed times are start times, many events run several hours**
Friday:
Norfolk Run Club meetup at Yorgo’s. 6:00 am. Rip it.
Yoga + Coffee with Sky’s The Limit at Vessel Craft Coffee. 7:30 am. Rip it.
Women and Equality Forum with Black BRAND at Slover Library. 8:30 am. Rip it.
Teens With A Purpose End of Summer Bash at Purpose Park. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Friday Happy Hour Wine Tasting with Vino Culture. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Natural Wine Tasting at Grandiflora Wine Garden. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Vegan Seafood Popup at Benchtop Brewing. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
39th Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival at Town Point Park. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Numerology Basics at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Felicia Hoyas performs live at COVA Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Lane Rice performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Paint Party Social Club at OV Democratic Social Club. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
JAG Duo performs live at Ocean View Fishing Pier. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Marty Moore performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix All Ages Night at The Granby Theater. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
TGOV Family Fun Night with Ghostbusters VA at Ocean View Beach Park. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Historic Houses Downtown Walking Tour with Norfolk Tour Co. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Mosquito Cabaret performs live at Elation Brewing. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
WOW End of Summer Celebration at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
SeamLess Duo performs live at Varia. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Sunset Swing ‘n’ Blues at the Pagoda. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Wines of the Loire Valley at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Pippin performed live at Little Theater of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot: Short Form Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Late Night Ladies’ Ride departing Smartmouth Brewing. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Seán Heely and Friends perform live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Lights Out, Barks Out party at The Wave. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Aaron Fulcher performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot After Dark: Short Form Show at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Los Socios Del Ritmo at Broadway Nightclub. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
The Hip Hop & Rnb Experience at MP Ultra Lounge. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

Saturday:
Send It! Road Ride with East Coast Cycles. 8:00 am. Rip it.
ERT Fun Ride with Pedego Electric Bikes. 8:30 am. Rip it.
Nature & Eco Kayak Tour with the Elizabeth River Project. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Yoga + Coffee with Sky’s The Limit at Coalescence. 9:00 am. Rip it.
East Beach Farmers Market at 9680 Shore Drive. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Farmers Market at Sunset Grill. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Liverpool vs. AFC Bournemouth Watch Party at Grace O’Malley’s. 10:00 am. Rip it.
The Back-to-School Community Connect at Norview Middle. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Botanical Walking Tour of the Elizabeth River Trail. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Elation Brewing. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Big Forest Fire performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
So Seriouz Summer Dance Workshop at New Generation Angels Studio. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Parks and Rec Back to School Drive at Southside STEM Academy. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Divas Drag Brunch at Waterside District. 11:30 am. Rip it.
Love Petals Arrangement Workshop at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
VA is for Buyers Back-To-School Market. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Barry Art Museum Tour: STE[A]M Tour. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Big10 Alumni Football Kickoff Mixer at Mack’s Barge. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Illusions The Drag Queen Show at the EZ Inn. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
LAVA MiniFest with 14 musical acts at Toast. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Polar Ingress Popup at 1901 Shoop Ave. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
A Royal Evening for Rising Kindergarteners at 1208 Bistro. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
4th Annual Emmett Till Commemoration with OBPP at Goff Street. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Music Match Bingo at Hank’s Filling Station. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Last Luau of Summer with Tiki Bar Band at Cova Brewing. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
100 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Glen McClure Photography at Gallery 21. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Conner Pittman performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Crypto Trading adn Cigar Meetup at Town Point Club. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
La’Quan Nock (Gifted Hands) performs live at Varia. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Yugioh at Atlantis Comics and Games. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Luau Party at The Banque. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix Adult Night at The Granby Theater. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
TA Gatling performs live at Ocean View Fishing Pier. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Remica Bingham-Risher Book Launch & Reading at Muse Writers Center. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Nitro Circus Live: Good, Bad & Rad at Harbor Park. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
New Moon Ritual at Aries Apothecary. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Giveon performs live at The Norva. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
BrassWind performs live at Brasswind. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
ShotClock, Spirit Gun, The Dual Gravitons, & Old Scars perform live at 37th & Zen. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Girlprov at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Stuck in the 80’s Drag Show at Reaver Beach Brewing. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Exploding Sun performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Improvageddon: Dog Days of War at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Hey Ma All Rnb All Nite at Chicho’s Backstage. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

Sunday:

Beach Cleanup with Bold Mariner Brewing Company. 8:00 am. Rip it.
Late Summer Sundays at the Plot with Lil Truck of Tools. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Slow-Mo Sundays Bike Ride at Local Bike Shop. 10:00 am. 
Rip it.
Siren City Pipe Band Public Rehearsal at OV Beach Park. 10:00 am. Rip it.
One Love Fest at Military Circle Mall. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Dustin Furlow performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Sunflower Music Festival at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Mini-Class: Cru Vineyards of Tenuta delle Terre Nere at Vino Culture. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Peace & Pints: Bhav Brigade Yoga at Smartmouth Brewing. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Care More on Sundays (Self Care Experience) at Made in Norfolk. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Church Street Market: Hot Hot Hot! Summer Send Off at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix Kids Day at The Granby Theater. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Music Bingo at Reaver Beach Brewing. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Red Stapler Duo performs live at Ocean View Fishing Pier. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Myths and Legends: Mermaids at Aries Apothecary. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Model Citizen Pop-up at Crudo Nudo. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
Rob White performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Hampton Roads 48-Hour Film Project Best Of Awards at Naro Cinema. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
 
Get a daily rundown of events on our Daily Instagram Story.

Chow.

Brother’s Restaurant in Norfolk pairs a classy menu with elevated ambiance and top-shelf jazz. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 

Willoughby is set to get more seafood options with Swell on the way to 11th View. Rip it.

Smore’s Amore hosts Smorefolk Smorefest this weekend with all your real flame melted smores to bite into. Rip it.

Adding crab meat to your cheesesteak? Norfolk AF. Rip it.

Heirloom Watermelon cocktails are on deck at the Model Citizen popup this Sunday at Crudo Nudo. Rip it. 

The Ten Top doesn’t miss. Honey habanero barbecue chicken salad with pimento cheese is a decadent summer lunch meal. Rip it. 

Get your favorite comfort food meat-free at Sense’s. Burgers, Phillies, fried chicken, PO boys, wings, and more. Rip it. 

Vang’s Sushi is already one of the most popular food trucks in town, now you can get the sauce all the time. Rip it. 

Just in time for Jazz fest, Four Eleven York brings two new classy cocktails to the menu. Including one with black and pink peppercorn vodka. Rip it.

Cafe life is slow, laid back, and never in a rush at Equinox. Rip it.

Canvas Social Cuisine is loading up an NSU-inspired menu for the weekend that includes pancake tacos. Rip it. 

Peanut butter pie is never a bad thing. Bar-Q brings their sweetness skills to the table for it. Rip it.

Blueberry craft lattes on deck all weekend at Kobro’s Coffee. Rip it.

 
Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Deutscher Imbiss at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Oh My Cod Seafood at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.
Sense’s Vegan at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.
Big Belly at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.


Saturday:
Hades Wood Fired at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Get Stuffed & Courtney’s Kitchen at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
TFK Tacos at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Sour Street Pizza at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.  
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.

Sunday:
Shawna’s Rich Eats at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Rio Good Food at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Hashi Chow at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.
Jay Doggs Cart at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.