Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion honors Bristol’s legacy as the birthplace of country music. (Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion)

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: From music and maritime celebrations to food and outdoor adventures, these festivals in Virginia showcase the Commonwealth’s unique culture all summer long.

Out top picks:

• The theme for this year’s Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival (June 8-14) is “creative inventions,” stemming from the idea that Bach had a knack for reimagining music in new ways. The festival, which is in its 34th year, is a gathering of internationally recognized artists and curious audiences for the celebration of music.

• Norfolk Harborfest, which is entering its 50th year, is the country’s longest-running free maritime festival. The three-day event (June 19-21) celebrates what makes Norfolk and Hampton Roads a historic maritime and naval community. Activities, including a Parade of Sail, games, exhibits, and more, will take place on both land and sea.
• The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (Sept. 11-13) has been celebrating the city’s status as the birthplace of country music since 2001. Honoring the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, the event along State Street serves as a showcase of Appalachian roots music.

Ready for summer fun? We’ve got more ideas—and details—at the link below.

Fun fact: Virginia’s state flower can be found on its state tree. The flower was a state symbol long before the tree was, and Virginia is the only state to have both the same state flower and state tree.

You’ll probably see this beautiful bloom all throughout Virginia this spring. The large flowers are usually a greenish-white, but it’s not uncommon to see them as pink or yellow.

Curious about Virginia’s state symbols? We’ve got the details at the link below.

A YouTube screenshot of the “Deathbed” music video by TopHouse. (TopHouse/YouTube)

Caption. (Credit TK)

By Amie Knowles

TopHouse, a band I love that recently skyrocketed to fame, just announced tour stops in Virginia—and tickets are available now. 

If you’re active on social media, you might’ve heard their hit, “Deathbed” on a slew of recent reels. Sure, the song’s title is… um… maybe not the happiest, but bear with me. I’m not here to wreck your Wednesday. This gets encouraging.

The melancholic lyrics paired with the joyful tune is such a dichotomy, it feels almost impossible to dislike. The overall message I get out of it is pretty great, too: why waste time complaining when we could spend time living? Trying? Experiencing? To me, it’s the idea that things might not always go perfectly in life—but isn’t the adventure part of the fun? 

If you’re interested in listening live, the band’s Virginia performances will take place in Galax on July 18 and in Norfolk on Sept. 18. I’m actively trying to entice them to come to The Harvester in Rocky Mount, but am thus far unsuccessful. I’ll let you know if that changes. 

Job Type: Production Supervisor

Location: Aerotek in Virginia Beach

Salary: $60,000 to $65,000/year

Qualifications:

• Associate degree or 1–3 years of related supervisory experience
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience
• Experience with scheduling, coaching, and performance management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment

Job description on Aerotek: “We’re looking for a hands‑on production supervisor who enjoys leading people, improving processes, and keeping production running smoothly. If you’re someone who communicates well, stays organized, and thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, this is a great opportunity to join a global company with a supportive, family‑oriented culture.”

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