06/15/2026
What an incredible afternoon celebrating African American Music Month this past Saturday!
I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs event, and it was a true masterclass in rhythm, storytelling, and community. It was also my first time shooting inside the Susan S. Goode Fine & Performing Arts Center at Virginia Wesleyan University—what a magnificent building! The space offered the perfect environment to capture the brilliant energy moving across the stage.
A massive shoutout to all the outstanding performers who brought this transatlantic musical journey to life:
Tidewater African Cultural Alliance (TACA) – The powerhouse headlining Dance & Drumming Ensemble absolutely mesmerized the crowd, carrying the spirit of the African Diaspora beautifully.
Mosaic Steel Orchestra – Igniting those vibrant, global summer vibes with their unforgettable steel pan rhythms.
DanzStar, LLC & the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads – Bringing immense talent, heart, and soul to the afternoon.
The event also featured an incredible world premiere by the brilliant Terrance Afer-Anderson, making it an exceptionally special milestone for our local arts community.
When arts, heritage, and local talent align in a beautiful space, magichappens. Proud to have been behind the lens to document it!
rita