Norfolk-based concert and event promoter LAVA Presents looks forward to its most ambitious event yet. Get ready for an evening of music at the Virginia Zoo featuring two of the area’s most exciting bands: Virginia Beach’s Starcoast and local favorites The Last Bison. This show is just one of many planned by LAVA, who fully dedicate their efforts to bringing live music and community events back to Norfolk after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Owner Josh Coplon, in partnership with WHRO Public Media and Out Of The Box with Paul Shugrue, has meticulously created a summer concert series, whimsically titled “LAVA: Summer of Fun,” 

Beginning in late March and continuing through September, the Summer of Fun series comprises ten separate events boasting a diverse array of talent from Hampton Roads and groups from as far away as Charlottesville and Richmond. According to Coplon, the idea behind this concert series is to showcase local bands as well as encourage the Norfolk and the broader Hampton Roads community to come out and show support for local businesses as well as the bands themselves in a symbolic “return to normalcy” following last year’s COVID-19 induced quarantine. Friday’s show should be yet another step towards doing just that.

Though the Norfolk Zoo has hosted many events in the past, Coplon believes Friday’s event might be its first local rock show, and he couldn’t be more excited. The opportunity to bring a diverse group of people together at such a unique local landmark as the Norfolk Zoo mirrors the bands’ diversity. The pairing of Starcoast’s fuzzed-out, West Coast-tinged sound and The Last Bison’s unique blend of chamber pop indie-folk is sure to provide a little something for everyone to enjoy. Both bands are critically lauded and have toured heavily throughout the state, country, and even internationally. 

The event is open to all ages, is family-friendly, and takes place rain or shine at the zoo’s event field and pavilion. Doors open at 6:15 PM, with music starting at 7:15 and continuing until 10 PM. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the zoo itself.

Looking forward, LAVA hopes to continue this trend of promoting local bands and businesses throughout the summer and on into the future. With more shows coming up hosted by local venues such as Maker’s Craft Brewery in Norfolk’s Historic Railroad District and featuring artists from Hampton Roads and greater Virginia, it’s clear that LAVA and the Summer of Fun are just getting started.

If you’re interested in learning more about LAVA or attending one of their events, you can find out more at https://www.lavapresents.com or on any of their social media pages. They’ve also compiled a Spotify playlist to highlight some of the bands gracing the stage during their Summer of Fun series, check it out here.

Get Tickets Here. 

Nathan Humphrey

Chelsea, NFK

Nathan Humphrey is a writer, musician, audiophile, and aspiring bohemian born and bred in Norfolk Virginia. With a degree in English and Education from Old Dominion University, Nathan has written for numerous publications covering music and culture. In his free time, he enjoys immersing himself in the local music scene, reading, and gardening. He lives in the Chelsea district of West Ghent.

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