News Flash

Feb. 6, 2020 - For the first time in its nine years, the VEER Music Awards will be held outside of Norfolk, in downtown Hampton’s The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery. The free event will take place Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s entertainment will include 10 bands, all playing Queen songs as a tribute.

All three of the magazine’s Lifetime Achievement awards will go to Hampton musicians or bands. Both Vaughn Deel and Don Butcher, who have run open-mic nights in Hampton for many years, will be honored Both are guitarists, singers, collaborators, encouragers and supporters of local music and musicians. The other award goes to MSG Acoustic Blues Trio, which performs in the Piedmont blues style with a original songs, as well as some traditional songs. Jackie Merritt and Resa Gibbs are Hampton residents; the third member, Miles Spicer, lives in Maryland. 

Many other Hampton musicians have been nominated for awards. The Vanguard is also nominated as a music venue. Hampton has been noted for lively nightlife and local music scene. The City of Hampton is a sponsor of the event, hosted by the regional arts/music/food magazine VEER, distributed at many local restaurants and breweries.