Virginia Beach revealed just why Virginia is for LOVERS, by giving “The Slightly Dirty Summer Tour” all their love on a Thursday summer night at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater.
By Rhiannon Lovett
With the show at risk for a possible delay or cancelation due to inclement weather, it was to no surprise how vibrant the crowd stood when The Elovaters opened the show with Castaway; singing the lyrics “staring at the sun, feeling all that shine.” It was everything the fans were wishing for. Ironically their set ended with the song Sunlight, just as the sun began to peak from behind the clouds. The crowd was buzzing with excitement as the band members approached the barricade blessing the fans with guitar picks, set lists, and fist bumps.
Nick Asta of The Elovaters/Courtesy Rhiannon Lovett
Lineup of the Gods
There are two types of people in this world, folks who listen to music, and those who feel it deep in their soul. The Slightly Dirty Summer Tour was a lineup “chosen by the Gods,” says Sebastian, a reggae fan favorite who is often seen with his 2.5yr old daughter on his shoulders and covered in glitter. Sebastian reminisced about his first time seeing Common Kings at Reggae Rise Up, “I used to be the guy sitting all the way in the back, but something about the Common Kings changed my perspective, and I ran up front and had what I call now an out of body experience. Now I always want to be up there to feel the energy that is given off.”
Sebastian and his daughter/Courtesy Rhiannon Lovett
He expressed how their connection with the crowd is like no other. The duo attends as many shows as they can, and this tour was definitely one of their favs. He explained what was once something fun to do on the weekend, has turned into a beautiful experience where they have met some of the most wonderful people, and created beautiful memories for him and his daughter to look back on as she grows.
“I think it can be daunting to many to bring a toddler to a show, but I can tell by her personality, and excitement when we go, that she loves it,”
said the dad who drove home 15hrs from Florida and straight to the show. It was obvious by the smiles on their faces as she popped bubbles and jammed to Common Kings, they made the right decision. The crowd lit up when the Common Kings covered Sublime’s classic, Garden Grove, and following their set they were spotted next to the merch tent taking photos with fans, proving the connection is what it’s all about.
Pit or Bust
Dirty Heads and Slightly Stoopid alternate who headlines The Slightly Dirty Summer Tour, and in Virginia Beach, it was Dirty Head’s turn to take the stage first, making Slightly Stoopid the headlining artist. Both bands brought energy to the crowd that was unmatched. If you’re ever on the fence about upgrading to pit tickets, don’t hesitate, and just do it. With an affordable pit ticket cost of $90 for this tour’s lineup,
“being up front is the only way to watch,” said Ronnie, a local from Virginia Beach, who was most excited to see Dirty Heads. “Even know it was loud at times, everyone was super cool in the pit, and the band was awesome. I was able to leave and come back to my same spot with no problem.” A problem some folks run into at larger festivals. Ronnie commented on the convenience being in the pit provided against unforeseen weather. Whereas 24+ hours of rain didn’t stop the crowd on the lawn from having a blast, it sure did create a different type of pit, a mud pit.
Courtesy Rhiannon Lovett
Another perk of being up close and personal in the pit is going home with something tangible. Quinn, a 2024 high school graduate of Virginia Beach grew up listening to ska and reggae. She attends shows often, and said The Slightly Dirty Summer Tour was one of the best concerts she’s ever been to. This was her second time seeing both headliners, and said they were even more cohesive, fun, and relaxed than the previous shows. Quinn was lucky enough to be front and center on the barricade for the whole show, and walked away with a set list.
Quinn with her set list/Courtesy Rhiannon Lovett
“At one point during the Dirty Heads’ set, the pit and stage were covered in fog, and it was like jamming out in a completely different world,” explained Quinn
Slightly Dirty, Slightly Stoned
Her personal favorite performance of the night was Dirty Heads’, Oxygen, as she commented on the cool vibe and energy they brought to the amphitheater. Quinn continued by expressing how Slightly Stoopid “kept the energy going to finish the night out, even covering a punk rock song to spice things up.” While Dirty Heads brought out Common Kings for Ronnie’s favorite song, “Heavy Waters,” Slightly Stoopid switched things up collaborating with Chali 2na, bringing everyone to their feet. It was to no ones surprise, front man, Miles Doughty, sparked up a fat joint and shared it with a fan. Slightly Stoopid owned the stage and commanded the energy of thousands. Hats off to their phenomenal special effects team; their light show was captivating.