July 4 Oceanfront sounds: Latin, R&B and 'The Boss’

VIRGINIA BEACH -- Charged with the task of pleasing a diverse crowd, the city’s entertainment contracting company has breathed new life into Stars & Stripes Explosion, its annual Fourth of July event.

A fresh lineup of musical performances has emerged.

Gone is the Beatles tribute band that was “originally a tie-in with our independence from the British,” said Mike Hilton, Beachevents director of marketing.

In with the Latin music, an R&B band, and a rock 'n’ roll Bruce Springsteen tribute.

“Maybe this is just a reality of who we are,” said Bobby Melatti, program director. “The face of America is dynamic, and this is reflective of that, as it should be on the Fourth of July.”

One thing that hasn’t changed about Stars and Stripes Explosion is the fireworks display.

All eyes will be on the spacious sky July 4 as fireworks blast off from a barge near 20th Street.

The free celebration for the Fourth of July will be held at various stages and along the beach. Hilton recommends people make a day out of it and find parking in municipal lots and garages before they fill up.

“The earlier the better,” said Hilton.

Children’s activities begin at noon on July 4 in 24th Street Park. Sol Libre, Latin Jazz Conspiracy, Kautivo Musical and Tumbao Salsero will also perform. Bio Ritmo, a Salsa band based in Richmond, takes the stage at 9:30 p.m.

Two R&B musical performances by the “old school soul” band 4IIC of Hampton begin at 8 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. at 17th Street Park.

A stage will be erected on the beach at 20th Street for the Stars & Stripes centerpiece performance. Symphonicity, with the Virginia Beach Chorale and the Doorway Singers will entertain from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

The program will include patriotic songs, Broadway standards, movie theme songs and folk music. Juliet Bickford of WTKR Newschannel 3 will be the emcee.

Bruce in the U.S.A., a tribute to Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, with Matt Ryan portraying “The Boss,” kicks off at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at 31st Street.

Volunteers for the Southeastern Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross will be on site at 20th Street accepting donations and offering information.