Whats Happening North Carolina & Southern Virginia

06/26/2026

This year isn't just another Independence Day—it's America's 250th Birthday!
On July 3rd, River Falls Park will come alive with music, food, fireworks, and the spirit that has defined our nation for two and a half centuries. From the roar of the river to the glow of fireworks lighting up the night sky, this is a celebration you won't want to miss.
Whether you're coming for the live music, supporting local vendors, spending time with family, or simply making memories with friends, there's something for everyone.
So grab your lawn chairs, wear your red, white, and blue, and help us make history as Weldon celebrates America 250!
For everything fun visit our magazine at the link below...
https://www.whatshappeningentertainment.com/

06/25/2026

A Night Out in Ghent: Norfolk’s Walkable
Entertainment District
- Tim Flanagan
*Sponsored by the Liberty Coins of Franklin VA

Tucked into Norfolk with its tree-lined streets, historic homes, local restaurants, cozy bars, shops, art, and old-school personality, Ghent has become one of the city’s most enjoyable places to spend an evening. It is not the loudest part of Norfolk, and that is part of its charm. Ghent does not try too hard. It simply invites you to park the car, take a walk, grab a bite, catch a movie, enjoy a drink, and let the night unfold. For those looking for a fun night out without the hassle of bouncing from parking lot to parking lot, Ghent offers something special, walkability. Along Colley Avenue, 21st Street, and the surrounding blocks, visitors can find restaurants, cafés, boutiques, nightlife spots, and one of Norfolk’s most beloved entertainment landmarks, the Naro Expanded Cinema.

A night in Ghent can begin with dinner, and the neighborhood gives you plenty of ways to start. Whether you want casual comfort food, a relaxed wine-bar atmosphere, craft cocktails, seafood, brunch-style favorites, or something a little more upscale, Ghent has built a reputation as one of Norfolk’s most flavorful districts. The fun is in the variety. One evening may call for a nice dinner and a glass of wine. Another may be better suited for burgers, appetizers, or a casual table with friends. That variety is what makes Ghent feel alive. It is a neighborhood where date night, girls’ night, family dinner, and a laid-back solo evening can all fit in the same few blocks.

After dinner, one of the best Ghent experiences is catching a film at the Naro. In a world of giant multiplexes and streaming services, the Naro still offers something that feels personal. Its classic marquee, historic charm, and independent spirit give movie night a different kind of character. Seeing a film there feels less like a routine stop and more like being part of a Norfolk tradition. That is one of Ghent’s strongest entertainment qualities: it has personality. The neighborhood does not feel copied and pasted. It has the kind of local flavor that makes people say, “Let’s go to Ghent,” not just “Let’s go out.”

For those who want something more playful, Ghent also has spots that bring games, drinks, and social energy into the mix. This makes the neighborhood especially appealing for people who want more than a standard dinner-and-home evening. You can turn the night into a relaxed adventure: dinner first, then games, then drinks, then maybe a late walk past the storefronts & glowing windows. Ghent’s nightlife is not just about noise and crowds. It is more about atmosphere. Rooftop drinks, neighborhood bars, cozy dining rooms, and casual patios all help create a scene that feels social but still comfortable. It is the kind of place where you can dress up a little or keep it casual and still feel like you belong.

Shopping and browsing also add to the experience. Even before the sun goes down, Ghent gives visitors the chance to wander through unique shops, antique stores, and local businesses. That makes it a great destination for an early evening outing. Come before dinner, stroll around, browse, grab coffee, and then ease into the night. For visitors from outside Norfolk, Ghent offers a different side of the city. It is not the beach, not downtown, and not a typical shopping center. It is a neighborhood with rhythm. The streets feel lived in. The buildings have character. The restaurants feel local.

The entertainment feels connected to the community. That is why Ghent works so well as a night-out destination. It is not built around one single attraction. It is built around the experience of moving from place to place at your own pace. In an age where so many nights out feel rushed, crowded, or overly planned, Ghent offers something refreshing. Sometimes the best night out is a good meal, a good movie, a good drink, a good walk, and a neighborhood that makes it all easy. For Norfolk, Ghent remains one of the city’s most inviting entertainment districts, walkable, flavorful, historic, creative, and full of local charm.
For everything fun visit our magazine at the link below...
https://www.whatshappeningentertainment.com/

06/25/2026

Beach Music has long been a tradition in The South, and The Entertainers are proud to have shared in that tradition for over 30 years.
The Entertainers were founded In 1980 and scored their first regional smash hit with "Living For The Summer" that same year. This song helped propel the group to the forefront of beach music, which led to their playing the finest clubs along the grand strand of Myrtle Beach, corporate conventions, weddings and festivals from Washington, DC to Naples, Florida.
While staying true to their R&B and Beach Music roots, the group also satisfies the most diverse audiences by playing selections from the latest Top 40, Classic Rock & Roll and Country music. The group's years of performing experience and recording prowess culminated in the release of their latest album entitled, "The Inside Story". This record, which contains the #1 Beach Music hit, "Thank Goodness She Cheated" and Classic Beach and Soul hits, will surely lead you to the dance floor with a smile on your face.
For everything fun visit our magazine at the link below...
https://www.whatshappeningentertainment.com/

06/24/2026

Drop off supplies at the Murfreesboro Branch of SECU !!

06/24/2026

The NEW northeast North Carolina page is OUT!
Covering: Hertford County - Bertie - Elizabeth City - Edenton & MORE
*Please SHARE so our communities are seen and heard.
(Click below to view page and fun)
https://www.whatshappeningentertainment.com/ahoskieandmurfreesboronc
Read: Taylor Theater: Edenton’s Showplace of the Albemarle
Summer concert lineup
Watermelon Festival schedule of events
Pork Fest 2026 Pictures
Tons of: New events - Concerts - Summer - Music - Theatre

06/24/2026

Boston: The Incredible Story Behind One of Rock’s Most Mysterious Bands!
WHE Rock Radio: Column Series: What we want to know; Rock Legends!
- Tim Flanagan / Sponsored by Wholesale Cash & Carry in Ahoskie

Few bands in rock history have achieved the level of success that Boston enjoyed with their debut album. Filled with soaring vocals, massive guitar harmonies, and some of the most recognizable songs ever recorded, Boston became one of the biggest acts of the 1970s. Yet behind the polished sound was an unusual story involving a musical genius, homemade recording equipment, and some surprising secrets that many fans still don't know.

The story of Boston begins with guitarist, songwriter, and inventor Tom Scholz. Unlike most aspiring rock stars, Scholz was an engineering graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After college, he worked as a product designer for Polaroid while spending evenings recording music in the basement of his apartment.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Scholz played in several local bands around Boston, eventually teaming up with singer Brad Delp. Delp possessed one of the most distinctive voices in rock history, capable of reaching incredibly high notes while maintaining remarkable clarity.

What makes Boston's origin story unique is that many of the recordings on their first album were created before the band even had a record deal. Scholz built much of his own recording equipment and transformed his basement into a makeshift studio. When record labels finally became interested, many assumed the recordings had been made in a professional facility. In reality, much of the debut album was recorded at home.

Released in 1976, Boston's self-titled debut album became an instant sensation. It sold millions of copies and produced classic songs such as "More Than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," and "Foreplay/Long Time." To this day, it remains one of the best-selling debut albums in music history.

One of Boston's most famous songs, "More Than a Feeling," carries a deeper meaning than many listeners realize. While some fans interpret it as a simple love song, Tom Scholz explained that it explores nostalgia and the emotional power of music. The lyrics describe hearing a song that instantly transports someone back to memories of a lost relationship and a simpler time in life.

Another song often misunderstood is "Peace of Mind." Many assumed it was aimed at a specific person or company. In reality, Scholz wrote it while working at Polaroid. The song reflects his belief that personal happiness is more important than chasing status, promotions, or wealth. It was inspired by observing people who seemed trapped in careers they didn't enjoy.

"Don't Look Back" also has an interesting story behind it. Scholz initially disliked the song and didn't want it included on the album of the same name. Record company executives strongly disagreed, and the song eventually became one of Boston's biggest hits. Years later, it remains a fan favorite.

The band is also surrounded by fascinating trivia. One little-known fact is that Tom Scholz personally played many of the guitar parts listeners assumed were performed by multiple musicians. Through careful overdubbing, he created Boston's trademark wall of sound almost entirely by himself.

Another interesting piece of trivia involves Scholz's engineering background. He later invented a guitar effects device called the Rockman, which became extremely popular during the 1980s. Countless musicians used it, and its distinctive sound appeared on numerous hit records.

Boston was also famous for taking long breaks between albums. Unlike many bands that released new music every year or two, Scholz spent years perfecting recordings. His perfectionism sometimes frustrated record labels but helped maintain the band's reputation for quality.

Perhaps the biggest mystery surrounding Boston is how such a massive sound came from such humble beginnings. While many groups relied on expensive studios and large production teams, Boston's signature sound originated in a basement workshop built by an engineer who simply wanted to create music his own way.

From homemade recordings to multi-platinum success, Boston's story remains one of rock's most remarkable journeys. Their music continues to inspire generations of fans, proving that talent, creativity, and determination can sometimes accomplish what conventional wisdom says is impossible.
For everything fun visit our magazine at the link below...
https://www.whatshappeningentertainment.com/

06/24/2026

Third Thursday Concert Series - presenting The Deloreans!
Don’t miss out on this epic evening of live music, good vibes, great food, and great company. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the fantastic tunes!
For everything fun visit our magazine at the link below...
https://www.whatshappeningentertainment.com/

06/24/2026

06/23/2026

Taylor Theater: Edenton’s Showplace of the Albemarle
- Tim Flanagan
*Sponsored by the Integrative Center for Health & Excellence

In the heart of historic downtown Edenton, North Carolina, the Taylor Theater stands as more than a place to watch a movie. It is a piece of local memory, a gathering place, and one of those rare small-town treasures that reminds people why downtown theaters still matter. Located on South Broad Street, the Taylor Theater has watched generations of Edenton families pass beneath its name, buy popcorn, settle into their seats, and experience the magic of the big screen.

The theater’s story reaches back to 1925, when it was originally built as an opera house. At that time, entertainment was not something people streamed at home or carried in their pockets. It was something shared. People dressed up, came downtown, and made an evening of it. The Taylor became part of that rhythm, giving Edenton a place for performances, movies, laughter, and community connection.

As the years changed, so did the theater. Like many old venues across America, it adapted to new forms of entertainment and new audience expectations. By the 1930s, motion pictures had become a major part of American life, and theaters like the Taylor helped bring Hollywood to small towns. Later, the building was converted into a twin cinema, allowing it to show more than one film and continue serving moviegoers in a changing industry.

For many longtime Edenton residents, the Taylor Theater is tied to first memories: a first movie, a first date, a family night out, or the simple thrill of seeing a favorite story unfold on a giant screen. That kind of nostalgia cannot be manufactured. It grows naturally over decades, one ticket stub and one bucket of popcorn at a time.

The theater faced the same challenges that many independent theaters have faced: competition from multiplexes, home video, streaming services, and the rising costs of maintaining an older building. Yet the Taylor has remained part of Edenton’s downtown identity. After closing in 2017, it was renovated and reopened in 2018, bringing new life to a beloved historic space.

Today, the Taylor Theater blends old charm with modern expectations. It operates as a two-screen cinema with digital picture and surround sound, giving visitors the comfort of current movie technology inside a building with real character. That combination is what makes the Taylor special. It is not a generic movie box on the edge of town. It is a theater with a sense of place.

The Taylor also plays an important role in downtown Edenton’s continued appeal. Visitors come to Edenton for its waterfront, historic homes, charming shops, restaurants, and walkable streets. A working theater adds to that experience. It gives downtown life after dark and offers both locals and visitors another reason to spend time in the center of town.

In 2025, the Taylor Theater reached a remarkable milestone: 100 years. Few businesses or buildings remain connected to public entertainment for that long. That anniversary says something about Edenton itself. It speaks to a town that values history, but also understands that history must be used, enjoyed, and kept alive.

The Taylor Theater is a reminder that small-town entertainment still has a heartbeat. It is found in the glow of a marquee, the smell of popcorn, the hush before a movie begins, and the shared laughter of an audience sitting together in the dark. In an age when so much entertainment is private and instant, the Taylor offers something slower, warmer, and more human.

For Edenton, the Taylor Theater is not just a building. It is a tradition. It is a downtown landmark. Most of all, it is proof that a good story—whether on stage, on screen, or written into the walls of an old theater—can keep bringing people together for generations.
For everything fun visit our magazine at the link below...
https://www.whatshappeningentertainment.com/

06/21/2026

The NEW Southern Virginia page is OUT!
*Please SHARE so our comunity events are seen.
(Click link below to view magazine page)
https://www.whatshappeningentertainment.com/eventsfunentertainmentsouthernva
- Read: A Night Out in Ghent: Norfolk’s Walkable Entertainment District
- More events added for SUMMER
- Tons to do in Hampton Roads - Concerts - Theatre - Fun