Beach Boys bring good vibrations to Williamsburg

*The Beach Boys drew thousands to the Lawn of the Art Museums at Colonial Williamsburg on Friday night. (The Triangle)*

WILLIAMSBURG – Thousands of people poured into downtown Williamsburg to celebrate 60 years of endless summers with The Beach Boys on Friday night.

The legendary California rock band performed for more than two hours on the opening night of Williamsburg Live, a three-day music festival organized by the Virginia Arts Festival.

The sold-out crowd gathered on the Lawn of the Art Museums at Colonial Williamsburg and sang along to dozens of the band’s famous hits, like Don’t Worry Baby, God Only Knows and Kokomo.

The Williamsburg stop was part of the band’s 2024 ‘Endless Summer Gold’ tour, which kicked off in February in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Original Beach Boys member Mike Love, now 83, said the band was excited to play a long set of favorites but joked that they were looking forward to taking a break.

“New Year’s Eve of 1961 was our first show,” he said. “Now, over 60 years later, we’re very fond of the intermission.”

*Attendees took their seats under a large tent or chose a spot on the lawn. (The Triangle)*

The Beach Boys are widely regarded as one of the most commercially successful bands of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide since that debut show.

The evening’s scorching temperatures were a fitting backdrop for the surf music the band has always been known for.

“They represent summer vibes,” long-time fan Debbie Martin of Williamsburg said. “They make everything fun.”

Adding to the atmosphere was the presence of a variety of food trucks, which included Old City BBQ, Ben & Jerry’s and FoodaTude. Local craft beers were also available.

*Festival-goers lined up to get dinner from local food trucks. (The Triangle)*

Many in the crowd spent their childhood or teenage years listening to The Beach Boys and seemed to enjoy the nostalgia of the night.

“I have so many memories,” said Bud Ramey of Newport News. “I can’t tell you how many flashbacks I was having.”

Ramey said that one of his favorite Beach Boys songs is 409 because he used to own one.

*Attendees stayed late into the evening. (The Triangle)*

The festival continued to draw large crowds for the remainder of the weekend.

Funk and R&B superstars Tower of Power took to the stage on Saturday night, and the event closed out on Sunday night with Grammy-nominated jazz singer Laufey.

Several attendees said the festival’s setting, in addition to the music itself, made the weekend especially memorable.

“I think these Williamsburg Live concerts are so amazing,” said Nataly Williams, who has attended multiple festivals. “It’s a great venue.”