FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Carter West C: 757-274-7370 • T: 757-282-2804 [email protected]

VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS BOYZ II MEN with Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Norfolk, VA - The Virginia Arts Festival adds an R&B component to its eclectic 20th anniversary season with a performance by Boyz II Men on May 22. Tickets go on public sale Jan. 27.

Now celebrating 25 years in the music industry, Boyz II Men continues to engage audiences with its multi-octave, smooth sound that brings new life to both timeless pop classics and contemporary ballads. For this soulful evening in Norfolk's Chrysler Hall, Boyz II Men will be accompanied by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

The trio can claim the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group of all time with more than 60 million albums sold. During that time, they earned an impressive four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, and three Billboard Awards.

Their appearances in the United States and around the globe have earned high marks. The Dallas Morning News called the trio's Motown revue a “righteous throw-down with vibrant singing.” The Guardian in London praised their wholesome delivery and “glorious a cappella harmonies.”

Collide,” a collection of ballads released in 2014, was their 11th studio album. Other recent releases include Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA (2007), Love (2009) and Twenty (2011), marking their two decades in the music business.

All three performers - baritone Nathan Morris and tenors Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris – are original members of a singing group that has its roots in Philadelphia's High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Their early single, Motownphilly, is a blend of two of their musical influences, 1960s Motown and 1970s Philly soul.

Soon after that Boyz II Men climbed to record-breaking levels on the Billboard charts. Their 1992 song, End of the Road, stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks. They followed with I'll Make Love ToYou and One Sweet Day, which at 14 and 16 weeks respectively, topped their original hit.

Boyz II Men has also found a loyal fan base in Las Vegas. They currently have an award-winning residency the Mirage Hotel & Casino, where their contract has been extended through December 2018.

Upcoming television appearances include Fox TV’s “Grease: Live” project, which is scheduled to air on Jan.31. They'll take on the Teen Angel role and sing the popular “Beauty School Dropout” number from the 50s-style musical.

Whether singing upbeat Motown or sweet ballads while tossing roses to the women in the audience, Boyz II Men delivers a warm-hearted evening of music.

Performance Details Boyz II Men with Virginia Symphony Orchestra Sunday, May 22, 7:30 PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk Tickets: $20 to $100

Public on-sale January 27 at vafest.org or (757) 282-2822.