Pulse Music and Arts Festival: A Creative Collaboration Taking Flight
We are excited to announce the Pulse Music and Arts Festival, an ambitious collaboration that brings together the creative energy of BJ Griffin (Big Juicy Entertainment), Gabe Niles (Bug Man Productions), and Raeesah Islam (Utopia Feni). For the first time, these three passionate leaders in music and the arts are combining their unique talents to create an event that will leave a lasting mark on the community. This festival is about more than just music—it’s about celebrating creativity, culture, and community.
A Journey to Collaboration
BJ Griffin and Raeesah Islam first crossed paths at the Hilltop Music and Arts Festival in 2016, where Raeesah was a vendor. Their shared love for the arts and community was evident from the start, and they knew that one day, their friendship would evolve into a meaningful collaboration. Now, with the addition of Gabe Niles, that vision has come to life.
Meet the Visionaries Behind Pulse
BJ Griffin, the founder of Big Juicy Entertainment, is a celebrated musician, producer, and event organizer who has been a fixture in the Virginia Beach arts scene for years. Known for his powerful voice and cello playing, BJ has graced stages across the globe. Through Big Juicy Entertainment, BJ has been instrumental in curating top-tier live music experiences and nurturing the careers of emerging artists. His commitment to elevating local talent and producing world-class events makes him the backbone of Pulse Music and Arts Festival.
Gabe Niles, with Bug Man Productions, has made waves both locally and beyond. A producer, DJ, and curator, Gabe is known for his boundary-pushing sound and knack for bringing people together. His involvement with Something in the Water Festival, where he helped curate community activations and more, has cemented his role as a key figure in creating meaningful cultural experiences. Gabe’s deep understanding of how to engage the community through music and art will be central to shaping Pulse.
Raeesah Islam brings her expertise as the founder of Utopia Feni, an organization centered around using art to empower underrepresented voices. Raeesah’s work is all about inclusivity, and her events are known for creating safe, welcoming spaces for all to express themselves. With her strong focus on community and cultural connection, Raeesah ensures that Pulse Music and Arts Festival will be as diverse and inclusive as the community it serves.
Building a Stronger Community Through Collaboration
Pulse Music and Arts Festival is about more than just entertainment; it’s about building a sense of community through art and culture. By bringing together the talents of BJ, Gabe, and Raeesah, the festival will offer a unique experience that combines live music, visual art, and interactive elements. The festival is designed to be a platform where local artists can thrive, and where the community can come together to celebrate what makes Virginia Beach so special.
A Unified Vision
Pulse is more than a festival; it’s a movement that will bring together diverse artists, organizations, and community members. With additional curations from Antidote Agency and RVG Management, Pulse is set to be a cohesive, immersive city of music and arts. Together, we are creating an experience that will not only entertain but inspire, connect, and uplift.
Stay tuned for more as we continue building this exciting festival that promises to make waves in Virginia Beach and beyond!
