Where it started
The Colley Avenue Music and Arts Festival
Two stages
An outdoor main stage and an indoor acoustic stage for local and touring acts.
Artists & vendors
A vending area where visual artists and makers sold directly to the community.
Promotional series
Jingle Jamboree food and coat drive, Battle of the Bands, Bluegrass and Brews, and the Acoustic Lounge open mic.
Past partners have included ForKids, Back Bay Brewing Co., Shaka's, Norfolk State University Theatre Company, Groove Record Shop, Aardvark, Element at Ghent and more.
Leadership
The people behind HRAI
Billie D. Wilbert II
Managing Director & Co-Founder, Hampton Roads Arts Initiative LLC
Founder & CEO, Sauce Apparel Company
Educator
billiedwilbert@hamptonroadsartsinitiative.comBillie D. Wilbert II is an educator, arts advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader whose career has centered on creating opportunities for artists, students, and communities throughout Hampton Roads. He co-founded HRAI with longtime arts collaborator James Smith to provide mentoring, training, resources, and opportunities for artists, particularly those from underserved and vulnerable communities.
In 2015, Billie helped lead the creation and production of the Colley Avenue Music and Arts Festival (CAMAF) in Norfolk, Virginia — a public platform for local and regional musicians and visual artists that built partnerships among artists, businesses, and community organizations. Today he continues to expand HRAI's mission through the developing Southside World Music & Arts Festival, The Grade Bank, and the Take It to the Bank financial-literacy initiative.
Billie is also the Founder and CEO of Sauce Apparel Company, operated by HRAI. Built around the concept “We turn art into apparel,” Sauce collaborates with visual artists to transform original artwork into distinctive socks, intimate apparel, and other wearable products — giving artists another avenue to reach new audiences.
Alongside his work in the arts and entrepreneurship, Billie has dedicated 15 years to public education as an English teacher in Hampton Roads. With a background in theatre and arts education, he helps young people strengthen their communication skills, build confidence, think creatively, and recognize their potential.
James Smith
Artistic / Production Director & Co-Founder, Hampton Roads Arts Initiative LLC
JamesSmith@hamptonroadsartsinitiative.com