Growing up I was always a big fan of hip hop, so when I moved to Norfolk from Fredericksburg I didn’t know what to expect.

Ced Hughes | Photo Ian Flannery

Being a freshman at ODU with no knowledge of the surrounding area, my music outreach was looking bleak. That was until I caught word of an underground hip hop show at a restaurant called The Boot on 21st Street off Monticello Ave.

Not knowing what to expect, I invited a friend to attend with me. The doorman who was sitting outside collecting cover money for the band stopped me and asked for my ID. At the time I wasn’t 21 yet, so I had the pleasure of wearing large X’s on my hands like Kaws autographed them himself. All I could hear was the thump thump thump from the speakers inside. Finally I walked in and was surrounded by, to me, some of the coolest people I had ever seen. As I mentioned, I was a freshman in college and was not normally around this type of thing, so it was all new for me.

The Boot was a great spot for a show like this–perfect-sized stage set up in the corner, very ample dining space, with a bar in the back. The lighting set a moody atmosphere. Dim, recessed lighting with hanging lights at the booths made you feel as though you could nothing but be cool. Outside, the patio was packed with a bunch of people smoking, but I didn’t care; I just wanted to take it all in and get the overall experience.

All of a sudden, “check check check”. The artists of the night came on the mic. “What’s going on everybody, yall ready for a dope show!?” I was hype. From that point I was in a trance, chanting along to all of the songs they put on that night. The best part about it was the attendees took no time making the show into a dance party. It was great, everyone was just in for the good music and down for a great time!

On stage it was Max Mega, Justin Battle, Ced Hughes, and Berk Visual. They started to play a crowd favorite and everyone went insane! Walking out the door, glasses fogging up with a ringing in my ear, I felt like I had found my home in Norfolk. To this day, I still haven’t gotten enough.

A flyer for Still Ill, Oct 15 at 37th & Zen

The Boot is not the only place to go for a great show. New Belmont at 2117 Colonial Ave is actually a hop, skip, and a jump away from The Boot. With a dining area downstairs and the bar upstairs, the place just emits a sort of high energy. When I first went, I think I was the youngest person there. I felt a little awkward at first, but as the music started I broke out. The DJ was on point, the people were holding their drinks to the sky, and a laser light show bouncing off the rims of their glasses made it all feel like a scene from a movie. Other times that I have gone back, were equally as exciting if not better. I left smelling a little smoky, but it’s a price you pay for a great time.

More recently I ventured to a spot new to the scene. 37th and Zen is a restaurant that is under the radar and I feel can get overlooked. Located on 37th and Hampton Blvd it’s been home to a couple other names, but I think this is it. I recently attended an event there called ‘Still Ill’. Two DJs spinning all night long, the crowd bumping and grinding to the sounds of brit pop, indie, electro and more. In its wide open space, there had do be 80+ people there, and I could still breathe without being crushed against a wall. The dance floor was insane with an elevated stage, and an awesome bar to keep everyone refreshed made for an awesome evening of madness. Probably some of the most fun I have had in a while. Visit their site to find out who is up next to blow up the stage.

One of my more favorite places to attend a show is no longer around–Steppin Out in Virginia Beach. 600 Nevan Road was the home to one of the best places to find eclectic sounds! I had the pleasure of attending two  shows there. One was the Freshly Dipped Tour of ’08, featuring Blue Scholars, Prince Ali, Musab, Knobody, Ced Hughes and Souls of Mischief as the headliners. I remember growing up listening to Souls of Mischief with my dad, so I had to be there. From outside, Steppin Out didn’t seem too appealing, but the talents brought out the glamour. It had wide open spaces and a dope dance floor, but they also had one other bonus that the others didn’t. If the headlining show wasn’t your cup of tea, there was a whole separate bar where you could sing along to karaoke tunes all night. Steppin Out STOOD out, and it will be sorely missed.

Sobo Pizza Kitchen & Ale House | Photo Anastasia Marie

More times than none, students new to an area where their campus is located don’t realize the potential in the surrounding spaces. With that being sad I want to spotlight two places in particular that are on my campus. Not until recently did I know that one could go to either of these establishments and enjoy the sounds of local underground music. SOBO Pizza Kitchen & Ale House and Boars Nest BBQ Pit are both restaurants located in the Old Dominion Village off Monarch Way. SOBO alone was a big shocker–I’m always walking past it on my way to class but never did it occur to me that there was a stage inside. Although it’s a bit smaller than the other noted venues, when it comes to talent SOBO delivers. Not only are they underground, a bunch of the acts actually attend ODU. There’s no better way to appreciate local music better than to be on the same page as the performer, and having the same university in common.

Boars Nest is a laid-back venue, with cheap but delicious eats, and with friends it makes for an exceptional night. Walking in you’ll think of your basic college bar, but as far as the events they host they offer much more. Both Boars Nest and SOBO are excellent places to catch a show or two. And the best part about it, if you drink too much while you’re there, your dorm or apartment isn’t too far of a walk away.

For those of you who want to broaden your horizons and experience new music, just take a chance and explore. You never know what you may find–a lot of times I’ve found places by accident. And after all, it’s not so much the place but how much you and the artists bring to the table. Show up with an open mind and things will pan out from there.