What is your favorite local venue?
Words Hannah Serrano
Friday, January 30th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Tell us where you like to see live, local music in the Seven Cities. (Then tell us why and, if you like, a little bit about yourself.) Your comment is your vote.
Feel free to post any pics you might have from your preferred venue, give us a whole list and rating system, shout out your band if you’re in one… This is your space. Say what you will.
See the most popular answers in our SOUND Top 7. It will be released in print on Feb. 27. Keep an ear out for our launch event, featuring a live show by local rockers Moutheater and hip-hop duo Gods on Stilts.
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"Even though Serranos can be a good deal hotter than the average, their flesh is much thinner so you get a friendly fire rather than a mouthful of afterburn." — Alton Brown
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Other posts by Hannah Serrano.
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There are so many to choose from! I like San Antonio Sam’s in the morning, Longboards in the afternoon, and the Boot, Biergarten, or Belmont late nights. Can I cast three votes? ^_^
Wow, you are really putting me in a spot. There are many great places to check out local music but since we are going to go wth one, I am going to have to go with Scotty Quixx. Now here me out before anyone goes nay saying the place. As a person who knows a little bit about local music and the local scene, Scotty Quixx has done one thing that other places have not be able to do, and that this bring back local music to downtown Norfolk on a consistant basis, That is a significant acheivement my friends. You see, I’m not a music snob, nor am I the type of person who is going to talk about the trendy place, or the hot spot, or the place where all the “cool kids” go, because that all depends on who you are and what you consider “cool”. I could give a crap about cool. I’m considered with local music, and Scotty Quixx has had everyone from acoustic Joanna Lynn to loud jam guys Thundercock, to americana rockers The Pawn Shop Lifters. Quality shows just about every week and again, on Granby street. That my friends is opening up local music to a whole new crowd that wouldnt even think about it. yup, Scotty Quixx gets my vote.
damn alfredo, you talk a lot about what you aren’t.
the boot for the music, bayside inn for the smoke. and both can host a helluva jazz show.
and what am I not george?
“You see, I’m not a music snob, nor am I the type of person who is going to talk about the trendy place, or the hot spot, or the place where all the “cool kids” go,”
I’m going with The Boot. And not just because George said it and/or they have a big banner on the top of this page, but also because it’s a great venue run by people who care about cultivating a local scene, are supportive of local musicians AND do an amazing job of bringing in really adventurous touring bands that I want to see. So, yeah, The Boot.
I’m also going to give a little shout to JewMom because they’ve been there forever and host a wildly diverse roster of bands representing all genres. The beach needs some love, too.
I dont understand what any of that had to do with the reply?
alfredo, just pointing out that i’ve noticed you try to put an “i’m bucking the trend” spin on your opinions in this community that hasn’t even defined itself yet. nobody asked you to be “a music snob” or “a liberal” or any of that nonsense, why not just state your opinion and wait for somebody to bother to attack you before you qualify yourself like that? is it really that important to your self-worth to frame yourself so eagerly as a rebel?
jerome, the jewish mother is another great pick. i saw antibalas there last year, and that was one of the most joyful live music experiences i’ve had in my life. i often find myself not getting caught up in the enthusiasm that a crowd is developing for an act, either because i just don’t like it that much or i’m being a shy, over-analytical geek. antibalas at jewmom, however, i don’t think there was a soul in the room playing the wall, and i commend the house for bringing that awesome act and hosting them so well.
Why are you so worried about how I “spin” my blogs or my opinion? Does it really matter to you how I protray myself? I don’t present myself as a rebel. I present myself as me. Anyone who knows me, knows that. Don’t assume you know me or what I try to present. As far as my rebel status, maybe if I was in south american promoting communism, that might make me more of a rebel in your eyes. Then you could wear a green shirt with a red star of a picture of me that says “Alf” on it. I kinda like that. Alf = the new Che. Yeah.
Well damn. You boys will fight about anything won’t you?
I have to say, wouldn’t it be nice if the Top Seven music venues could actually be more of a competition? I mean, there’s not many more than that it in the whole area. All things considered, I guess I’m that much more thankful for the pockets of local live music joy…
Quixx
+ Probably best place to see local bands; wide variety of sounds; good crowds for weeknight shows; $0-$Cheap for cover/tickets
- I wish they’d turn off the damn TVs when a band’s playing…
The Boot
+ Best place to discover new bands—Josh and Dave do an excellent job booking smaller national/larger regional acts; J&D at the bar (‘nough said)
- No one stands up or dances. Ever. WTF?
Jew Ma
+ Really intimate stage
- Parking; Usually spend 95% of the show waiting for the bartenders to decide to acknowledge my existence
NorVa
+ When there’s a good act, you can’t get much better
- Lately it’s been more ICP and Stained (I don’t know if Stained—Staind? has actually played there, but probably), less bands anyone older than 17 has even heard of; also sometimes I feel the door-people are going to punch me in the face for no reason
But my favorite venue is (drum roll)…
The Taphouse
+ What a good music venue should be—a little roughness around the edges never hurt a live show; Gordon, Al, Gabe…; Gina Dalmas opening for Rylo + Taphouse = The Ultimate Local Music Experience
- Annoying tendency to reach capacity/crush dreams; epic bathroom lines (I swear at least four people die or give birth in those stalls every night)
I am really feelin’ both the Sandler Center and the Ferguson Center as venues that present world-class jazz and blues. The elegance and acoustic value of both of these performing arts venues have been well documented and deservedly so. Having two places here that transcend Chrysler Hall, where you can see a Pat Metheny, Wynton Marsalis or Terence Blanchard is certainly something that I now celebrate. Oh, and the Attucks too, for their indie blues series.
I definitely agree with Torres. Still Pink at Scotty’s…. Fuck yeah! You should see how hard my dick is just thinking about it!
I like alot of those places, have played in most, but the is a little ol joint in chesapeake called Winstons. its small, shitty, but a really fun place to play and yolinda brings in some really good bands. its cool to see bands like the hemingway method, star33, fifth column, and so on in such an intimate unpretentious atmosphere.