TONIGHT: Milo w/ Ceschi, JPEGMAFIA & Jarv @ Arts Riot

Arts Riot opened their doors in the summer of 2012 -- a heavy, heady time to be alive. We all knew the world was ending, and there was a Mormon running for president. Since then, the team on Pine Street has been continuously improving their kitchen game and creating space for great underground culture. Case in point: their steady support of uncompromising art rap. Arts Riot was the home of the short-lived but well-done Sound Affects showcase series, and they've hosted Milo several times now.

(They've also brought BTV some legendary nights with People Under The Stairs, Akrobatic, Masta Ace, Blockhead and even Waka Flocka Flame. Really, yes.)

Milo is a prolific wizard currently based in Chicago. He will be joined this evening by Ceschi, the founder of Fake Four Records and a serious entertainer in his own right -- expect the unexpected. Rounding out the bill is JPEGMAFIA, who makes astoundingly good music, both as an emcee and a producer.

They'll be joined by Vermont phenom Jarv, really the most appropriate choice for a bill like this. The doors open at 8, the show starts at 8:30, and everyone on the bill is dope. $15. All Ages.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in February

Feb. 1st - Mister Burns and Jarv @ Switchback Taproom An early set at a great spot downtown. A treat for BTV locals; these guys still improve every time they get onstage. 6 pm. Free. 21+.

Feb. 2nd - Building Blocks 2 @ Swan Dojo The first time around was a big success, getting all four elements under one roof for a proper party. The second installment will be even bigger. There will be breakdance battles, there will be an invitational open mic, Headphonious Monk and DJ Kanganade on the tables, and -- believe it -- far more. All Ages. 5 pm - 10 pm. $10 / $5 with food or clothing donations.

Feb. 3rd - Dilla Day @ Sidebar. This should be an exceptional evening for your earholes. Beat sets from Crusty Cuts, Loupo and Old Gold, and Possibly Human doing a special Dilla set. All killer, no filler. 21+. Free Show.

Also Feb. 3rd - Mister Burns & Jarv at Notte Neapolitan Pizza Bar. The state's reigning tag team champions take their show to Middlebury, VT. 10 pm. $3. 21+.

Feb. 8th - Milo @ Arts Riot. Milo will be bringing his caravan through Arts Riot again, this time bringing along CT-based troubadour and label founder Ceschi. Sadly, NYC wizard/god Elucid will not be making the trek to Vermont, but this will still be a great night thanks to JPEGMAFIA, who is nothing short of amazing. 8pm. $15. ALL AGES.

Feb. 15th - 3rd Thursdays: HLR Takeover @ Monkey House. Even by 3rd Thursday standards, this one will be a big deal. The lineup is stacked, Street Religion and Bar None The Best will both be making their Winooski debut, and there's going to be a contest to open up for The Perceptionists on Feb. 23rd, too. Ten artists will get one song each to convince the crowd they deserve it. 9 pm. 18+ $8 / 21+ $3

Feb. 17th - Joell Ortiz Valentine's Bash @ Social Club & Lounge. NYC rap god and Slaughterhouse member Joell Ortiz will be packing Social Club & Lounge for a Saturday Night show. He'll be bringing through Philly revivalist Judah Priest, who has been both a back bench Wu-Affiliate and a Christian rapper in the past. 9 pm. 21+. $27.

Feb. 23rd - The Perceptionists w/ Cultural Chemistry @ Monkey House. The 802 is getting spoiled this month -- days later, Akrobatic & Mr. Lif will be coming through to sell out The Monkey House. Openers will be Cultural Chemistry, Jarv and...whoever wins the contest at 3rd Thursdays. 9 pm. 18+. $12 adv / $15 door.

Milo w/ Elucid, 2/20 @ ArtsRiot

Created in Chicago, Milo started in Maine, wound up in Wisconsin, looped through LA for awhile with the Hellfyre Club and did one hell of a lot of touring in between. His shows are enjoyably weird, his beats often superb, and he will be at ArtsRiot on a Monday night.

Elucid is a god level rap writer. "Save Yourself" was one of 2016's best albums, and he took a hard left on his equally excellent followup, "Valley of Grace." Having him come through Burlington is very rare, very based.

Back in 2015, billy woods came through Nectars with Curly Castro and PremRock on a Monday night. There were not a lot of people there, but the music was fucking outstanding and the drinks were both delicious and affordable. Don't pass up the opportunity for that kind of luxury.

To sweeten the deal further, Adeem's new band/project Adam and the Flood will be opening up the evening. Getting Elucid on an off night is a big win for a small city, and that crew has been on a long tour. ArtsRiot is one of the best venues in the state, too. Go celebrate longer days.

Milo & Michael Christmas @ Signal Kitchen 3.3

Great show going down March 3rd at Signal Kitchen with Milwaukee's Milo and Boston's Michael Christmas. Also on the bill are Mase Well and Vermont's own Loupo. All ages show with pre-sale tickets at $12. Very dope lineup of emcee's and beat makers your not gonna want to miss! More info at Signalkitchen.com