Feb. 3rd: Dilla Day 2018 @ Sidebar

Since Sidebar opened, they've quickly evolved into a hotbed for good hip hop. This is almost definitely the result of management being big fans. They regularly feature DJs like SVPPLY and Crusty Cuts in addition to rap talent like Jarv, Hanknative and Mister Burns.

(Note: fans of "beer" will also find a lot to love there.)

So it's fitting that Sidebar would be hosting a Dilla Day 2018 celebration. They're doing it up right, too. Shout out to promoters who have actual promo copy for their events. Here's the scoop from Sidebar:

"Around his birthday every year, cities across the US take time to celebrate the life and work of James Yancey A.K.A. J Dilla. We will be celebrating his influence on Hip Hop and honoring his memory at Sidebar on Saturday, February 3rd.

Beat sets will start off the night from three local hip hop producers: Crusty Cuts, Loupo and Old Gold. Hanknative, Sam and Somba will perform original material with a J Dilla-influenced twist. We will close the night with hip hop DJ sets from Svpply and Crusty Cuts to dance right till 2. Come celebrate with us!"

"Hanknative" is yung phenom Hank Collins, the BTV prodigy who earned a "Best Hip Hop Artist or Group" Seven Daysie nomination last summer. February 3rd is a Saturday night and this party is free.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in December

By comparison to the rest of 2017, December will be a slow month, but we've got big events coming just the same.

Dec. 8th Brzowski @ Zen Barn. One of the nicest venues in Waterbury, VT will be hosting a strange & appetizing lineup: Maine legend Brzowski will be delivering the goods, jam band Annie in the Water will be doing a "hip hop inspired set," and Rick & Morty themed rap group ROY II will be opening. (This explains all the weird stickers I've been seeing around Waterbury.) 9 pm. $5 @ door. All Ages? Try it and find out!

Dec. 9th Jibba "The Gent's" Birthday Bash @ Rusty Nail This is going to be Kind Of A Big Deal. Headlined by underground legends Slaine & Termanology, this party will also feature sets from Bar None The Best, Modest, and Hitmen For Hire -- a new group consisting of Raw Deff, Judge Da Beast, and Yung Breeze. Check out their debut mixtape if you haven't already. 9 pm. $15. 21+.

Dec. 15th Boomslang at Positive Pie. Expect a dance party, bud. Montpelier true school futurists Boomslang will be rocking alongside two 80's-tastic bands, Champagne Dynasty and new BTV outfit Night Protocol. 9 pm. $5 @ the door.

Dec. 21st 3rd Thursday @ Monkey House. Save the date -- still no word on this month's lineup but there's a lot of buzz about a big announcement, so stay tuned. Anthill Collective always does it right.

Dec. 28th Mr. Burns x Jarv x Sam Paulino @ Sidebar. The artists behind two of the very best albums this year will be in one (awesome, small) venue on a post-Christmas Thursday night. (That would be Jarv's Boiler Room and Sam's The South Cove EP.) One man movement Mr. Burns will also be in the building; a congress of kings. 9 pm. Free. 21+.

Dec. 31st Epidemiks New Years Eve Party at The Stone Church. This will be a black & white ball semi-formal event featuring a special NYE performance by Brattleboro favorites, Epidemiks. 9:30 pm. $10. All Ages.