Upcoming @ Venue: Jadakiss and Cappadonna

Venue has been staking a claim as The Spot for national-level rap shows. This is a Damn Good Thing, especially when said shows are 18+, and Higher Ground has settled into a groove of only booking college-friendly blog rap.

First up, on September 6th, Jadakiss will be headlining a Saturday night party. No local openers -- support will come from Flotilla 13, Snyp Life, and Nature, which is impressive. (If you don't know Nature, you've got a quality hour on Youtube ahead of you. Dude has bars on a profound level.) This gig is being sponsored by Get Money Music, which is a bit of a cipher...are they a company? A Blog? A dessert topping and a floor cleaner? All I can tell you is that they're based out of New Hampshire. $20 advance / $30 door / $50 VIP - 18+

A month later, on Friday October 3rd, Cappadonna will be visiting Burlington. He'll be bringing something called Urban Shocker and featuring local hero SIN Sizzle as an opening act. $15 advance / $25 door - 18+

February 7th: Cory Gunz @ Tupelo Music Hall, White River Junction

Well, hot damn. White River Junction's Tupelo Music Hall is taking a break from their usual Americana and Folk offerings to bring...Cory Gunz to Vermont? 2014 is gonna be a strange one. Thank long-time Vermont rap fixture Jibba The Gent for this one.

Show is 18+ -- a rarity these days -- and tickets are $20 advance / $25 at the door, with a $40 "VIP package" available. Hit up JIBBATHEGENT@GMAIL.COM if you're interested.

Opening acts include Cause & Effect, XP feat. Raw Deff, BARZ ULTD, Gates & Haze, and the memorably named "G DA LOUISVILLE SLUGGA ft. MS SHELIA WHITE." Big shout to WRJ for forging a scene way down South.