State College is appropriately branded a "cover-band town," making original music virtually nonexistent. However, tonight Tall Shiva Hookah Lounge, 224 W. College Ave., hosts Hip-Hop Anonymous in what is billed as the town's only night of independent hip-hop.
The music kicks off at 9:30 p.m. with some prearranged sets, then the mic opens to the crowd. People are encouraged to perform free-style and original music.
The past two Hip-Hop Anonymous nights featured at Tall Shiva were well received. Organizer Jay Buim (junior-film/video) estimated that they had to turn away about 200 people from the show last semester.
"Someone who wants to perform should get there about 9," said Buim, who is a DJ at the event. Sign-ups are available once inside or by contacting Buim in advance.
State College is notorious for its adoration of cover bands, so the big draw to Hip-Hop Anonymous is the endeavor to bring a new style to an independent-music-deficient town.
"This is the only venue for this type of music in State College," Jon Rowe (junior-English) said.
Rowe, Buim and several others are trying to create something that "is not your typical rap show," he added.
"We try to incorporate as much live instrumentation as possible," Buim said, listing another attraction of the night.
This live music element, combined with individual free-styling, is sure to produce something beyond a typical rap extravaganza.
"We're trying to broaden the horizons (of hip-hop) and strip it of its stereotypes," Rowe said. "There's a strong unifying factor but there's nothing that you can pin down," he added, explaining that expanding the horizons also means accepting a variety of original, unknown material. Hip-Hop Anonymous, alluding to self-help, targets a diverse crowd that has one common feature they will confess to. "We have a problem, we're into hip-hop," Rowe said.
The $3 cover charge also includes a free CD. The show will end with a "huge freestyle with everybody," Buim said.
The Hookah Lounge declined to comment on tonight's show.
Tickets are sold at the door on first come, first serve basis. To reserve a performance slot early, contact Jay Buim at 861-4181.
