Hattiesburg holds a variety of venues

    For all the new Southern Miss students who finally have a handle on the first weeks of their core classes, it seems like the perfect time for an education in weekend entertainment. While these places may not suit your personal taste at first, consider them the five core venues of the Hub City, and certainly worth a shot.


The Bottling Company
   Nothing represents the life of downtown Hattiesburg quite like the Bottling Company, located at 126 Mobile Street. Once a Coca-Cola bottling plant, then a warehouse, the BoCo has aged well through the century since its construction -- even despite Hurricane Katrina's best efforts. There is a lot going for it: the thundering acoustics allowed by its expansive interior are only outstripped by the great view of live shows offered by the second-floor overlook. For a taste of 90's alternative rock, swing by this Friday night to catch Guerrilla Radio, a tribute to Rage Against the Machine, and Sept. 11 to watch the bands         Once and Nevermind seek to honor Pearl Jam and Nirvana respectively.


The Thirsty Hippo
    Cliché notwithstanding, the Thirsty Hippo on South Main Street is quite literally a hole in the wall. Perhaps it's the joint's humble street entrance -- along with its low ceilings, moodily-lit corners, and hidden courtyard -- that has made the Hippo arguably the most renowned alternative venue in Hattiesburg, and certainly it's oldest. Cover charges and drink prices are consistently reasonable, but the intimacy with live bands that the stageless barroom allows is priceless. This writer enthusiastically recommends the Hippo's upcoming Zydepunks performance Sept. 18 for those wishing to see a bizarre and exciting New Orleans act.


Bennie's Boom Boom Room
   Another small-scale but respected music venue, Bennie's Boom Boom Room on East Front Street usually plays host to a very eclectic lineup of musicians. Make no mistake – the environment is a compact one. Like the Hippo, however, this provides an opportunity for the audience to have a very casual music experience. Jazz and funk groups are common visitors in the Boom Boom Room, but don't forget the joint's name when it comes to concerts with more rock-and-roll influences. Both drinks and cover charges are inexpensive here; admission is usually $5 or less, while drinks are usually less than $5 apiece. Sample a classic Boom Boom Room performance this Friday night when New Orleans funk-rock trio Porter Batiste Stoltz takes the stage.


Ropers
   Although donning a county-western theme, Ropers, situated just 5 minutes north of campus on Highway 49, takes the prize for the most diverse venue. Live acts need not apply: Ropers management discovered long ago a vast variety of popular music – country, hip-hop, or pop – is what its vast variety of customers love. Who cares about musical niches when sorority girls, wannabe cowboys, city slickers, and country kids can all have fun dancing Wednesday nights away with free line-dancing classes? Roper's also offers karaoke every Monday, and ladies' specials Thursday nights.

JavaWerks
   JavaWerks, located opposite  USM's Hardy Street entrance, is something a little more than an alternative to the campus Starbucks: it is also equal parts art gallery, small-time music scene, and indie lounge. Its proximity to campus – just one mad dash across a busy intersection  – has crafted this family-owned establishment into a bustling hub of off-campus activity. Students can use their school ID cards to get discount options. Make sure to claim a cozy corner Sept. 5 when the husband-wife band Dewveall perform.