The Live Five

Here's a quick look at five of my favorite places to listen to live music in Hampton Roads. I'm skipping over obvious choices like Hampton Coliseum, NTelos Pavilion in Portsmouth and The NorVa in Norfolk (although I happen to like all three of those). For this list I'm focusing on small joints and out-of-the-way spaces.

1. The Boot, 21st Street Norfolk. A fine restaurant that, in after hours, presents lots of great local and underground national acts. Philadelphia's Dr. Dog has rocked the boot. So has Swervedriver's Adam Franklin and scores of other first-rate folks. On the local side, The Boot supports original music from acts including 1888, Skye Zentz and Seed Is ...

2. Donk's, Mathews County. A trip to the Middle Peninsula to see a show at Donk's is a step back in time -- in a good way. Donk's is country in every sense. The small theater (it was built for cinema many decades ago) presents mostly country acts. And the place is located at a rural crossroads so quiet you could imagine cows wandering through. Imagine "Hee-Haw" with less comedy, more music and a dose of small town charm, and you're picturing Donk's.

3. The Corner Pocket Restaurant, Williamsburg. This place is on the list because owner Lynn Allison has great taste. Allison used to work with the PBS show "Austin City Limits." She also has a great love for authentic New Orleans sounds. Both cities had an impact on her listening -- and booking -- habits. You'll hear local Celtic and bluegrass music at the Corner Pocket. You'll also hear great Cajun and zydeco sounds there.

4. The Jewish Mother, Virginia Beach. Once upon a time, the Jewish Mother was a hot regional spot for roots music acts and national up-and-comers. Then, the intimate performance space and restaurant took a long nap during which it didn't do much music of note. I'm happy to say that in recent years, the JewMom has gloriously returned to form. I've seen the bluegrassy Hackensaw Boys and James McMurtry there. Hard rock pioneers Blue Cheer played the place just a month or so. You gotta love the place's unpredictable nature.

5. The Taphouse in Ghent, Norfolk. Owned by chef and music afficianado Peter Pittman, The Taphouse is one of the region's most dependable and long-running music venues. I've seen Robbie Fulks play there twice in two years, and for that alone, the place is notable. But you'll hear everything from hippie bluegrass to punk at the place. Members of the rockin' blues act Rylo run the place, so you known it's well connected the local music scene.