Blacksburg, Va. (Oct. 28, 2025) –  On Tuesday, Hokie House, one of the many local bars in Blacksburg, created a stage for live music, spotlighting local student bands from Virginia Tech.

 

While Virginia Tech is known for its strong, STEM-related academics, many are unaware of the vibrant and active music community in Blacksburg. 

 

“For anyone curious about music in Blacksburg, oh, it is glorious,” said Quadra Wilcox, a Blacksburg local who oversees the production of Hokie House live music. “The performers are world-class, and you're definitely going to have a lot of fun and make a lot of memories.”

 

Three local student bands played at Hokie House on Tuesday. Joseph Sam, the lead singer and one of the guitarists for 81 Traffic, described the turnout as larger than he expected.

 

“It was really good,” Sam said. “ For a Tuesday, I was really surprised that we could get that big of a turnout.” 

 

Sam further shared how the great community that surrounds music in Blacksburg makes such a difference in playing these live events. “Just being around a bunch of people that appreciate the same kind of music,” he said.” “It’s always super sweet to see.”

 

Abby Heffner attended the event and expressed her appreciation for being at Virginia Tech at the same time as Hokie House live music. 

 

“I had a lot of fun, I thought it was a very nice show,” Heffner said. “I know it’s only recently that Hokie House has really started doing live music, and I think it’s really cool that we get to be here and on campus while that’s happening.” 

 

Even though she has little knowledge of all the music that happens in Blacksburg, she shared how live music has a huge appeal to human connection. “You get to be there with them [the bands] and experience the actual playing of music and the energy that goes into it,” she said. “I really enjoy getting to see that and be a part of it in some way.”

 

Music, specifically live music, is all over Blacksburg. Wilcox explained that the talent is local and readily available. The Milk Parlor, for example, hosts live music events almost every week. Beats N the Streets, happens every Tuesday from 8 p.m.-12 a.m., and is “a chance to participate with others in enjoying a creating beautiful music.” 

 

Community members coming out and listening to live music is more than just entertainment for a night out, but a way to connect the community with local businesses and musicians. “I think that's the key there, because you're supporting local businesses, which is Hokie House and The Milk Parlor,” Wilcox said. “ And you’re providing kind of a safe environment for people to express themselves and pursue that realm, just like you would in a university class.”

 

While Hokie House is not the first venue in Blacksburg to host live music, the event helped raise awareness of the music culture already established in Blacksburg. “We have a lot of talent,” Wilcox said. “It's just hiding in plain sight.”