The Norva

Worst venue ever. The crowd was terrible too. Everyone was drinking in the pit and spilling beer everywhere. Seemed like people were just there to get wasted and could care less about the bands. I saw more girls wearing sun dresses and wearing sunglasses then fans in band shirts. People kept coming in and out of the pit to go get more beers and would spill each time and shove their way back to the front. i really think they should stop allowing alcohol in the pits. its unsafe and it'll separate all the stupid alcoholic posers from the people in the crowd who actually came to see a show. And security could care less about you having a good time. They're extremely adamant about you wearing a bracelet regardless of  your age or whether or not you'll be drinking. I'm 25 and I don't drink so I just went to enjoy the show. I sat down and took off the wristband that nearly cut off circulation and a bouncer shows up and starts lecturing me about drinking ages. And he gets in my way of watching the show. Jerk! I showed him my ID and he still insisted on marking my hands with those annoying black X's. I don't get their stupidity. If I'm not wearing the right wristband or any wristband at all and I tried to order beer wouldn't they just not serve me beer??? Duh, right? It was just the stupidest thing ever. These rent-a-cops are always too busy to help you but never to busy to try and punish you or kick you out for something stupid like wristbands. they simply replied with condescension. The management wasn't any more helpful either. After i told them how disruptive and unprofessional their bouncers were i said the bouncer wouldn't let me enjoy the show and the manager said that "i wasn't really enjoying the show now by complaining, was I?" another jerk! I really hope I never come here again. I'd rather go drive 2 hours back and forth to Richmond then have to deal with the Norva's bull. The place was way too crowded with alot of obstructed areas where you stand and cannot see the show. and if you go upstairs there is hardly any room. you'll most likely end up behind one of the many pillars and wont be able to see a thing. I've been to so many shows and this was the worst one ever. the band was great but the crowd (i wont call them fans) and the Norva staff were terrible.

WORST VENUE EVER!!!
WORST FANS EVER!!!

Something about this venue just brings out the worst in people. I can't stand it.
I'm never coming back!!!!!!!!!!!

Unless youre acting like a fuckin moron you wont have problems with the security. I am 100lbs 5'2'' and theyve always been really helpful to me when I needed it... the drinks are exoensive as to be expected at ANY venue, but the show will be intimate, energy filled, and youll have top notch view and sound from anywhere in the venue. Also...chances are good of u getting to meet any band u want at the norva. I love this place SO MUCH. EVERYONE comes ti the norva. Its a staple, and the day they close the doors I will truly cry. Every amazing show ive ever seen has been here. the dont tolerate moshing or crowd surfing... but I appreciate that. the only people having fun because of that is you, while girls and smaller people are being crushed. we came to see a band, not get our ribs broken or have some fat sweaty ass rolling over our faces while were trying to watch the show. the norva is the place to be, trust me on that!

Ok, right up front you have to realize that I'm very prejudiced toward The Norva because they embrace the local music scene and feature local bands whenever they can.  But isn't that the essence of a local music venue?

The sound system here is state of the art and crystal clear with zero ear stress at the end of the evening.  As good as it gets for real!

I've been lucky enough to photograph several shows at this venue and go backstage a few times.  If you are a touring band, this is the sort of backstage that you love to see!

The variety of acts booked here is fantastic, there is something for every taste with many national touring acts passing through as well.  The more intimate setting gives you an instant connection with the band.  But the vibe from all of the years of concerts remains, you can sense it in the walls!  This place has heard lots of really good music over the years and shows no sign of letting up.  I'd put the Norva up against any other like sized venue and know that she would emerge the victor!

There is minimal seating on the side of the venue, so get used to standing.  VIP gets you upstairs with a few extra perks, if I'm ever going to be in town long enough, it would be a no brainer to get VIP for a year, the shows are that good!

If you want to get into the shows early, make reservations to eat at the JewMo Backstage and get a jump on the general admission crowd.