Rapid Sell-Outs Show NSU's Unofficial Homecoming Party was a Must-Attend Event
VIRGINIA BEACH – The excitement for Norfolk State University's (NSU) HOCO '23 Undergrad Party reached fever pitch as tickets sold out rapidly, not once, but twice. The event, held at The Bunker on October 27th, became the talk of the town among NSU students and alumni, highlighting the strong sense of community and anticipation surrounding the homecoming weekend festivities.
The party's allure was partly due to the stellar lineup of local artists, including the dynamic DJ skills of @Soberthedj (Brian Henry), and performances by Lin Lucci, Zion Rainey, and Jodie. Their presence promised – and delivered – an evening rich with diverse music and a vibrant atmosphere, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of NSU and the local music scene.
Brian, explained that, “when we made the tickets available for purchase, they were snapped so up quick, leaving a lot of people who wanted to attend on a DM (direct message) waiting list. Seeing that this was the case, we (the organizers) worked together and managed to make a few additional tickets available. Then those sold out almost just as quickly as they became available, giving us a total of just under 500 tickets sold. I think it’s because most homecoming events tend to focus on the alumni. On the other hand, this event was targeting the people who are here and relevant now. I think this is what truly made the event popular”.
The Bunker, operated and owned by Young Veterans Brewing Company in Virginia Beach since 2011, offered an ideal setting for the celebration. From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., the venue was alive with energy, as attendees danced and reminisced, reveling in the strong bonds fostered by their shared NSU heritage.
Brian, echoed the sentiment of the night, emphasizing the importance of supporting local talent: "You've got to love supporting the local people here in Virginia Beach and Norfolk because of the energy they bring. If you support them, they support you, and look at them. They are alive! This is the reason why I can't stop.” The buzz on social media regarding @Soberthedj engagement at the event has been high on seemingly every platform according to analytics on Social-Searcher.
Samantha Hill, NSU senior and unofficial homecoming party attendee said, “Honestly, the turnout was a lot better than I expected. I actually didn’t know what to expect but I knew that I wanted to go to a party that was meant for us, the people that I am in class with every day. The vibe was right, the music was good and there wasn’t really a better way to end the night. It was also nice to see that the guest musicians were from around here as well. Somehow, it kind of added a lot to the experience it really felt like it was ours”.
Brian attributed the the quick sell-out not only to how important the homecoming night was for students but also to their support for their local community. The DJ and local artists explained, “they could have gone absolutely anywhere to party but they came here. Yes, technically the event was an unofficial homecoming celebration but their energy looks pretty official to me. All of this enthusiasm just shows the power and nature of the the community. If there is a want to come together and celebrate, it’s likely to happen. Maybe next time, I will perform one of my own songs”.
