DJ and Stage crew begin setup for the lox performance at the NorVa Theater in Norfolk, VA on November 25, 2023.
This is how it started. At least that’s how it seemed to have all began for those who showed up at the Norva Theater in Norfolk, VA on November 25th. It was nearly six o’clock in the evening, the day after Thanksgiving and people were already making their way to the front entrance to experience the sound of live music as The Lox and several other local artists were to perform.
Sign above the front NorVa theater entrance showcases the artists scheduled to perform in the month of November 2023
It’s interesting, in a somewhat frustrating way to hear Brian Henry, also known locally as @Soberthedj, talk. There is an almost disturbing confidence that seems to slide off of him as he talks about his life’s trajectory.
Brian Henry looks down in thought as he stands backstage and prepares for the performance.
“In schools they teach that every story has a beginning, a middle and an end. Then somehow down the road, you realize that stories aren’t about things that happen to us. They aren’t about the events. Surrounded by loved ones or enemies, we come to realize that stories are about people. Stories are the echo of you and me.”
Brian Henry, aka sober the dj, speaks during an interview while preparing for a performance backstage at the NorVa Theater in Norfolk, VA.
As we stood backstage, Sober became an open book, seemingly inspired by the sound of mic checks and the hum of people who were already pouring into the building. When asked how he felt about being the Dj for the local artist who is opening for another artists, he responded assertively.
Attendees stand and spectate the opening artists of the night's scheduled performance at the NorVa Theater in Norfolk, VA on November 25, 2023.
"I’ve already seen where my story is going. Past, present and future being a single happening and I’m just here to for the ride. This is just an experience to enjoy and be grateful for while I wait for what’s coming. I've already read this story and I love it!” As he put on his head phones and prepared to turn on the mic, he continued explaining.
Soberthedj engages the audience on stage at the NorVa Theater in Norfolk, VA on November 25, 2023.
“… I’ve been doing this for so long. It started as an interest, it became something to do, and I just didn’t stop. Yes, I am also an artists and I’m building a platform to deliver my own music. But I don’t have to get distracted by the process. You see, right now, we are here physically. But in my mind, I’m not even present."
Soberthedj engages in conversation with one of the PRdCT entourage during a performance at the NorVa Theater in Norfolk, VA.
"... I’ve already seen myself here previously. In my mind, right now, I’m already at the next show and when I get there, it’ll be the same thing. Anybody who wants to know what the secret is, it’s that. This is how this works for me. Festivals, parties, big-name performances or whatever. All of these people will see who and where I truly am later.”
Local artist Driver performs, opening for the lox at the NorVa Theater in Norfolk, VA on November 25, 2023.
He took his position behind the turntable as if he owned the entire venue. Providing a Dj service for local rapper Amir Driver, also known as @amirdrivermade on social media, He was riding his own wave into the future.
The last of the attendees goes through security at the NorVa entrance to find his place in the already fully packed venue on November 25, 2023.
According to Unique Venues, the maximum occupancy of the Norva is 1,450. The fact that the theater sold out that night means that 2,900 eyes witnessed a previous version of Brian Henry. They got a glimpse of his origin story without even knowing it. Stay tuned to catch up!
