Raleigh has a plethora of music scenes — the country twang, rap and hip-hop beats, metal head-bangers, emo kids whose pants can’t get any tighter and the punk rockers with their piercings and studs. Each venue around the Triangle has its own style and commonly played genres. For the students just dipping into the music scene, it takes going to shows at different venues to find their hot spot for the best of what they like. Here is something a little easier.

The Brewery

By far, the closest venue to N.C. State’s campus, The Brewery is located on Hillsborough Street, just a short walk from Central Campus. The Brewery doesn’t tie itself down to one genre, but it does like to play local bands and those that owner Tom Taylor thinks has promise. The Brewery — which Taylor said has been called “the CBGB of the South” — has played Jane’s Addiction, Black Flag, Sheryl Crow, Cartel, Panic! At the Disco and other bands before they made their big debuts on MTV. This venue isn’t home to country music fans, but Taylor said he plans on adding some country gigs on his schedule in the future. But for those whose hearts lie in rock music, this venue is primarily rock.

“We do a little bit of everything, but we do more rock,” Taylor said.

Every Sunday night, The Brewery does “Subterranean Sunday,” a hip-hop night, which also includes open mic times.

According to Taylor, The Brewery does more live shows than anyone else in Raleigh. It sets no age limits, except when it comes to buying alcoholic drinks behind the bar. The Brewery doesn’t sell food, but Taylor said that is also in the future. It also has a foosball table, TVs and a pool table for the audience to enjoy while the band sets up.

As for the best shows, Taylor recommends Rabel, “a guitar-driven Radiohead,” or The Mile After.

King’s Barcade

King’s Barcade, located in downtown Raleigh, is another venue which typically plays rock bands. Owner Steve Popson said it plays “popular shows with lots of touring bands.” Some of the more popular bands which play at King’s are Birds of Avalon, Strange, Valient Thorr and Laid Out Level.

But King’s, like most venues, requires those who enter to be a member of the club or a guest of a member. The venue also offers other things besides live music concerts; it has DJ nights, movies on Tuesdays, live wrestling once a month and occasional parties.

Popson has not made specific recommendations for newcomers, but said they should see “any show they are curious about.” King’s shows can bring as many as 500 people to the venue.

“[King’s is] a good club to have an enjoyable time,” Popson said. “[It’s] great place to see current bands both local and touring.”

Popson said there is fun even without the shows — “cheap pool, good DJs and cheap beer.”

The Longbranch

This venue is for all the country music fans out there. The Longbranch plays mainly country music, and it has dance evenings where anyone can come out and learn to line dance, swing or two-step. It is North Carolina’s longest running nightclub. The Longbranch has played big country names like Emerson Drive, Joe Nichols, Collective Soul, Blake Shelton, Darryl Worley, Trace Adkins and Chris Cagle. It also plays local country bands like Dakota Rain, from Fayetteville, and The Embers. The venue is broken up into four different sections: The Longbranch Saloon, Club Extreme — the Top 40 club, Retro Room and The Swing Room. To enter The Longbranch, one must be over 18 and become a member. The venue is located right off the I-440 beltline, 10 minutes from campus.

Local 506

This venue is located in Chapel Hill, about 30 minutes from campus. Glenn Boothe, the owner, said Local 506 focuses mainly on alternative rock, but they do “mix it up.” The venue plays jazz, hip-hop, country and lots of rock, both indie and alternative. Local 506, like The Brewery, does hip-hop shows on the third Thursday of every month. The venue has 5 to 6 shows every week and has an age limit of 18 and up. This venue also requires a membership to enter because it serves alcoholic drinks, according to Boothe. It also serves hot food — uncommon to many music venues. Boothe said his venue has a laid-back atmosphere.

“The clientele is along the lines of King’s,” Boothe said.

Local 506 doesn’t play a lot of mainstream bands, but gives way to local and underground acts waiting to merge into the mainstream.

City Limits Saloon

City Limits, which is located off Hillsborough Street near Saint Mary’s Street, does not play regular live gigs. It has one live show almost every week, according to General Manager Kory Holland. While the venue plays ’80s, ’90s, rock and hip-hop music, it plays mostly country. City Limits live shows are as all country. It is opened Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, making this saloon more club than venue. It does have the added attraction of a mechanical bull on its second level, which over looks the dance floor. Thursday night, according to Holland, are for those 18 and up, while Friday and Saturday are only for those 21 and older.