Each week, SCENE will publish a Q&A with a proprietor of a live-music venue. This week we tracked down Ben Grossman, owner of Hop Nation Brewing Co., which has become an increasingly popular venue for music. Here are our Qs and his As.

SCENE: How often do you have live music, what kind of music do you typically have, and how much are average tickets or cover charges?

Grossman: We have live music about four times a month. Anywhere between Thursday and Saturday. But sometimes we have a cool act come in when theyre traveling through. Music is usually originals from small groups, like two to four folks, usually unplugged. No tickets, no cover almost 99 percent of the time.

S: What do you believe is the value of live music, both to you as a business and to your customers or audience?

G: I was a musician playing through college on scholarship so I believe that music is a part of an enriched life. To my business, it brings in like-minded folks. And with the brewerys atmosphere, I try to accentuate a relaxing, enjoyable time or a good get-your-groove-on feeling to kick off peoples weekends.

S: Whats the best show youve ever hosted and why?

G: Razzvio. The musicians were awesome people. The show and the looping they did were seamless. How often do you run into a rocker-looking musician who cranks it out on an electric violin? I also really enjoy the Yakima Folklife Festival in general. It is such a vibrant and great time of year for the community as we have so many talented musicians rolling through town.

S: What kind of energy and atmosphere can a guest expect on a night youre having live music? Will there be dancing? Rapt listening? Or a laid-back social environment in which the music is mostly in the background?

G: I hate to be a generalist, but most of the time it is comfort listening with a little raptness here and there sometimes topped with a smattering of dancing. We save most of the dancing for the great outdoors during our bigger shows.

S: What plans do you have for the future regarding live music?

G: Live music and entertainment not normally available in Yakima will continue to be Hop Nations focus going into the future. I believe it is important to keep all sorts of different experiences alive so that we dont forget any one part of what makes our community great. The arts, in all its silhouettes, are especially important to preserve both in history and contemporary constructs. We will continue to host live music so long as we are here.

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Venue Q&A: Hop Nation Brewing Co. - Yakima Herald-Republic