It’s been almost three years since Tampa Bay area rap duo They Hate Change signed to famed indie-imprint Jagjaguwar, and there haven’t been many chances to catch the group live at home in between tours across the U.S., Europe, and even Australia.

In support of Change’s January EP Wish You Were Here..., Vonne and Dre—who spent a total of two months at home since the signing—stage a one-of-a-kind, free-with-RSVP, intimate performance at Ybor City’s fancy Hotel Haya (a far cry from the DIY garage venues where they cut their teeth just a few blocks away).

Two of Tampa’s best emcees and live performers—Sam E. Hues and Vern Sr.—open the showcase of a Gulf Coast sound Change has brought to the global stage.

There’s no cover with RSVP when They Hate Change plays Hotel Haya in Ybor City on Saturday, Feb. 24.

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This article appears in Feb 15-21, 2024.