Coming to the Maintenance Shop Wednesday, Oct. 8, is country-rap artist, Bubba Sparxxx. 

Sparxxx grew up in LaGrange, Georgia, in a rural town where everything is considered country. From the age of 19, Sparxxx knew he wanted to do music professionally. 

“Culturally, I’m a country boy. But when I first fell in love with music, it was with hip-hop,” Sparxxx said.

In order to keep these two identities close, Sparxxx entered the genre of country-rap. 

“I get to see new sceneries and meet different types of people. I love that. I love what I do, I love the raw expression of it,” Sparxxx said.

Sparxxx is touring across the country, mostly in the Southeast. He is set to visit multiple college campuses throughout the tour. 

While he is not familiar with Iowa State and its chilly fall temperatures, his girlfriend is originally from the Quad Cities. She plans to bring her family to watch the performance at the Maintenance Shop. 

“No matter how big the crowd is, I always get butterflies before performing,” said Sparxxx. His typical routine before performances is playing a bit, having a cocktail and doing 25 jumping jacks. 

Maintenance Shop Co-director Melissa Sheret, is enthusiastic to bring Sparxxx to the Maintenance Shop. 

“We’re really excited to have him and interested to see how this new genre goes over. He has a good stage presence and energy — I think he will be fun to go to,” Sheret said.

Bubba Sparxxx will perform at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 at  the Maintenance Shop. Hip-hop artist Steven Cooper will be the opening act. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 with a student ID or $20 for the public with a $2 increase the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased at the Maintenance Shop Box Office or online at midwestix.com.