"People ask me all the time where there is to go for an after-dinner drink," says partner Jesus Demanuel. "There's not much for a 40-year-old couple to do downtown. My idea is to do live entertainment -- a little jazz, a little piano. Weekdays, we'll start at happy hour. Something will always be happening from 5 or 6 to 10. Then weekends, after 11, we'll have DJs or some louder live music."
Sunset Lounge is inspired by Demanuel's travels to New York City, Chicago, and Miami. Along with its high ceilings, the deep room features a calming blue-and-black decor. The venue's front area has 25 tables, a sleek top-shelf bar, and plenty of elbow room. Illuminated green bubbles float up a wall in a more intimate rear section. A glass wall lets guests see into the kitchen, which offers seafood, sushi, and a raw bar. In addition to the 180-selection wine list, a 42-drink menu boasts classic highballs like the Grasshopper and Harvey Wallbanger. Live entertainment to date has included jazz chanteuse Laura Varcho and Sammy De Leon's Latin Jazz ensemble.
"It's nice and cozy," says Demanuel. "And the music is going to be soft."
" Singer-songwriter Kate Voegele won the 2005 USA Songwriting Competition, taking the highest spot in the best-pop category with her song "Only Fooling Myself." The 19-year-old Clevelander is the contest's youngest winner ever. She'll perform in the competition's South by Southwest showcase Thursday, March 16, in Austin, Texas.
" Chimaira's new drummer is an old face. After two years in college, original skinsman Andols Herrick has rejoined the group. Kevin Talley, Herrick's second replacement, has moved on to post-hardcore sensations the Red Chord. "It was good," says Chimaira bassist Jim LaMarca of Talley's 15-month tenure. "But it didn't work out exactly the way we wanted it to. Then we heard Andols wanted to come back, and it happened."
" The Black Keys have some new friends, and they're taking auditions for more. The Akron power duo has signed a management deal with Q-Prime, which represents Metallica and Garbage. The Keys are also talking to labels, considering a move from longtime home Fat Possum Records. "We're talking with labels now, making them come to Akron and take us out for burgers," says frontman-guitarist Dan Auerbach. The band is recording its next LP in drummer Patrick Carney's basement and plans to self-produce the disc. Auerbach says that 10 songs are complete, with more on the way.
" The CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest will return to Cleveland for a second year June 15-18, visiting half a dozen venues. The rock festival will again feature national bands (as yet unannounced) and will have a special area for unsigned regional acts outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Bands that would like to play can create a Sonicbids electronic press kit. Application deadline is March 31; for info, visit www.sonicbids.com/ cmjmusicfest2006. Website membership is $30, but admission to the Festival Village will be free this year.
