Ambling down Guadalupe’s main drag, you might forget exactly what time and place you are in. The brick buildings flanking the historic Highway 1 are indicative of an earlier time of neighborhood barbershops, greasy spoons, and watering holes.
Occupying one of these iconic cubbyholes is a new business, Creative Juices Lounge. Though new to Guadalupe, the business looks like it has always been a part of the city. From the classic building to the bar made out of reclaimed wood, the location lives and breathes Guadalupe.
“One of the hardest thing about Guadalupe is people have the stereotype that it is the Wild West,” Creative Juices owner and proprietor Randall Kirkendoll said, “and it was at one time, but it’s really a family place now. It is the safest city in Santa Barbara County after Solvang.”
Kirkendoll, a transplant from Oklahoma, enjoyed the small-town feel of Guadalupe but thought the town needed something in the way of a live music venue.
“I live here, and after walking around town for the last year I thought, ‘something is missing,’” he said. ‘“There is no focal point or meeting place. A neighborhood lounge is something it needs.’”
Not only that, but Guadalupe was in serious need of a regular live music venue ever since the Far Western left town, Kirkendoll explained.
“That was my primary focus,” he said. “One of the first things I did was build that stage and start booking people.”
After only a month in business, Kirkendoll has been surprised by the turnout he has seen at his live music events. It’s also become obvious that he needed a good amount of room for a dance floor.
“This town loves to dance and you can’t get live music anywhere,” he said. “I like to book people who perform in the big places in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria so people here don’t have to leave town to hear it.”
The lounge has already seen performances by popular local groups such as the Cadillac Angels, Jody Mulgrew, and Loren Radis. A loyal following of Guadalupe residents has come out to each show, no matter what the style of music, Kirkendoll said.
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“I think people are drawn to music; it reminds them of things,” he said. “And it gives almost a validation of being an adult, being able to sit in a place, have a beer, listen to music, and talk with friends.”
As per his plan, Kirkendoll has seen his business become a regular stop for locals during their day. Whether for wine, beer, or coffee (the “Creative Juices” that give the lounge its name); for a wrap, salad, or sandwich during lunch hour; or for a band to dance to, the place has got people on the hook.
“Most people told me I wouldn’t have much going on for the first few months,” he said. “But most people would be surprised how we’ve grown in four weeks.”
Kirkendoll said his approach has been working, but he’s still searching for more diverse ensembles and artists to perform at his business and attract different crowds of music lovers.
“We’re looking for a reggae band,” he said, “and I really love country, so I am looking for country bands.”
Performing Saturday, Oct. 12 will be Calo, a local group headed by Victor Valencia, who sings a unique blend of Latin-infused pop, rock, jazz, and oldies. On nights when he can’t get musicians out, Kirkendoll hopes to include some DJ events as well.
“This was the first step in my master plan, to get this place established and running and let people know we are here,” he said. “There’s three thousand cars that go by here every day, and we need to get them to stop.”
Live from the roadhouse
Andy Griggs will be performing a solo acoustic concert on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ranch and Reata Roadhouse, 3560 Sagunto St., Sana Ynez. Cost is $25 to $30. More info: 691-9663, krazdj@gmail.com, or ranchandreataroadhouse.com.
Musicians welcome
The Bookworm holds an open mic night for poets, writers, and musicians on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at The Bookworm, 230 E. Betteravia Road, Suite K, Santa Maria. More info: 922-4282, quest@thebookwormcali.com, or facebook.com/thebookwormcali.
Get inspired
The Jazz Divine Quartet invites all to a non-denominational Christian service featuring its live, spiritual jazz music on Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More info: 735-3760 or jazzdivine.com.
Peace be with you
“Creating Peace through the Performing Arts” features performances by the WonHeart Choir, the Change Reaction Band, the Poetic Justice Project actors, and hip-hop dancers from Guadalupe on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Town Center Mall, Macy’s Court Stage, Broadway and Main streets, Santa Maria.
Getting down to the roots
The Lompoc Valley Arts Council has restructured to include quarterly meetings featuring an arts demonstration with “An Introduction to American Roots Music” by Bill Carlsen on Oct. 17 with the meeting starting at 6 p.m. and the presentation at 7 p.m. at the Stone Pine Hall, 210 Sout H St., Lompoc. More info: 735-6896 or lompocarts.org.
Take the route
Root 246 presents live music Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 11 p.m. at the restaurant, 420 Alisal Road, Solvang. More info: 264-4726 or bethany865@live.com.
Sharing what’s new
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers an open mic night featuring wine, poetry, and live music on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the tasting room, 126 East Clark Ave., Orcutt. More info: 332-3080.
Wine, dine, and listen
The Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro presents “Wine Down Wednesdays” featuring live music on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro, located at 400 E. Clark Ave., Old Orcutt. Free. More info: 937-6400 or Bethany@addamovineyards.com.
Maverick music
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including live country by the The Fourcasters on Oct. 11 at 7:45 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Owen Johnston is Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. The Fourcasters perform on Oct. 12 at 7:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 10-17, 2013.