Right in the heart of Lompoc’s downtown, on the northwestern corner of Ocean Avenue and South H Street, sits the historic Schroeder Building. Several locally owned businesses call the old building home, but just one provides Lompoc with live music most nights of the week.
The D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro first opened in 2005, and even then, the inclusion of regular live music at the location was part of the fledgling business’s plan. The small group of owners saw a lack of upscale spots where locals could enjoy a glass of wine, some good food, and quality live music.
Utilizing their back room for tables and a space for a musician or small group, the D’Vine Wine Bar has really become Lompoc’s regular live music center, featuring several singer-songwriters and small bands a week. A community of local musicians and their returning audience has continued to keep the concerts not just popular, but in demand for the city of just more than 40,000.
“The live music is really cool because it kind of matches the ambiance of this historic, really beautiful building,” said D’Vine’s co-owner and entertainment manager Julie Menicucci. “It’s nice because you can still talk and hear each other; it’s not like you have this huge band.”
Menicucci has a pool of rotating performers who are favorites at the D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, including many solo acoustic singer-songwriters. Artists like Kyle Reilly, Jerry Stickle, Dan Mally, and Jacob Cole have all performed regularly, sometimes more than once a month, at D’Vine on weeknights and weekends.
For nights that naturally garner more crowds, like Fridays or Saturdays, a small band or ensemble may be found filling D’Vine’s back room with music. Country artist Sean Wiggins will perform at the end of the month and will bring collaborator Paul Houston to help fill out the sound. Wiggins isn’t locally based, like most of the artists who perform at D’Vine, but has a huge local following, Menicucci explained.
“I like to have someone here who our patrons really like,” she said. “I’m open to new musicians. We are always looking for new talent because I think it’s important to mix it up and show some variety.”
Even throughout the week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, live performers play originals and covers while D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro pours local wine and beer and serves up fresh food. Patrons have come to expect quality live music that features vocals at D’Vine, Menicucci explained.
“We’ve had really interesting singers; the voices we have heard have just been phenomenal,” she said. “An acoustic guitarist and singer or a duo really lends itself well to kind of matching the vibe and creating a tranquil but upbeat atmosphere.”
The D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro enjoys featuring musicians who perform acoustic, indy, alternative, rock, jazz, blues, and folk music. Interested musicians or music lovers can learn more about the D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, including an upcoming entertainment calendar, at dvinewinebarandbistro.com.
Hear Brazil
The Lompoc Music Association is holding a concert featuring the Brazilian-style ensemble Choro de Ouro in concert on Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. at the Valley of the Flowers United Church of Christ, 3346 Constellation Road, Vandenberg Village. Cost is $18, $6 for students. More information is available at alliekay31@comcast.net.
Many possibilities
The Anything’s Possible Band performs a live concert on Nov. 22 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Historic Union Hotel, 362 Bell St., Los Alamos. More information is available at jenbrodes@aol.com.
Party at Rancho Bowl
Rancho Bowl hosts a Pre-Thanksgiving Bash event featuring music by This Bangs All Stars on Nov. 26. Rancho Bowl is located at 128 E. Donovan Road, Santa Maria. More information is available at 925-2405 or ranchobowl.com
Live at the vintners
The Radisson Hotel presents live music Fridays and Saturdays including The Mix performing Nov. 21 and 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Radisson, 3455 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria. More information is available at 928-8000.
Keep the mic open
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers an open mic event for musicians and poets on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lucia’s Wine Co. Tasting Room, 126 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. More information is available at 332-3080 or lucias-wine-co.com.
Get down at the Maverick
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment each weekend including Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols performing on Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. Concert on the Deck with Owen Johnston is Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. Teddy Spanke and the Gang performs live Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More information is available at 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 20-27, 2014.