Paragary Restaurant Group is branching out into the theater and live music business with the opening of a new mixed-use venue called Assembly, located at 1000 K Street in downtown Sacramento. Taking over Cosmopolitan Cabaret’s former space, Assembly will showcase local, regional and national touring talent. The 9,000 square-foot space features a massive stage, an open floor on the main level, a full bar and tiered seating. It’s a very versatile space. Capacity is 500 for general admission, 240 seated.
This sort of fills a void between local clubs like Harlow’s (which is around 400 capacity) and Ace of Spades (around 900 capacity), both of which have been killing it lately, if I might add. In a press release provided to Submerge by Assembly, Randy Paragary was quoted saying, “What makes this space so unique is the variety of talent we will feature including live bands, improv comedy, celebrity DJs and much more.”
An on-going feature at Assembly will be B Street Live!, a sketch comedy act presented by B Street Theatre that will change monthly based on trends and current events in pop culture. The shows will run Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m., allowing the venue to also host live music and other entertainment later in the evening. Paragary has brought bar and nightclub scene staples Trevor Shults and Bob Simpson onboard to operate and market the venue as well as Scott Brill-Lehn of SBL Entertainment to book talent. The space is also available to other promoters and event organizers based on availability, like on April 19 when Conscious Vibes is bringing vocalist, pianist and composer N’dambi to Assembly.
The grand opening party for Assembly is scheduled for Friday, March 22 and will feature free admission and live music from one of the area’s top cover bands, Pop Fiction. Local soul singer James Cavern is having his EP Release party there on March 29, K Flay is touring through on March 30, Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers will play on April 2, and that’s just a few of Assembly’s announced shows. Keep an eye out at Facebook.com/AssemblySacramento for more information.
The first ever Capitol Comedy Competition is a five-week comedy showcase featuring comics from all over California battling it out for a $1,000 grand prize. The final two weeks of the showcase are Jan. 4 and Jan. 11, 2012. You’ve still got time to catch one of these hilarious shows, all of which take place at Harlow’s. Each week one winner and one runner-up earn themselves a spot in the Jan. 11 finale. The first week’s winner was Insane Wayne Jackson (from Stockton) and the runner up was Tristan Johnson (from Oakland); the second week’s winner was Jay Rick (from Oakland) and the runner up was Anderi Bailey (from Sacramento); and the third week’s winner was Stephen Furey (pictured, from Sacramento) and the runner up spot went to Leroy Stansfield (from Oakland). Week four (Jan. 4) will be hosted by none other than Sacramento’s own rising comic star, Mike E. Winfield, as well as DJ Racer X, and will feature eight comics each with a 15 minute set. There are only two spots left in the Jan. 11 finale–who will it be? The Capitol Comedy Competition is being put on by Conscious Vibes, a local events company that is coming off a huge year where they booked acts such as Dwele, Goapele, Dead Prez, Questlove, Bilal, KRS-One, Planet Asia and many others. For more information about the Capitol Comedy Competition and other Conscious Vibes events, visit Consciousvibespresents.com
The Mahogany Urban Poetry Series Returns
Words by Nicole Martinez | Photo by Domonick Porras
The city of trees is in the midst of planting a new seed. The Mahogany Urban Poetry Series, a popular venue in the past, has re-sprouted just in time for those relaxing, warm summer nights. Promising to host live poetry, exceptional music and feature a wide range of talented artists and people, it seems right that a venue for spoken word and expression should speak for itself. Here is what weekly hosts Khiry Moore and DJ Rock Bottom had to say.
What is Mahogany?
Khiry Moore: Mahogany is a collaboration of music, spoken word, and just a collection of people who come together looking for alternatives to the night. It’s an intelligent vibe. It’s like the soul of Sacramento.
DJ Rock Bottom: It’s evolved into various artists and art forms that come together for the progression of the Sacramento scene. Poetry is the emphasis but it’s never opposed to any other art form. We do a little of everything.
Why is it called Mahogany?
KM: Good question. No one knows. When Mahogany started, there had already been different venues going. Every time a new endeavor was started, it was on a different level to what we had prior. So with Mahogany, the idea is that like a tree it grows. Like the rings inside the trunk, you can see where it started and how it matures. And it’s solid so it endures. Plus, I like the wood grain.
When and how did it start? Give us a little background.
KM: When urban poetry first hit the scene a venue was being put on by Conscious Vibes called Mood Swings at the Country Club Lanes. This was back about 1996. After that it moved to a spot called Off Broadway located off Broadway. That spot got bought out and I was fortunate enough to be a part of a group who started a new poetry venue known as The Blue Room. It was with Sean King, Angelo Williams, Marianna, Ifa, Cleo and other poets. It was probably one of the most inspirational venues ever! After that, members of the group branched out and put on more venues with mixed success. Here entered Felix, at that time owner of the Jamaica House. He offered up his spot as a venue to me and so Mahogany was born. This was in 2001. It went on for five years until 2006 when the owners of Sweet Fingers, who bought the Jamaica House, decided to pack up and move to the Bay Area. With that, the venue that kept the poetry flame alive for the urban community ended.
What happened after it stopped and why is it back now?
KM: We tried to keep it going. Flo Real and I founded Vibe Sessions the day after Mahogany closed. Flo runs that now, and I opened a few other venues after that. There was Mics and Moods [Capitol Garage], The Blackstar Lounge [Tunel 21], and most recently The Social [Sol Collective]. The last venue was on the rise, but a fire happened and left the building not fit for use. I was just gonna stop but Zion, the owner of Queen Sheba Restaurant, in the Old Jamaica House/Sweet Fingers’ building, called me up. She told me everyone has been telling her to call me so we can have poetry there again.
DJ Rock Bottom, how did you get connected as the house DJ?
RB: When I came here to Sacramento, it was already Mahogany. I came here from Indiana in 2001. In 2002, I started writing poetry and I would go to different venues. Mahogany is the only one that stood the test of time. I started writing and performing more, then I got into DJing. I started DJing in 2004 and Mahogany is the first place where I got my name. I guess the rest is history.
What’s a typical night like?
KM: Expect some of the old vibe, with a new twist on it. We plan on starting and ending early, with DJ Rock Bottom spinning music from 8 p.m. until 9 p.m., then we will start open mic at 9 p.m., the feature will perform at 10 p.m., and we’ll be done by 11 p.m.. Zion, has also agreed to provide a special low cost menu for poetry night.
DJ Rock Bottom, you are a big part of what makes up the night. What can you say about the music?
RB: Let’s just say it is a unique blend of music that you won’t hear unless I play it for you. It’s music the radio is scared to play.
How are you each feeling now that Mahogany is back?
KM: Optimistic! We have a new energy, a new crew of people helping out, and a new structure. It is no longer a one-man show and I don’t want it to be. We have a second chance. We can still hear the echo of what happened here before. We still here the echo of the spirit of the room as it was before. Coming back, I realize the significance of the venue.
RB: I have this wish that people would get out their box and try something different for a chance. Just try something new. Quit being content.
What drives the two of you to keep it up? Why do you do it?
KM: I really think this is a calling. It’s not something of me. It’s not like I do it. I’m being asked to do it. For me, coming here is like coming home.
RB: I feel like I’m the DJ for the revolution. I feel it is my duty as a DJ to give people more to the music. I’m very passionate at what I do and until I see more being done, I won’t stop, but I’d be more satisfied. I love music. I love sharing.
What is your favorite part about it?
KM: When people get inspired to write poetry or inspired by the venue to write or do anything. And, hearing people talk about the venue. I just want to encourage people to go beyond the open mic.
RB: My ego says it’s to hear myself DJ [laughs] and the response of the crowd when I play music. Then there is the poetry itself and the food.
What is your vision for the venue?
KM: Funding for special events, showcases and to become a go to place for poetry. Sacramento is a growing city. There is a need for a cultural seed. I’d like to think of us as a center for that cultural seed. Our vision is to inspire and pass it on to a younger generation.
RB: I’m here to be the music for the vision.
What do you want to say or tell people about it?
KM: Support! I want people to know we are sincere. We put our whole lives around having this venue. It’s not about money. It’s more about what’s necessary.
RB: Use your voice. That’s what it was made for. And”¦ DJ Rock Bottom for President!
