Jazzing up downtown Suisun
By Rich Freedman/Times-Herald staff writer

Posted: 12/29/2009 01:01:52 AM PST

Music to Demetrius Mance's ears will be music to his ears. And not a pounded nail, sawed 2-by-4 or carpeted VIP table too soon.

Mance's dream -- owning his own jazz club -- inches closer to reality as "Dimitri's Lounge By The Bay" in Suisun City is set for a New Year's Eve unveiling.

"We made it," Mance said, with a grin as big as the stage he hopes will welcome some major jazz and blues talent starting with guitarist Vernon "Ice" Back in the club debut.

"It's been a long dream of mine," Mance said of the sparkling 240-seat venue at 700 Main St.

Mance wants to bring "Yoshi's-like" talent to Suisun at least monthly with top local and regional talent filling in the rest of the calendar.

"I think we're going to do some great things," Mance said. "It takes time. We rushed and took our time. You have to make sure you have a good product."

Some of that falls into the hands of talent agent Jeff Trager of Green Valley, who confirmed Santana lead singer Tony Lindsay at Dimitri's Jan. 15.

"This club is going to be beautiful," Trager said. "It could be really cool. Now, to get the people. The key will be good, quality music and a good variety. We want to bring in bands that don't usually hit this area."

Trager tossed Pete Escovedo, Lenny Williams as definite possibilities.

"There's been a lot of local support. It's been outstanding," Mance said. "The hard part is done. I think."

Earlier this week, Mance and Trager surveyed the club, which is about 90 percent complete a week before New Year's.

"We'll finish the final touches and do the grand opening," said Mance, whose wife, Terry, is grateful the club is nearly complete.

The upscale club will employ roughly 15 people, Mance said.

As for the final price of the club, "I don't think Demetrius spared too much," Trager said. "You can't do this on the cheap."

IF YOU GO...

What: New Year's Eve with Vernon "Ice" Black, Grand Opening

What: Dimitri's Lounge By The Bay, 700 Main St., Suisun

When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Tickets: $30, dimitrislounge.com, (707) 419-5204, 21 and older