All Eyes on Indie Artists

Local venue to host Bay Area musical extravaganzaChristina HoangTHE SANTA CLARAApril 3, 2014https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCmB6Bh1_II&feature=youtu.be[dropcap]B[/dropcap]y spring quarter, opportunities have been plentiful to hold a bonfire at Santa Cruz, browse the shops at Santana Row or run a 5K. Now, it’s time for something new. If you’ve ever wondered where to find the indie scene in the South Bay, look no further. Newly remodeled Fuego Lounge will be hosting its grand opening in Santa Clara on Sunday, April 6, featuring local indie musicians. The lineup includes Erin O’Neill, The Welcome Matt, Mark Rodriguez, artist Joseph Herrera and Joey Gonzalez, the founder of Fuego Lounge.He and his wife, Kelly Gonzalez, hope to provide local, indie artists and musicians a venue to showcase original work. “We wanted to create a ‘family-friendly’ type of environment for musicians to come in more on an acoustic performance style,” said Gonzalez. “Pretty much give them different options than going to play at a bar, going to play at a club or coffee houses, where they have to compete for attention.”The lounge will feature a large stage with bistro tables to complement the intimate setting.Both heavily involved in the local indie and art scenes in the Bay Area and in Denver, Kelly’s hometown, the two hope to mingle various locales at Fuego Lounge. In addition to the three-hour show, there will be local food establishments, such as San Jose’s sports bar Blue Chip and Sunnyvale’s Exegete Coffee, which offer signature dishes and custom blends.“It’s kind of like a ‘farmer’s market’ for the art and music scene, if that makes sense,” said Gonzalez. The unique show will become a regular event in Santa Clara, as Fuego Lounge develops and becomes a regular fixture in the city’s social scene, according to Gonzalez.“We’re going to be bringing not only the artists themselves, but also local restaurants, local coffee houses, local whatever,” said Gonzalez, “and they’re going to be bringing in their products.”Anticipate a casual, laid-back environment where lovers of music, art and food can connect and share their work. Tickets are $15 at the door. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome, so grab a friend, bring your love for new experiences and be a part of the local indie scene. Contact Christina Hoang at choang@scu.edu .