Could Columbia’s Chayz Lounge be expanding?

Chayz Lounge was once just a virtual venue, a way for jazz and rhythm and blues fans to relax and enjoy music at home.

Now, Chayz is also a real spot, a place in the Vista where folks can go to experience the local and national talents performing the way it was meant to be – up close and personal.

Chayz Lounge is the brainchild of multimedia producer and broadcast talent Chaye Alexander. It began as the online radio station and virtual space for smooth R&B and jazz and provided an avenue for new and established recording artists to reach a global audience.

The Chayz Lounge online radio station launched in 2009, and millions of loyal listeners made it one of the genre’s top radio stations on the web.

Alexander then began to set her sights on opening an actual space for live performances.

Chayz Lounge is at Nonnah’s in the Vista, offering music Thursday-Saturday and sometimes on Sunday.

The station is still there as well, under its new name, Chayz Lounge Radio.

We caught up with Alexander, who chatted about her latest venture:

Q: Can you tell us about your journey to get to the Chayz Lounge on Gervais Street – from the radio station to now?

A: When I initially came up with the concept of Chayz Lounge, the online station, I envisioned a virtual space with a smooth vibe where listeners would kick back, relax and enjoy the perfect blend of smooth R&B and jazz 24/7 by artists they love, as well as those on the horizon. It took some time, but the vision came to life.

However, finding a home for Chayz Lounge the venue was not as easy as launching the station. I approached countless restaurants, venues, spaces, etc., here in Columbia with the concept and received more nos than I thought I could stand. After seven years of knocking on doors, Maggie Groff and Shannon Syrbe, the owners of Nonnah’s in the Vista, opened theirs and invited me in. After producing several successful music events there, they agreed to have me hang my brand in their space, and Chayz Lounge at Nonnah’s was born.

The radio station continues to satisfy millions of music lovers worldwide with its quality programming and consistent delivery of great music under its new name, Chayz Lounge Radio.

Q: What kinds of sounds are you going for?

A: In keeping with the style and format that made the radio station a success, Chayz Lounge at Nonnah’s features musicians in the jazz and R&B genre. Our goal is to maintain our smooth vibe, so you definitely will not hear rock or rap music in our space.

Q: Who are you most excited about performing there?

A: I am excited to share the news that singer-songwriter and Tony Award winner Melba Moore will be performing at Chayz Lounge on Sunday, Oct. 15. She is one whom I have admired for as long as I can remember and whose music I grew up listening to. Having this musical icon and living legend perform live at Chayz Lounge is truly a dream come true.

Q: Say you’re a jazz fan, but your friend, not so much. We know why the jazz fan would love it there! Why would the non-jazz fan enjoy Chayz Lounge?

A: The combination of good music in a warm, elegant atmosphere makes Chayz Lounge the perfect place to wine, dine and unwind. We offer live jazz, as well as smooth R&B for those who may not have an appreciation for jazz. However, I will say that we have successfully converted a few non-jazz fans into jazz lovers who now frequent Chayz Lounge.

Q: What have you learned since opening?

A: The biggest lesson I’ve learned since opening Chayz Lounge is the art of saying no when the talent or situation is not suited for the space or brand. I have also fined tuned my negotiating skills with talents, especially the lesser known musicians with big expectations. Lastly, I can honestly say that thinking of running a venue and actually doing it are two completely different things. It is hard work and all-consuming, but I love every bit of it. When people leave Chayz Lounge smiling because they had great time, it makes it all worthwhile.

Q: What makes Columbia a good spot for this?

A: Although Columbia is a fast-growing city, it is lacking a music scene, specifically intimate live music and jazz venues. My aim in creating Chayz Lounge at Nonnah’s was to fill that void, and based on the consistently packed house and positive feedback, I think I’ve hit the mark.

Q: What’s next?

A: My immediate plan for Chayz Lounge at Nonnah’s is to make it the place to enjoy the best jazz and smooth R&B. I want it to be known as the place where people locally, nationally and internationally come to have the best musical experience. My future plan is to establish a Chayz Lounge in key cities. However, I wouldn’t rule out having Chayz Lounge on a cruise ship.

This story was originally published July 26, 2017 at 4:57 PM with the headline "Could Columbia’s Chayz Lounge be expanding?."