Chayz Lounge opens in Nonnah’s

Jazz lovers in the Midlands now have a consistent go-to venue for live performances with this week’s opening of Chayz Lounge at Nonnah’s in the Vista.

The brainchild of multimedia producer and broadcast talent Chaye Alexander, Chayz Lounge began in 2009 as an online radio station and virtual space to enjoy R&B and jazz 24/7 and established itself as an avenue for new and recording artists to reach a global audience. Alexander, however, who moved to Columbia 12 years ago, envisioned the concept including a venue for live performances that would allow musicians and music lovers to enjoy performances up close and personal.

“Chayz Lounge at Nonnah’s offers the best of both worlds – great music and a wonderful dining experience,” Alexander said.

Upcoming shows at the venue will feature national saxophonist and recording artists Dee Lucas on June 23 and J. Henry on July 8.

“Although Columbia is a fast-growing city, it is lacking a music scene--specifically intimate music venues,” Alexander said. “I began producing live smooth jazz and rhythm-and-blues events with the goal of filling that void. Nonnah’s became the perfect backdrop for these events. Jazz After 5 was one such event, which steadily increased in attendance to the point of being consistently sold-out shows.”

In addition to being designed as a space to enjoy live music, Chayz Lounge will also serve as an event space for events ranging from social gatherings to business functions, Alexander said, and with services ranging from setup to catering.

Chayz Lounge is located inside Nonnah’s at 923 Gervais St. For more information, visit www.chayzlounge.com.

This story was originally published June 9, 2017 at 10:34 AM with the headline "Chayz Lounge opens in Nonnah’s."