Dimitri's Lounge Looks To The Future

Dimitri’s Lounge just opened less than two years ago in 2009, but they have big plans in sight. Already the club received recognition as one of the best locations for entertainment in Solano County, but owners Demetrius and Terry Mance are working to bring Dimitri’s to the next level.

“I think what’s working with us now is it’s an upscale lounge, people do appreciate that,” said Demetrius. “We get more of the business adults and we get more of the mature younger crowd that wants to have a good time without any kind of hassle and trouble.”

Demetrius said owning a business where he could offer great entertainment has been a lifelong dream. He and his wife used to visit Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland often. At the time Demetrius was working part time as a real estate investor and had already owned a building in Suisun City. When he presented the city with the idea for an upscale jazz lounge, the city seemed to love it.

“It came out pretty nice,” said Demetrius. I think the word has got out that we try to get top entertainment.”

Already, the club’s popularity has drawn entertainers such as SAPO featuring Richard Bean, Pete Escovedo, Howard Hewett, Tony! Toni! Tone! and Lenny Williams to name a few. Demetrius said he hopes to bring more acts such as Boys II Men and Freddie Jackson to the approximately 250-seat venue he likes to compare to another small jazz music venue.

“We’re like a little Baby Yoshi’s, some consider us, but we have our own identity now,” he said. “We are a smaller venue so what we try to do is we still do the stars but at a smaller venue."

In the past Dimitri’s has had comedian showcases, holiday Parties and business networking events. Soon the lounge plans host a reggae event, a cabaret show, Wednesday night karaoke  and a Thursday night talent showcase called “Dimitri’s Got Talent.”

The showcase will allow for musical and spoken word artists to perform in a competition. Winners will be eligible for prizes such as studio time with a producer, publicity with a radio station, or an opening act performance for another artist.

“We offer diverse types of entertainment,” said Demetrius. “Were trying to bring more stars and we’re trying to outreach to the public, the Solano County people who are musically talented. We want to showcase their talent.”

When it comes to the lounge’s success, the recipe is quite simple.

“We try to mix it up and keep the people happy,” said Demetrius.