For
hookah enthusiasts the clubs that cater are far and few between in
Utah. Spread out across in the strangest locations. But one club
has been making a stand in the heart of downtown.
--- The Downtown
Hookah Lounge has been doing well over the past year, bringing their
experience to the SLC club scene while helping revitalize Main Street
at one of its busiest areas. I got a chance to chat with Lounge
manager Medo about the place, local laws and business, thoughts on
the scene are a few other topics. You'll notice the interview is a
tad short, I also wanted to get the owner in to talk about the brief
history of the place, but he was unavailable to participate. If he
decides to join in down the road, I'll add in his
responses.
Medo
http://www.myspace.com/downtownhookah
Gavin: Hey there, first off, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Medo: Hello my name is Medo, I'm the Manager at the DTHL, We are located
at 268 s.
Gavin: For those who don't know, what is the Downtown Hooka Lounge?
Medo: The Hookah is a Club with an atmosphere you will not find anywhere
else in
Gavin: Did you know you wanted live music at the start, or was that
something you eventually worked into?
Medo: We have always had live DJ's at the club, from Hip Hop, to Reggea,
Salsa to Funk! With DeeJay Aspect being involved the last 5 months we have
brought in live Hip Hop acts from all over the west coast including Umconcious,
MainLine & Self Expression Music, J-Boogie and World Famous Bomb Shelter
DJ's. Our vibe with our music is something we demand, we want you to hear what
you want, not the same tracks you hear over and over. Music is a culture, we
use it here everyday!
Gavin: With the recent smoking ban to hit clubs, how does that affect
you as a business?
Medo: Just like any other club in
Gavin: Have you thought about fighting it, or ignore it since it only
affects a certain portion of your business?
Medo: Just dealing with it the best we can, no point in fighting the
only practical thing to do is comply with state laws.
Gavin: A little state-wide, what are your thoughts of the local club
scene, both good and bad?
Medo: Honestly man, I don't think you wanna hear my thoughts on the
local club scene.
Gavin: Is there anything you believe could be done to help it out or
make it better?
Medo: Ya, I think the local government could help out a lot with the
local club scene by getting rid of club memberships and loosing other state
liquor laws.
Gavin: Have the changes in liquor laws affected you at all, or do you
just roll with it as part of dealing with state policy?
Medo: In regards to the ever changing state liquor laws of
Gavin: What's your take on the issues happening with Port O' Call and
what it means to you as both a club and a business owner?
Medo: I think its sad to see Port O' Call go, its been a land mark in
Downtown for years! Port O' Call brings so much revenue as well as people to
the Downtown area. I hear they are having a hard time with the state, It sucks
when a Club Like Port O' Call does so well for so many years and cant get what
the deserve for a new building. I'm sure it it will all work out for them. As
for the customers flooding the streets looking for a new place to get their
drink, shake, smoke and game on, Hookah goes down! Know That!
Gavin: Being a part of the downtown area, what are your thoughts on
surviving as a local business right now?
Medo: With all the changes happening downtown and the state of the
economy its a tough time for everyone. All we can hope for is the economy
picking back up and for downtown businesses to thrive like they have in the
past.
Gavin: What events have you got coming up, and what can we expect from
you over the next year?
Medo: Were booking all sorts of different events, including are
Valentins Day event Cupid's Revenge, New Babalon Down Night Coming Soon! Beat
Junkie Dj, Dj Melo-D, Kreative Development Dj Crew (3/6 Turntablist Crew
Or,Ut,Az) in April! Check out our resident Kreative Development Dj, Deejay
Aspect every weekend playing Hip Hop, Funk, Dope Ass Beats and all your
favorite classics. Check out Junior & Transportation In February, also
Major St. Devine Write, SEM, 3 The Hard Way, The Hooliganz,
Gavin: Is there anything you'd like to plug or promote?
Medo: Ya good looking Dusk from MindState, Lam, Jef Doogie,
GeorgeLife.com, Mc Blu, Blosy, Aspect, Dubb Dee, all of our loyal customers,
Gavin's Underground Page, CP, Big Phill, Alex, and Major St.