Sutra Opens its Doors to the Concert Crowd
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Let me start by saying there is no backstage at Sutra. That’s mostly because up until recently, Sutra was strictly a restaurant and nightclub, and a popular one at that. But the recent addition of a permanent stage has turned the trendy nightclub into a concert venue as well.
“For the past five years, we’ve been known as a nightclub in all its capacities,” says Sutra Marketing and Events Director Rob Arellano. “We really wanted to diversify our entertainment value.”
Sutra’s Acoustic Summer Concert Series is one way Arellano is diversifying. Rock alternative band Hoobastank kicked off the series earlier this summer, though sans backstage. So when I show up on a recent Wednesday night for the next band in the series, Unwritten Law, the closest would-be groupies can get to behind-the-scenes is a small VIP area to the right of the stage that is shared with the soundboard. A rowdy group is already corralled in the spot by the time I make it up there, all with digital cameras in hand since the bands lug their equipment right through the section. The feeling is more relaxed and less slick than Sutra, on say, a Saturday night. And the show feels more on par with a house party than a big flashy concert, which is kind of what Arellano is going for.
“We would not try and copy venues that cater specifically to live bands, like the House of Blues,” he says. “We wouldn’t want to try to do what they do, but rather put our own spin on it. That’s why we decided to do an acoustic series and give it a more intimate feeling.”
And intimate it is.
“Unwritten Law is in the bathroom!” a die-hard behind me shouts over an opening act. High-pitched screeching results and a group of females book it to the restroom. I’m surprised that a band I saw open for larger rock acts when I was in seventh grade is still generating such buzz. I am even more surprised when the band takes the stage. Under the low lights, with jangling acoustic guitars, this is almost an entirely different band. The setting is far more personal and with no elusive backstage area to hide in before the show, bands drink cocktails, mingle with the crowd, and yes, use the restroom, which I suppose makes the entire club a pseudo backstage.
Sutra, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, (949) 722-7103; sutrabar.com
