From November 2, 2017, Thursday Nights will never be the same again, at least not for the local entertainment and liming scene. Entertainment and Lifestyle E-Magazine MAGLYFE and Chez John Bistro is happy to introduce Thursday Night Live (TNL), an evening of live arts, entertainment and food that promises to be unlike anything you have experienced before in Georgetown.
Thursday Night Live features an open mic/open stage for local artists to share their art in spoken-word, music, prose, fashion and drama; it is a safe space for everyone to be and express themselves and for everyone to enjoy the ambiance of a creative environment while dining and socializing.
The producers describe it to be far more than dinner and a live show; it is more of an initiative to promote local artistry intended to nurture an underground creative space that is authentically, culturally and artistically Guyanese.
A similar concept existed with the monthly Upscale Poetry and Comedy Nights, but since the closure of that restaurant in 2015 there has been a void which left local artists without a regular space to share their art and be inspired and motivated to pursue their talents.
The Dutch Bottle at nights.
TNL seeks to remedy this by creating that space where artists can express themselves, be encouraged to nurture their talents and network – meeting potential clients and increasing their fan base; artists are encouraged to share business cards and flyers and promote upcoming shows and undertakings. TNL expressed in a statement that they are not only committed to providing this space but are pushing for an actual business model for the creative industry, and this involves taking artistry as serious as the business it is.
There will be a different celebrity host every week to keep the show going; at least four acts will perform for the night so expect raw poems, jazzy instrumentals, fashion shows, soul music and electrifying bands – but the stage is not limited to just music, poems and fashion – the stage is as open as the potential for new arts. Anyone is invited to share the stage and mic, it is open to audience and all artists.
A cash incentive is given to the best act of the night, selected by the audiences’ applause.
As for the menu, dining options comprise of locally grown and sourced products and ingredients. Designed by Culinary Director Eon John, the menus change seasonally to complement the varying fruit seasons so there would never be the same items for too long and they all promise to be exciting, new and truly Guyanese in taste.
When TNL premieres on Thurday, November 2, the three-month menu will feature Vegetable Chilli with Cassava bread, Pork Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Potato wedge, Cole Slaw and the Specialty of the Season being Coconut Pesto Aiolo with toasted Cassava Bread with a signature Watermelon Cocktail.
The Dutch Bottle Café – home of TNL is a building of Demerara colonial architecture which provides its own heritage, adding value to the dining and mingling experience.
Visit Guyana, a tourism marketing network has already begun promoting this event as a to-do while in Georgetown, so TNL may very well be that place for tourists and the diaspora to go for local cuisines, arts and live entertainment when visiting.
Thursday Night Live opens at on Thursday, November 2 from 7: 00 pm at the Dutch Bottle Café. Producers are kindly asking that reservations be made via emailing [email protected] om since there is a seating capacity. There will be an applicable cover charge of $500 at the door (Reservations differ).