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Sound Bites Show Lounge
After owning Marketplace Café in the Village of Oak Creek for more than 15 years, Michele Moore opened Sound Bites Grill and Sound Bites Show Lounge in June 2012. She co-owns the restaurant and music venue with her husband, Stephen Sullins, who has been in the food-and-beverage industry for 44 years (he started when he was 15). The couple has big plans for the future of Sound Bites: They would like to open additional – and bigger – locations in Scottsdale and Santa Barbara, Calif. For now, it’s all about the 7,000-square-foot Sedona space that is divided into five areas: bar, gift shop, indoor dining room, patio seating and show lounge.
Show time:
Live entertainment five to six days a week. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. weekends and 6 p.m. weekdays.
What it’s going to cost you:
Anywhere from nothing to $99 for a VIP dinner package depending on the performer
Full house:
100
The scene:
Tourists dressed in Lululemon yoga pants and hiking boots sitting beside Sedona locals decked out in the latest designer heels and handbags. Not too many young faces in this venue: It’s a sophisticated, upscale crowd who like their cocktails strong and prefer to be home by 10 p.m.
The sound:
Everything from local artists to national touring performers. There’s a heavy emphasis on jazz and blues, but the venue has also hosted big-band performers, folk, country, rock and comedy shows.
The digs:
Tables are arranged in front of a dance floor and stage. The walls are adorned with photos of rock stars and autographed guitars from a private collection in Phoenix.
The libation:
A classic Manhattan made with bourbon and sweet vermouth
The nosh:
Sound Bites Grill has a full menu featuring small bites, burgers, steaks, seafood and pasta. Table service is available in the performance lounge.
The head honcho says:
“It was a big venture and a big risk to bring a show lounge with international acts to Sedona,” says co-owner Stephen Sullins. “Sound Bites is a music-themed restaurant with an upscale dining experience. We’ve been described as a really nice Hard Rock Cafe.”
The talent says:
“I have performed for over 60,000 people and on national TV many times for countless millions of people, and I want to tell everybody that this sweet little venue is simply my favorite venue of all time,” says guitarist Esteban. “The extraordinary beauty of Sedona surrounds every performance. The stage itself is just lovely, with lots of room and great acoustics. The audiences are the best ever. They are so appreciative and responsive.”
Random notes:
Head to Sound Bites for happy hour every day from 4 to 6 p.m. when drinks and small plates are $4-$6. The bar features more than 30 glasses of wine chosen by co-owner and sommelier Stephen Sullins.
101 N. SR 89A at The Shops at Hyatt Pinõn Pointe; 928-282-2713; www.soundbitesgrill.com
MORE SEDONA MUSIC: Jazz on the Rocks 2004, Arizona Opera League, Jazz on the Rocks 2005, opera fundraiser, Sedona Bluegrass Festival, Sedona bars, clubs and nightlife, Sedona calendar of events
