I’ve shared more than once on this blog that Dharma Kava Lounge is my favorite spot to grab a shell. (or two.. or three). They’ve got an expansive menu, friendly and well educated kava tenders, amenities such as pool, ping pong, and board games, as well as some of the most entertaining weekly events that I faillessly enjoy every single time.
If you’re a kava or kratom drinker, Dharma is great for you because they have a large variety of teas, including fun kava, kratom and herbal shots, as well as strong and smooth home brewed kava and kratom. If you’re NOT a kava or kratom drinker, no worries! Dharma is open to anyone (assuming you’re not under the influence of drugs or alcohol) as long as you purchase a beverage – and with an assortment of on-tap kombucha, brewed and nitro cold brew, and hot or iced herbal teas – it’s not hard to find something lovely to sip on.
I personally enjoy Dharma’s events more than anything. Every week they have as set schedule: open mic on Mondays, trivia on Wednesdays, karaoke on Thursdays (my personal fav), featured performers on Fridays, and DJ’s on Saturdays.
Monday’s open mic begins at around 9:20 PM and is hosted by Jaycee Rozos, a local musician who performs locally. Open mics draw in a large and various crowd, ranging from musicians, to poets, to stand up comics, and many other talented varieties of performance. Winners are rewarded with a free shell. Everyone who wants to perform can sign up and get their 15 minutes in the spotlight. I have made plenty of friends through these events, because you get to watch people in the raw – expressing and exploring their passions for all to see. The crowd is always welcoming and friendly, and you’ll find support and people to cheer you on nearly everywhere you turn.
Wednesdays are trivia night! If you like testing your knowledge of obscure and largely useless information, this is the night for you. Trivia is hosted by Mindy Hill, a goofy grade school teacher with a strong personality and a raunchy sense of humor. I’m under the impression that much of the crowd comes sfor Mindy’s striking personality more than the trivia itself. Every trivia night has two rounds with ten questions each, and a bonus round that is make-or-break. Categories vary every week, ranging from sex, to geography, to star wars. The winder gets to bring home a trophy for the week, and a free abr tab.
Thursday are my absolute jam. Karaoke night is the perfect time to let you inner child run free. Karaoke is hosted by Meg Eliza and Drew Jansen (owner) – Dharma’s power couple.Karaoke allows for two rounds, and all are welcome to sign up. Performers come together, often mix-and matching different duets and groups, and I would say that by far this is one of the most consistently popular and exciting events (though I may be biased).
Friday’s featured performers and Saturday’s DJ nights allow local talent to come and rock the house. Fridays tend to have a more chill and low-key vibe, with sets varying between different artists with different styles. Saturdays tend to be a bit more high energy – with DJ’s and dancing to get your blood pumping and your spirit high.
Dharma’s events have strengthened the community greatly, and it’s because of this that spend so much time there. I highly recommend that you check Dharma out as well as other local kava bars, especially if you’re in search of a loving community where you can just be yourself.