New venue opens

By Casey Gillis

Published: October 30, 2008

By Casey Gillis

(434) 385-5525

As Lynchburg’s art scene grows, more music venues are popping up across the city.

Add The Chocolate Lamp to that list.

Located in suite 19 on the upper level of The Plaza, the new venue will host musicians, poets and artists once a month. The first event is scheduled from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight.

Organizer Jessica Driver says she’s expecting about 20 performers to take the stage and will later open it up to the audience. She’s also bringing in three artists, who will be seated at different spots in the audience.

“They’ll paint throughout the whole night, and at the end of the night, will present their art.”

Suite 19 is being used by several different groups, including a dance studio and a ministry called Mosaic, says Driver.

The main room, where the Chocolate Lamp events will take place, is cavernous. The walls are appropriately painted a warm shade of brown, and the dimly-lit space is filled with plush couches, intimate tables and a stage.

Driver, a Liberty University student, wants it to have a laid-back, coffee house feel.

“I don’t want it to be uptight,” she says. “I don’t want you to be nervous or scared about getting on stage.”

For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/thechocolatelamp.