Atomic Kandy Brings Flavor to Towne Lounge
By: Kindra Robinson
The local Chico, Calif., bar, Towne Lounge, is in its final days of operation. The bar has announced via Facebook that it will be closing as of May 31, 2013.
During the bar’s last week ever, Towne Lounge employees will be auctioning of several items used in the bar over the years. These items include pool tables, bar stools, and various other souvenirs
The self-proclaimed “dive bar” was featured in the Chico News & Review back in 2011. The article discussed the financial problems the Towne Lounge was facing, which ultimately led to the owners decision to put the bar up for sale.
As the bar prepares to close, its last activity can be found on the face book page, https://www.facebook.com/TowneLounge
Towne Lounge Prepares to Close
Shortly after 9 p.m. on a typical Friday night in Chico, Calif., Albina Kuzmenko, a local video DJ and the founder of Atomic Kandy, was rushing to finish setting up for the EuroDance event at Towne Lounge. It was a casual atmosphere, as Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds” played on the jukebox and most of the patrons were simply sitting at the bar. However, after the jukebox went off and Kuzmenko got started, the night began to liven up.
Atomic Kandy is Kuzmenko’s start-up Video DJ company, which she runs by herself. She DJs and provides visual entertainment, such as videos and vibrant lighting. This was her third night at Towne Lounge, and the crowd there appeared to be responding to her well.
Each time when Atomic Kandy is featured at Town Lounge, Kuzmenko has a different theme for the night. These have included “Cougar Night” and a “Black and White Party.”
It has been rumored for quite some time that Towne Lounge, a small bar in downtown Chico, was going out of business. However, it was looking alive and well, at the Atomic Kandy event, as Kuzmenko danced through the bar along with the other patrons.
“I love to dance, and Albina’s playlist kept me going all night,” said Brittney Castanon, one of the bar patrons, who came to see Atomic Kandy.
Kuzmenko, who is a 22-year-old Butte College student, works at See’s Candy when she is not exploring her career as a video DJ. True to the name Atomic Kandy, Kuzmenko brought a bowl of suckers with her, which disappeared throughout the night.
“I love seeing my friends doing what they love, but I love it even more when I’m having a good time and seeing them succeed at their hobby,” said Heather Glass, a co-worker of Kuzmenko’s from See’s Candy.
The bar had a cheerful vibe, as Kuzmenko played her diverse selection of dance music. The playlist alternated through mainstream music, old favorites and some unique choices including music from the Ukraine, which Kuzmenko talks about remembering from her teen years.
“Huge thanks to everyone who came out last night!!! You guys rock! And you made the night awesome,” Kuzmenko posted on Atomic Kandy’s Facebook page following the event. More information on upcoming Atomic Kandy events can be found on here: https://www.facebook.com/AtomicKandy?fref=ts.
