BENDER:
AT THE VELVET LOUNGE PROUD IN THE O.C. by brad hart
Located in the heart of Santa Ana’s Historic Art District, Velvet
Lounge (VLVT) offers some of Orange County’s best entertain- ment and nightclub events; drag, karaoke, ladies night, danc- ing and live music. A friendly bar, comfortable lounge, large dance floor and patio await customers who are ready to have a gay ol’ time in the O.C. And if that wasn’t enough, VLVT offers delicious brunch, dinner and late night treats from a full menu, featuring modern American comfort foods. It’s clear to say this place has something for everyone, including sweet and sexy bartender Josh Bender, who tipped us with a little shot of info on all things Velvet.
Hi Josh, so how long have you been bartending? I’ve been bartending for three years.
What do you enjoy most about it? I love that I make money socializing and ensuring that other people have a good
time. When can we find you serving up those good times at Velvet Lounge? I tend bar there on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
What are some of your favorite things about working there? At VLVT the staff are more than simply co-workers. We’re a family and it’s a plea-
sure to actually know the people I work with and to consider them friends. Tell us about some of the theme nights at Velvet Lounge. Taco Tuesday is one of my favorites, featuring all-you-can-eat tacos for $10, with
22 ounce Margaritas for $5... the food is amazing! My favorite club night at VLVT would have to be Wednesday night for Club Cherry, with DJ Alicious. The crowd is a young, hip, urban mix of guys and girls and the music is awesome. Are there any special events planned for OC Pride Festival on August 11? VLVT is going to be open all day for OC Pride, serving food and beverages to
attendees and of course, that night VLVT will host the official OC Pride after party to keep the celebration going. It’s definitely going to be packed, and definitely going to be an awesome, unforgettable event. What is something you are proud of? This year, in December, I’m graduating from California State University, Long
Beach with my bachelor’s degree. So when you’re not busy working or going to school, what are some of your favorite things to do in your free time? I like going to the beach, playing guitar and taking trips to the fashion district in
Downtown L.A. and of course going out with friends. If you could only use three words to best describe yourself, which would they be? Focused, fun-loving and motivated.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. People might be surprised to know that, “when I grow up,” I want to be a thera-
pist, specializing in addiction and sexology. What do you most enjoy about your life today? In my life, I’ve accomplished everything that I’ve ever set out to do. I enjoy that
I can rely on myself to achieve my goals and that I have a solid support system of friends and family who encourage me to do anything and everything that I want to do. What about your relationship status? I am SINGLE and ready to mingle!
Lastly, a question we like to ask all our featured bartenders: If you were a cocktail, which would you be and why? I would be a Jameson and ginger ale… always guaranteed to get the party
started, and you may or may not remember what happened when you wake up in the morning!
Velvet Lounge is open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. (11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays) for happy hour, dinner, and nightly entertainment, they are located at 416 West 4th Street in Santa Ana (Historic Arts District). For more information call 714.232.8727 or visit
velvetoc.com.
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RAGE monthly | AUGUST 2012
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