—Miami Times photo/D. Kevin McNeir TEAM EFFORT: Boss Lounge co-owners, Joe Richards (l-r), Cuthbert Harewood and James Hill (far right), along with two of their top comedians, Rayzor (c) and show host, Larry Dogg (second from right) are all smiles during last week’s Thursday night comedy show premier.
There’s a new club in Liberty City — that’s right Liberty City — that has brought old school music, grown folks comedy and a safe, newly-designed space where adults can let down their hair and for a while, forget about the troubles of the world.
The Boss Lounge, located at 5757 NW 22nd Avenue, is the brainchild of business partners that include: Joe Richards, Phyllis Johnson, James Hill and Cuthbert “Broadway” Harewood. They say they believe that “something good can come out of Liberty City.” Their goal, they add, was to change the former lounge where troubled youth gathered into a place of which the community could be proud.
“The building had been shut down for a while and had a negative reputation but we were confident that we could revitalize this space and the area,” Richards said. “There are hard-working people who live in this community — doctors, lawyers, teachers, business owners, construction workers, everyday folks — and they deserve the same kinds of entertainment venues as people who live in the Design District or on South Beach.”
The club has a number of amenities including a VIP lounge, big screen televisions, a DJ, an extensive collection of “beverages,” plants and other foliage on the exterior, and soon, an upscale kitchen. Last Thursday, they kicked off a new feature that may be the key to making the club a popular hot spot — a weekly comedy show.
Larry Dogg brings his crew and plenty of jokes
Local comedian-made-good, Larry Dogg, hosts a comedy show every Thursday night which begins around 8:30 p.m. Last week, besides sharing his own comedic genius, he brought two of his colleagues, Rayzor, who is a master of accents and another funny brother from Miami, Cole. They were all part of the “Backyard Comedy” show and were a big hit with the audience. Incidentally, the club was filled to capacity.
“It’s time we brought urban comedy to the urban community and stopped acting like we have to go to the Improv or to Broward for a good, safe time,” Larry Dogg said. “This is where I was born and raised and I’m proud to say I’m from Liberty City. I’m bringing my buddies here so we can bring laughter back to the hood.”
“I hope to see this place become the new Cotton Club,” Broadway said. “I doesn’t make sense for Blacks to keep going to places where they really don’t want us. It’s time we had our own venues and then supported them. Blacks must start supporting Black-owned businesses.”
The Boss Lounge will start Super Sundays on Oct. 14th with televised football games and grilled foods. And they’ll be holding watch parties for the remaining presidential and vice-presidential debates. Call 786-391-2147 for more information.
By D. Kevin McNeir
kmcneir@miamitimesonline.com
Chris warren
October 15, 2012 at 7:26 pm
It’s about time!! We now have some place, you can enjoy yourself, & not worry ! about ,being shot or robbed !!! Thank God , for good people.
Jay
October 18, 2012 at 4:42 pm
CONGRATS TO THESE BUSINESS MEN, FOR KEEPING IT REAL. THERE ARE ALOT OF TIMES I WOULD ENJOY BEING ABLE TO HANG OUT WITH JUST THE FOLK,THAT I WANT TO HANG WITH. I WORKED AT A FOUR STAR FIVE DIAMOND, HOTEL ON MIAMI BEACH. AND YES LARRY DOGG, THE FOLK ON MIAMI BEACH RAISE THEIR ROOM RATES ON DATES WHEN THEY KNOW BLACKS ARE COMING TO MIAMI BEACH. THEY HAVE THE HOUSE-KEEPERS CHECK THEIR ROOMS FOR DRUGS, OR WEAPONS, WHEN THEY SHOULD BE CLEANING. ITS A PRIVACY ACT. THE FRONT-DESK AGENT EVEN ADVISE THEM OF HOW MANY GUEST IS ALLOWED IN THERE ROOM. DOUBLE STANDARDS. SOOO I WILL SUPPORT.THANKS
Clayton C.Hill
November 14, 2012 at 11:08 pm
From Gainesville to Miami Boss lounge is
on the map ! See yall soon Keep up the Good work