Worcester Entrepreneurs Launch Second Hookah/Music Hotspot
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Electric Haze, the brainchild of owners Victoria Mariano and Eric Collier, will hold its grand opening on August 22nd.
Located at 26 Millbury St., this 1930s shop, once called White’s Five and Dime, is undergoing a drastic makeover as the historical building is being prepared for the August 22nd grand opening.
A brand new ‘Haze’
When Mariano and Collier started their business (Spiritual Haze) back in 2007 as part of Mariano’s entrepreneurship class project, there was no way they could’ve foreseen the great success it would eventually become, turning people away by the hundred every week for lack of space and finding that their market is ever-growing. The necessity of a new location was obvious, and it was only a matter of time until the idea of Electric Haze became a reality.
For over a year now, Mariano and Collier have been working hard on their new venture, and after all the trials and tribulations faced by every new business owner, they are finally ready to open. For Mariano this is the culmination of a vision she has had for years: the perfect mix between entertainment, hospitality, and atmosphere. Now, she has found the “perfect building and perfect neighborhood” for a place that will set itself apart from others. The location will offer professional, live music every night, varying between funk, rock, jazz and reggae, an art gallery for display and sales, interactive sculptures, a bar serving craft beers, local wines, and special cocktails, and only the best hookah flavors, a result of infinite experimentation.
A Toast for Hopes and Dreams
Collier has found this project to be “inspiring" and "very rewarding to bring a variety of voices, dreams, and visions into the process.” Keeping a successful small business like Spiritual Haze going through these economic times and starting a new business only a few years after is no small feat. “It takes a lot of self-motivation and struggle; a lot of work without getting paid, all for a slim hope that it will pay off. It is a risk not many are willing to take...but it paid for itself tenfold, and we hope to be an inspiration for others,” Collier said. For him it is a testament to their friends, family, and consumer loyalty.
Mariano hopes that the opening of Electric Haze will turn the neighborhood around, bringing more foot traffic to Millbury St. and the Canal district in general. She hopes it can help the other bars and businesses locations nearby, making it as happening a place as Green Street.
The Business of Art and Music
Mariano is working with a variety of Worcester artists to help set the right atmosphere and art-centered theme of Electric Haze. Artists on board thus far include those from Funky Stuff and jewelry maker Ann Synder. Mariano “loves finding creative people” and hopes that Electric Haze will be a hub for local artists, stressing that anyone who wants to be involved, should be involved. She hopes to make of this location a community art center, eventually offering workshops during the day.
A place you can count on every night for good entertainment for an affordable cover price is what Electric Haze will bring to the Canal district. While the entertainment will also include comedy and dance, the main focus will be on music. But this is no open mic or amateur hour. Expect only professional musicians to come through Electric’s doors, all bands hand-picked and booked by Electric Haze’s booking agent Tony Scavone. Scavone is no newbie in the music business. He was the booking agent for Tammany Hall, planned big events for the Palladium, and is responsible for the music festival Disc Jam. With such full-time dedication and expertise, you know it’s bound to be good. For the grand opening a grand band, Turkuaz, a ten-piece funk band from Brooklyn will perform. As Electric Haze will host a variety of ultra-local or broadly regional bands and performers, this will be a place not to be missed.
Fun fact: the building which Electric Haze will occupy appears in the film American Hustle, which was partly filmed in Worcester last winter. See if you can spot it once the movie is out!
For any artists or musicians interested in displaying art, performing, or collaborating in any way with Electric Haze, contact Victoria Mariano at [email protected].
Related Articles
- Up and Coming Jewelry Designer Kathleen Brughelli
- Up and Coming Landscapers in Central Mass
- Up and Coming Shoe Designer Mallory Musante
- Worcester Small Business With Heart: Clark Community Thrift Store
- Central MA Up + Comer: Digital Credit Union’s Victoria Blandin
- Central MA Up + Comer: Ivy Child International’s Shan Yi Koay
- Beauty Up and Comer Kristen Marrah
- Up Close with Up and Coming Rapper McCoy Price
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It