A few hundred people came out Friday night for a happy hour party at the recently opened I Love This Bar & Grill for a night of dancing, drinks, live music and the unveiling of the all-new Red Room VIP section.
The party was hosted by Clear Channel owned radio station 102.5 KNIX Country, hosted by KNIX morning show radio jocks Ben and Matt.
The night was filled with everything red — which was in part to the show support for America’s active duty soldiers — including a red beer that was served for the party.
Kicking off the evening at 5 p.m., the restaurant was packed with a crowd that took every seat in the house, along with every possible place to stand.
I Love This Bar and Grill, a southern-style bar and restaurant, opened at Mesa Riverview in June under the ownership of country singer Toby Keith.
Named after his 2003 hit single, “I Love This Bar,” Keith’s place stays true to his lyrics, “No cover charge, Come as you are,” proving a welcoming atmosphere that could satisfy the expectations of a wide array of customers.
The large establishment can hardly be missed in the parking lot with red, white, and blue stars that surround the building. It offers a dining area, large bar with multiple beers on tap, a dance floor and even a mechanical bull for those who choose to live on the wild side.
Patrons were welcomed to the party with the sounds of the KNIX radio station blasted from a truck.
Featured performer of the evening was Jessica Harp, who supplied a relatively short set of tunes for the evening.
Harp, who has been singing for most of her life, took center-stage for an undoubtedly excited audience.
The Missouri born 27-year-old country singer is most notable for her chart-topping role in the duo The Wreckers, which she formed with Michele Branch in 2005.
The Wreckers achieved most of their success in their two years of performing with Grammy-nominated hit, “Leave the Pieces,” which Harp also performed at I Love this Bar and Grill on Friday night.
Harp announced that she will be signing to Warner Bros. Nashville as a solo act in 2008, and she released her first solo single, “Boy Like Me” last March.
Her album is scheduled for release later this year.
The happy hour party on Friday night was a way to fill the restaurant with people of all walks of life for music, drinking, food and fun.
I Love This Bar and Grill is located at 1065 N. Dobson Road in Mesa.
Reach the reporter at bryan.brougham@asu.edu
