Southside Jazz at Milestone

To many city residents, not much happens south of the James River. Milestone Jazz Lounge is trying to change that state of mind.

April 7, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Aaron Williams

RVAJazz presents RVAJazzfest 2011
sponsored in part by Milestone Restaurant and Jazz Lounge
Saturday, April 9, 2011, 9pm
Purchase tickets online

Jazz fans that are residents of the city do not often think about going south of the river to hear jazz. That might be changing as Midlothian’s Milestone Restaurant and Jazz Lounge’s reputation grows. The dream of owners George and Debbie Medina, the restaurant and music hotspot features live jazz three nights a week and four hours of gospel music on Sunday afternoons.

If you venture to 9826 Midlothian Turnpike, and you find the club attached to The Best Western, do not be surprised by its upscale nature. Do not expect a super casual environment like some other clubs in town. Milestone Jazz Lounge is environment-oriented as opposed to event-oriented like other downtown clubs. As they put it, Milestone Jazz Lounge is “the place for mature adult audiences to be.” Many of the guests like to dance so the venue’s performing groups and DJs keep that in mind.

Like most clubs in Richmond, Milestone has a sound with which it is associated. Vocals and electronic instruments are the norm as backbeats and R&B are fan favorites. Acts like Clarence Burke of the Five Stairsteps, Temptation Review, Dennis Edwards, Christte Michelle, Mike Phillips and Richard Elliot have entertained listeners and dancers in the past.

On an average night you’ll likely only find local artists entertaining guests, but that does not slow Milestone’s success or keep it from offering VIP gold cards. For an annual fee, guests can get VIP lounge access, preferred seating, free wine for large parties, and special discounts.

One of the founders, George Medina, wanted to add some spice to the menu. A Caribbean influence brings boring American food to life. The inspiration comes from his birthplace of Port au Prince, Trinidad and Tobago.

Complete with white table clothes and fancy centerpieces, guests often reserve parts of the restaurant for upscale special occasions. In the past birthdays, wedding anniversaries, wedding receptions, proposals, and even a wedding itself have happened at Milestone. Sharing one of its walls with The Best Western of Midlothian Turnpike will certainly help this become an even more common occurrence.

Opened in September 2009, Milestone is still creating its identity. In the future, they hope to bring more national acts to town. Additionally, they wish to turn Milestone into a destination for people from outside of Richmond.

The next time you are in need of a place for a special occasion complete with an upscale environment, live music and American-Caribbean cuisine, think of Milestone Jazz Lounge.

Milestone Restaurant and Jazz Lounge is located at 9826 Midlothian Turnpike in Richmond, VA. Visit milestonejazz.com or call (804) 269-0824 for more information.