Chaye Alexander
Author • Visionary & Owner of Chayz Lounge
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Chaye Alexander is the author of Earn The Return: A Musician’s Guide to Getting Gigs & Being Invited Back and a modern-day tastemaker in the spirit of B. Smith.
As the creative force behind Chayz Lounge, she has shaped a boutique destination where smooth jazz and culinary artistry converge into an elegant sanctuary for discerning guests, passionate music lovers, and all who appreciate sophistication in every detail.
She is also the creator of Chayz Lounge Radio, the 24/7 streaming station that blends smooth jazz with soulful sophistication.
With Chayz Lounge, Chaye has redefined hospitality, not as service but as a feeling. The venue embodies her Sophisti-Soul philosophy: Curated Moments. Soulful Sounds. Elevated Experiences. Every detail is designed to create moments that linger long after the last note fades.
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​​The essential guide for musicians who want more than gigs. They want a career.
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Playing is only part of the job. Getting booked and invited back takes preparation, professionalism, and a clear understanding of how to work with venues and audiences.
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Built on lived experience, cautionary tales, and standards that separate amateurs from professionals, this guide distills decades of insight. Chaye Alexander has worked behind the scenes booking artists, producing live performances, and creating spaces where artistry and excellence meet. Drawing on that knowledge, she shares hard-won lessons to help musicians move from one-off gigs to a sustainable career.
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Inside you’ll learn how to approach venues with the right mindset, negotiate with confidence, and deliver shows that build lasting relationships.
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Your talent opens the door. Your professionalism keeps it open. Earn the Return gives you the tools to turn shows into a career worth booking.
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Beyond The Lounge
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A multidimensional creator, Chaye is a writer whose reflections bring rhythm and intention to the page. Her recorded pieces on Substack and Spotify add a rich new dimension to her artistry, where her voice moves with the same elegance as her words.
Her work is guided by Chayeology: “Life through my lens — Reflective. Evocative. Soulful.”
It is the rhythm of how she moves, shaped by lived experiences and the lessons found in everyday moments. Step into Chayeology on Substack.
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Chaye’s influence extends well beyond the Lounge. As Musical Director for the Richland County Parks and Recreation Foundation’s Jazz Fest, she curates large-scale celebrations of jazz and soul that honor the music’s rich culture.
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Chaye also serves on the board of the South Carolina Jazz Foundation and is the visionary behind West Columbia's Meeting Street Music Fest, helping to foster a vibrant music culture within the community.​​​
Whether through her curation of soulful experiences, her written work, or her voice, Chaye Alexander creates moments that linger, inspire, and connect.
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Nestled in the heart of West Columbia’s River District, we offer a curated escape blending fine entrées, exquisite wines, and handcrafted cocktails in a warm, intimate, and upscale setting.
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Each experience is intentionally designed. From live performances by music legends and acclaimed national and regional artists to Wine Tastings, Vino & Vinyl nights, Sophisti-Soul Grooves, and Sunday Jazz Brunch, every offering goes beyond entertainment. These are moments that awaken the senses, enrich the soul, and linger long after the night ends.
Like the iconic spaces once curated by tastemaker B. Smith, Chayz Lounge is where culture, class, and intention converge, creating a haven for discerning guests, devoted music lovers, and those drawn to the finer things in life.
The Dinner & Show tickets make it effortless. Enjoy an entree from the Chef Selections menu, reserved seating, and and an intimate night where smooth jazz and soul fill the room. Reserve your seats now.
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Artists Presented at Chayz Lounge
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Over the years, Chaye has presented some of the most notable names in jazz and soul, curating unforgettable moments for audiences. Above is a glimpse at just some of the acclaimed artists who have graced her stage, and here's what one artist had to say:.​
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I had so much enjoyed performing at Chayz Lounge in West Columbia, SC. Chaye is just wonderful. Her staff and the venue give a warm family vibe, the audience was very engaged and the house band was totally on point. Looking forward to coming back and play there again.
~ Nils, Renowned Jazz Guitarist​​
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Chayz Lounge Radio
Before there was the venue, there was the station.
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Born from her deep passion for music, the concept for Chayz Lounge first sparked in 2004, when internet radio was still in its infancy. Chaye envisioned a virtual space where legendary grooves and fresh discoveries could coexist in harmony.
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In 2009, that vision came to life with the launch of her online station under the name Chayz Lounge.
What began as a dream soon resonated with soulful listeners around the world. Chaye’s visionary approach set the station apart from the start, shaping the future of online radio and creating a space for listeners to explore a rich, diverse musical landscape.
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​​​​​​​With its signature blend of smooth jazz and soulful grooves, the station quickly became a beacon of innovation and excellence, establishing Chaye as a true trailblazer in the industry.
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As its popularity grew, the dream of creating a physical space that reflected the same soulful sophistication began to take shape. In 2017, Chaye expanded her vision into a boutique venue bearing the name Chayz Lounge, renaming the station Chayz Lounge Radio to carry its legacy forward.
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Today, Chayz Lounge Radio continues to delight millions of music lovers around the globe with Chaye’s expertly curated blend of smooth jazz and soul, streaming 24/7.
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Whether you’re easing through your workday, unwinding in the evening, or cruising on a Sunday afternoon, Chayz Lounge Radio is your soundtrack. Tune in easily with our mobile app!
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