A dirty kind of thing

Anyone who’s found himself perched on a barstool, seeking solace in a glass and comfort in the company of strangers, understands the roles of both bar and bartender to the survival of an increasingly detached and depressed humanity. Erik Myles, voted best bartender in Ventura County by VCReporter readers in 2008, knows he is many things to many people when he takes his place behind the bar.

The 30-something artist from Brooklyn, N.Y., along with his best friend and creative partner, Korena Koba, also a visual artist, has been working in the service industry in Ventura for more than seven years, offering his skill and hospitality to patrons of Bombay Bar & Grill, Pangaea and Karma Lounge. “I’m a philosopher, I’m a psychiatrist, I’m a traffic cop,” he laughs. He and Koba are also the facilitators of what may be Ventura’s first combination bar and art gallery, the Dirty Vinyl.

Indeed, other than Myles’ artwork, vinyl records and their sleeves provide the dominant visual element in the bar, which has a decidedly rock ’n’ roll vibe. “I can’t DJ or play music worth a lick,” he says, “but I love music — it drives everything in my life.” Though there is a deliberate emphasis on music, the overarching mission of the venue is to be a resource for the creative community. “We want to make a warm, happy home for anyone who’s creative to come down and present their portfolios and demos and have a place to get exposure,” says Myles. “I want it to be a celebration of creativity,” says Koba who is assisting Myles with the gallery side of the venue. “Everyone expresses differently. Come in and write some poetry or draw something.”

The two have been conceptualizing such a venue for many years while working together and apart in various venues in Ventura, but it was when Pangaea’s owner told Myles that the venue had run its course that the stars finally aligned. “I thought OK, let’s make a rock ’n’ roll art gallery in the dive bar sense,” he explains. “No cover charges or VIPs and guest lists, things that may turn people off to going out in Ventura. Not everyone likes hip-hop. People love the timelessness of rock and classic rock.”

The name is meant to be playful but also thought-provoking, “questioning society and challenging taboos,” says Koba. “But it also has a good sense of humor. This place is kind of grimy and funky,” she jokes, “so I enjoy the play from the two words together.”

The two have been putting the finishing touches on the Dirty Vinyl, decorating a wall or ceiling here and there for the past few weeks, and hosting mixers for bands and artists to hang out, bring their work and enter into the fold. “It’s going to be a work in progress, like any piece of art,” says Myles. And Myles couldn’t be happier with the response so far. “It’s probably one of the most exciting times in my life.”

Myles grew up in the service industry in New York City. His dad worked for a big kosher catering conglomerate, and from the age of 7 or 8 Myles would go along with him and vacuum the ballroom or chop vegetables alongside the chefs. “I learned everything about the service industry from my dad,” he says.

Myles was introduced to Ventura when his mother moved here in 2002 for the good weather. Struggling to make ends meet and get his bearings as an artist, one day he’d had enough of the mean streets and decided to join his mom in putting down roots here. “I was in the Union Square train station, in a suit, coming from a job interview,” he remembers. “It was 114 degrees and I said, ‘I’ve had enough.’ I looked at the thermometer and said ‘Fuck this. I’m moving to Ventura, that’s my home now.’ ”

Koba, a self-described travel junkie was raised in an artistic family where expression was a natural part of life. “There’s never been a limit for me,” she says, “and I don’t want to limit people.” Whether you’re a musician or a comedian, if you come in and want to perform, she says, you are welcome.

Currently the Dirty Vinyl is open seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., with popular local DJs spinning rock music. The plan is to feature live bands on Saturday nights, with We Govern We kicking things off on Saturday, Sept. 12. Beginning on Monday, Sept. 21, the bar will host a weekly open mic. Art exhibitions will rotate on a monthly basis with Myles’ current show being the first. A reception will be held Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. In October, the featured artist will be resident photographer Sam Bendall and acrylic works by Robert Bendall. In November, they will launch what they hope will be a monthly celebration of alternative culture, fashion, music and food with the Dirty Chrome Festival vintage car and motorcycle show.

Salt-of-the-earth, positive thinkers with a shared passion for creative expression and a solid work ethic, Korba and Myles don’t expect to cash in on their little rock ’n’ roll lounge in midtown Ventura, but they do have high hopes for the arts community they’re making space for in the venue.

“It will always be evolving and we are open to new things. I don’t plan on going anywhere, and this is a dream of ours,” says Myles. We both love what we do, and we want to share that with everyone . . . and help people along the way.”   

The Dirty Vinyl Bar and Gallery is located at 1644 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura. 641-1500, www.myspace.com/thedirtyvinyl. Open Monday-Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Erik Myles’ art can be seen by visiting www.mylesofabstract.com.

michel@vcreporter.com