Real estate professionals seek to showcase art, artists
By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s best-selling book, “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference,” High Desert residents Leah Maldonado and Kim Carter set out on a course to make one of their big dreams come true.
On Saturday, the real estate professionals will unveil their new Apple Valley bar and nightclub, The Tipping Point, which is located at 21860 Outer Highway 18.
Maldonado said the establishment will feature a sports bar, fine wine and craft beer lounge and a small concert venue where local bands and solo acts will perform. Additionally, The Tipping Point will showcase the artwork of area artists in a variety of mediums.
“The High Desert has been growing over the last several years in terms of commercial businesses but we haven’t seen much expansion when it comes to the arts,” said Maldonado, 33.
“It has been our goal for a long time to open a place where artists and musicians can come and share their talents with the public and each other. We see the bar as sort of secondary to our business. First and foremost, we want to cater to the arts community.”
The Tipping Point’s location was once home to a revolving group of bars, such as Rock’s Club, Daisy Dukes, Studio 18 and Art’s Place. Maldonado and Carter envision their place becoming a mainstay in Apple Valley and attracting patrons from all over Southern California.
Another goal of the pair’s is for The Tipping Point to earn the reputation of being a premier spot for creative types to hang out and network. Additionally, the venue has its sights set on offering musical acts an opportunity to record their CDs and music videos on its premises.
“From what I’ve seen, it’s been really difficult for artists in this area to promote themselves and get followers,” said Maldonado. “Our club will be a way for them to get the word out on a broader scale about what they have to offer.
“To that end, we also plan on filming all of the concerts and promoting them on our Facebook page, Youtube and other social media sites.”
Along with supporting the High Desert’s cultural community, Maldonado said she and Carter intend for The Tipping Point to be a welcoming gathering spot for locals. Its sports bar will be equipped with four big screen televisions, as well as three pool tables. Although the club does not have a kitchen, plans are in the works to bring a food truck to the establishment a few days a week.
Its wine bar and craft beer lounge also will be a highlight of the venue.
“We are planning to have jazz musicians play in the wine bar, so people come in and relax and listen to a little music,” said Carter, who lives in Hesperia. “We’ll be starting out with a very nice selection of wines and hope to expand our inventory in the future.”
The Tipping Point’s grand opening will offer live music and book readings, as well as giveaways and drink specials. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the festivities will begin at 7 p.m.
The club’s business hours are set from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week. Admission to its concerts and arts events will be free.
“Something like The Tipping Point is really such a necessity here in our area,” said Maldonado. “We need a place like this so badly because otherwise, we’re just a city with a bunch of shopping areas.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/thetippingpointbar or call 760-240-4124.