In September 2008, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) opened The Loft, an urban-esque, on-campus venue with the hope it would encapsulate the university spirit while also lending its students a much-deserved space to relax and enjoy up-and-coming artists and musicians. That goal has been met — and more are being formulated all the time. Today, although the venue is still growing, changing and morphing, it’s becoming not only a place for students, but also a true fixture of the La Jolla community at large. “It’s amazing that on any given night we could have a high schooler from La Jolla High, a freshman from UCSD or a 50-year-old-plus attendee here for ArtPower shows,” said Elizabeth Bradshaw, The Loft’s curator. With its funky, yet surprisingly modern décor — conjured by San Diego’s very own Bells & Whistles design firm — it’s no surprise that the venue attracts not only 20-something hipsters looking to scope out emerging bands, but also seasoned art connoisseurs. “During the initial design process, it was really clear to everyone that the space at The Loft shouldn’t be institutionalized,” said Amy Thomas, marketing director for The Loft. “It was apparent students wanted the design to have a ‘vibe’ — not the atmosphere of a study hall.” Each aspect of the space’s layout appears to have relied heavily upon this input. The seating, besides that of benches, is not static, lending it the feel of an urban café during the day and a swanky restaurant/bar at night. Zanzibar, the restaurant adjoing The Loft, also employs the same modernistic design elements as the venue. It came on board last October and has been doing its best to bring The Loft even more success. Owner of Zanzibar, Carole Janks, said the decision by UCSD to bring Zanzibar on campus was a dream come true. “When we first applied to be a part of The Loft project, we’d didn’t think we’d get it. When we did, I was so surprised,” said Janks. “I was an art major in college, so to be able to merge my business with the arts, food and wine was really ideal.” Janks feels Zanzibar’s creative take on food — a concept she coins “simply elevated” — is what keeps people of all ages enamored with the restaurant. Much of what UCSD offers students is run-of-the-mill fast food, but Zanzibar offers fresh options at affordable pricing, and it’s been a fixture of the San Diego community for more than 19 years. Janks feels it’s this combination that gives her the insight as to what works best for locals. Despite its finalization took almost a year to conceive, the long labor to receive the beer and wine licensing paid off, and Zanzibar has helped draw even more students and locals who are 21 and over, making the space more accessible to all ages. “Before the introduction of the bar, we had about 70 percent students, and 30 percent off-campus attendees, now — with the bar — it’s more half-and-half,” explained Bradshaw. Beyond its first-rate food, wine, music and art selections, The Loft is hosting its first comedy night, “LOL: Laugh Out Loft,” on Oct. 12 featuring a range of comedians from “Last Comic Standing” and UCSD alumnus. Also, anyone can rent space in The Loft for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other event, which both Thomas and Bradshaw claim has been a great opportunity to connect with the local community and get the word out about the creative affairs happening at The Loft. This year also marks The Loft’s launch of a membership program designed to help ease the reality of dwindling funding. This new annual membership program allows current UCSD students to pay for $25 for almost all Loft events, while non-students can pay $75 for 20 percent off all tickets, plus members-only perks such as meet-and-greets with artists and priority on-sale tickets. The curators at The Loft work hard to provide a wide range of unique shows. One might be hard-pressed to not find something interesting throughout its season. From local San Diego Music Award winners to Canadian folksingers, jazz quartets, chamber music and art and even “Bitchy Bingo,” The Loft aims to please all ages while still maintaining an edge, enticing visitors to take chance by getting out of their artistic comfort zone. “The Loft really acts as a vehicle to provide students with the ability to explore various types of performances and genres that they may not be able to see elsewhere,” Bradshaw said. “We are really the only event of our kind in all of San Diego that has beer and wine, welcomes all-ages, has art shows, music and comedy in one spot every week.” For ticket information, call (858) 534-TIXS, or visit www.artpwr.com/categories/loft for more event details, to purchase tickets in advance, get directions and find parking information.