The latest brave souls to open a club in downtown Tacoma have one thing that many of their now-deceased forerunners didn’t — a good plan and something for everyone. Named for the Roman hybrid goddess, Juno has plenty of variety worked into its weekly offerings — a mechanical bull, a monthly with DJ dAb and Omar, an industry insider Sunday, and maybe some guitar heroes. The former Garage spot at 933 Market St. will get off on a good foot this Friday, April 11, with local soca/dancehall/reggae darling Alex Duncan, with doors opening at 9 p.m. Cover is $10.

The masterminds behind Juno, collectively known as FFF Investments LLC, promise something for everyone. A tentative weekly lineup will include a Wednesday night slurry of activity, including Madden Football tournaments, Guitar Heroes and open mic in the lounge. Thursday night will be the night to dance, with plenty of retro dance cuts. Fridays will feature live music, and Saturdays will feature mechanical bull rides and retro rock sounds. This Saturday, April 11, will be Saturday Night Flights night, with a trip-to-Las-Vegas giveaway, Stoli girls, music for the masses, and rides on the mechanical bull.

FFF reps also promise a monthly produced in conjunction with Ocean Grooves pioneer Calvin Murphy, DJ dAb and Omar. Finally, Sundays will be industry night. That means club owners, musicians and others actively engaged in Tacoma’s nightlife will have something to do on Sunday that isn’t completely depressing.
Variety seems to be Juno’s defining feature — a wise move in Tacoma’s volatile club environment. Owners say they want to present as many options as possible — a move often used by wise business owners to stay alive. The atmosphere will be relatively mellow, say company reps, with a vibe that will be equal parts club and restaurant. Owners give props to the Swiss and Jazzbones, and hope to achieve the same institutional status within the year. For more information, look for ClubJuno.com in May. In the meantime, check out Juno on MySpace.

Opening night

Friday’s opening night will fill the massive venue with the smooth sounds of Alex Duncan, who’s been putting it down for more than a decade. Originally from the Island of St. Kitts, Duncan was lead vocalist for Seattle ensemble Jumbalassy, and has taken home awards for Best World/Ethnic band and Best World/Ethnic album. He counts Bob Marley, New Edition and Buju Banton among his influences, and it shows. With an average of 200 live performances a year, Duncan and Jambalassy were recognized by USA Today as one of Seattle's six most "active and unique ensembles."

Duncan has since gone solo, releasing his solo debut Say A Little Prayer in 1997, and a long-awaited follow up EP in 2006 titled Midnight. Duncan has shared the stage with Ziggy Marly, Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Eek-a-Mouse, David Rudder, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Arrow, and Inner Circle.