Briefly in business

Granville Kirkup, of Newport Blues, Inc., recently purchased Studio

Cafe on Balboa Peninsula and plans to reorganize the popular bar at 100

Main St., near the Balboa Pier.

Kirkup, who has been a Balboa business owner for several years, plans

to spend $300,000 to remodel the 25-year-old cafe to keep it among the

top nightclubs for blues music on the peninsula. The renovations will

include new lighting, sound system and stage.

Kirkup recently hired Tricia Freeman to book entertainment for

“Thursday Night Blues,” which features local and touring blues acts.

Freeman is also planning “Women of Rock” for Tuesday nights, showcasing

female blues acts.