Singer/songwriter Esther Kang met Suzy’s Bar and Grill co-owner Deborah “DK” Kahlo when she began playing open mic nights at the club, after moving to Hermosa Beach in 2012. The following Christmas DK surprised Kang with a new pick-up and set of guitar strings.
Kang was among the dozens of local musicians DK and husband Sal Longo looked after over the past decade while building Suzy’s into the area’s most prominent showcases for emerging talent.
“When I started bringing my dog Charlie to the bar, DK would laugh about how skinny he was and order a doggie burger from the kitchen,” Kang recalled. The sight of DK sitting outside in the patio with her bottle of wine and cigarettes became comforting to me. She was a diamond in the rough.
Kahlo passed away Sunday, January 22.
DK and Sal shared many interests. A love of music was at the top of that list, leading the couple to buy Suzy’s Bar and Grill in 2008. DK’s legacy was her passion and support of musicians. DK loved every moment of being involved in her community and opened Suzy’s stage to hundreds of aspiring and accomplished artists.
DK was born February 28, 1951 in Whittier, California to Jack and Marjorie Kahlo. Her family moved to Palos Verdes, where DK graduated from Palos Verdes High School. DK is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years, Sal, her two stepchildren, Dani and Tim, her many friends and beloved cats.
A celebration of DK’s life will be held on February 10 at 3 p.m. at Journey of Faith Church, 1243 Artesia Blvd. in Manhattan Beach. ER
