Sunday, October 19, 2014

Club Reports: LAX, Backstage Nightclub, BB Kings Blues Club, Adobe Gilas', Funky Monkey, Señor Frog's, Fire Lounge

It's been more than two years since the Blog explored the tourist district of International Drive so that was last night's project.  Began the night at the enormous club LAX on Universal Blvd.  It remains non-operational. Once known as Destiny Night Club, I was there on opening night for DJ's Sandra Collins (USA) and Paul Oakenfold (GB).  It's too bad they can't get this one going again now that EDM is so huge!
Two busts in a row! Went next to Backstage Nightclub inside the Rosen Plaza Hotel on I-Drive.  It has closed and is under heavy renovations.  But it's not permanently out of business; a valet driver told me that it's going to reopen in Spring.
Next stop, the increasingly popular Pointe Orlando complex.  Originally opened as a retail complex and still having a Hollister, Bath & Body Works and other stores, it's become mostly a dining and entertainment complex for those staying in nearby hotels.  Opa at the rear features Greek table dancing and Top 40/Dance while BB King's Blues Club in the foreground is all about their live band!
The BB Kings All-Star Band mixes Blues in with a mostly Top 40 music format. Cover was $5.
Sources tell the Blog that this empty spot, formerly Lulu's Bait Shack, is being developed by the owners of BB King's and will become Lafayette Music Hall, another music and dancing venue.  They're also developing the smaller, former Hooters location into another restaurant.
Adobe Gilas' is another restaurant that becomes a club at night!
At this venue, it's a live Rock band.
Club was packed!  No cover.
Over in this corner of Pointe Orlando, the future location of Blue Martini is under construction.  They'll be relocating from their current spot in the Mall at Millenia.
Another restaurant in Pointe Orlando with music is Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar.
No one was dancing during my visit but the DJ was playing some Michael Jackson.
If you've ever been down to the Caribbean or Mexico, you're no doubt familiar with the fun of Mexican chain Señor Frog’s!  It's a couple block walk north of Pointe Orlando.
DJ's were playing predominately Caribbean Latin beats and Top 40.
Guys looking for girls?  It was about 75% female here!
Dance floor stayed packed although a lot of people were dancing right next to their tables!
Didn't hear any EDM but my drink was powerful!
Cover charge was $10 and there was a line to get in!
Last stop of the night was Fire Lounge, located at Ice Bar Orlando.
DJ ET (The Groove, Vain Nightclub) was in the booth playing mostly Hip Hop.
Dance floor started off with just two brave souls.
But quickly morphed into full status for "The Wobble"!
ET is at Vain Nightclub on Friday nights and here at Fire Lounge on Saturday nights.
Another venue about 75% female meaning a good time was had by all!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

how is ET at Vain? I've heard that guy at The Groove before and it was amateur hour. Just saying..

KingBob said...

Have not seen DJ ET at Vain but he did well at Fire. While I'm not into Hip Hop, the crowd was definitely enjoying his set.

Anonymous said...

When I saw him at the Groove, he was constantly yapping on the mic, couldn't mix his way out of a paper bag, etc. Maybe someone taught him how to be a professional Dj.

Anonymous said...

A lot of dj's talk alot on the microphone while playing.

Anonymous said...

"A lot of dj's talk alot on the microphone while playing." Nobody wants to hear you talking non-stop over the verses and choruses of a song they like, it's annoying. So many of the laptop Djs running around these days were never taught how to actually do their job professionally. Just sayin..

KingBob said...

Talking to the audience is ET's style. I heard one of the Yellow Claw DJ's doing the same thing when they played EDC-NY over Memorial Day weekend and expect the same when they play EDC-Orlando in a few weeks. A lot of DJ's don't talk at all to their audience, some say a few words.....and some talk a lot.