Club Reports: Lillian's Music Room, Simons (Gainesville)

Located in downtown Gainesville, the Hippodrome State Theater opened in 1911 and at one time had the U.S. Post Office on the ground floor and the U.S. District Court on the top floor.  It stands as an institution of the city. And since I was over-nighting last night in Gainesville, it was a great opportunity to also visit two musical institutions!

Lillian's Music Store carries the old sign from it's days as a place you could purchase a piano but it's been a venerable live music club for decades!

And indeed, a live band was on stage playing old Rock hits.

It's been redecorated from its days as a dive bar but the older crowd it attracts was not there last night, at least not around 11PM.

The other musical institution visited last night was Simons.  Back in the day this club was as underground as you could get. Back then there was no brightly lit sign! Actually, there was no sign at all and you entered through a door in an alley behind the club!

Last night DJ Netgate was in the booth playing EDM when I arrived.

And the place was packed with college-age kids!

Back in the late 80's & 90's, Simons was the place for Techno and House music and then-owner Simon Semrani would bring in DJ's such as Deep Dish, Carl Cox, Felix da Housecat, Richie Hawtin, Icey, Josh Wink, Sasha & Digweed.

When most cities in Florida banned "raves", Gainesville still allowed them (until they caught on) and Simons was thee place. But now we get Trap.

But you can never go wrong with Go Go girls.....

.....or Go Go boys!

It ain't what it used to be.  Nonetheless, a good time was had by all!