Club Report: Simons (Gainesville)

This is the world-famous dance club Simons in downtown Gainesville. Located in a former theater on Main Street, Simons was on the cutting age of electronic music back in 90's when up-and-coming DJ's such as Deep Dish, Carl Cox, Felix da Housecat, Richie Hawtin, Icey, Josh Wink and Sasha & Digweed played here. Today's college crowd is likely unfamiliar with the historic nature of the venue. It was unfortunately closed last night for Thanksgiving.

This was the front of the club when we visited in 2013. I wouldn't call the new front sign an improvement compared to this older one.

Back in the 90's there was no front entrance and no front entrance sign. Entry was unmarked and located behind the club and down this alley. Everyone knew where it was though. When cities like Miami and Orlando caught on to what was happening in the club scene and Gainesville remained naive awhile longer, thousands from out-of-town traveled here to party. It was quite an era.

Concert Report: AAHZ Reunion (The Beacham)

Thanksgiving Eve can only mean one thing: The AAHZ Reunion! Last night we returned to the Land of AAHZ one more time and it was amazing!
All our pics are posted on sister website Orlando Entertainment News here.

Thanksgiving Eve In Techno Town

TONIGHT
AAHZ REUNION ft. DJ Kimball Collins (USA), DJ Icey (USA), Baby Anne (USA), Dave Cannalte (USA)
The Beacham
Progressive House / Classic Dance

TONIGHT
DJ Julia Govor (RUS)     Iron Cow     Techno

TONIGHT
DJ duo Cocodrills (USA)     Elixir Bar     House / EDM

TONIGHT
DJ Oski (NZ)     Celine     House

TONIGHT
DJ Avision (USA)     Henao Event Center     Techno / Minimal

PI Update: Jock Lindsey's Holiday Bar

Beginning this Friday, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar becomes Jock Lindsey's Holiday Bar!  See all the details on the Disney Parks Blog here.  
PHOTO OWNERSHIP: Disney Parks Blog

PI Update: DJ Peapod Memories

Everyone had a favorite DJ at Mannequins and it usually had to do which night(s) you frequented the club. Dominick Morrison (USA) was the Monday - Wednesday night DJ while the Thursday night cast member night was all about Dave Cannalte (USA). But for those of us who were regulars on Friday and Saturday (or Sunday) nights during the final years, the booth was operated by DJ Peapod (USA). 
Peapod released many mix albums over the years but my absolute favorite was released in October, 2006 and was called "Proud".  If you've got 60 minutes, close your eyes, step on Mannequins  revolving dance floor one more time and click here: Proud

Trip Report: Grand Bahama Island

We're all familiar with the devastation wrought upon Grand Bahama Island (Freeport/Lucaya) by Hurricane Dorian. While my cruise this weekend did not stop there, we did pass about by about 8 nautical miles south of the island.

Most of the worst damage was on the north side of the relatively thin island. Most of the resorts are on the south side of the island and shown above. Port Lucaya Marketplace has reopened. Lighthouse Point at the Grand Lucayan Resort has reopened. Island Seas Resort reopens on December 1st.  Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort will reopen December 10th.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line offers 2-night cruises from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island every other day on their ship Bahamas Celebration.

Club Report: Horizon Bar (MSC Meraviglia)

 Friday night aboard cruise ship MSC Meraviglia. There's a small indoor dance venue called Attic Club but the place to be last night was at the outdoor Horizon Bar.

The club's name is named for the view, this one of Nassau, Bahamas at midnight as we sailed out to sea.

The music brought to us by DJ Hagi (TR).

Located aft on Decks 17/18, this is an adult-only pool by day and dance club by night!

Unlike Royal Caribbean where he had to hunt for the DJ hidden under some stairs adjacent a broom closet, MSC features their DJ's front and center!

Cruise ship DJ's do have to please everyone so the music was a mix of current Top 40, EDM, 70's & 80's Classics and Reggaeton.

Multi-levels!

Animation team member Andre (ZA) busting some moves!

You can never go wrong with Go Go girls.

Hagi did a great job keeping the dance floor occupied!

A good time was had by all.

Club Report: White Party (MSC Meraviglia)

Seems like a lot of cruises have a White Party nowadays and this sailing of MSC Cruises Meraviglia was no different. If you're going to take a cruise, it might be wise to bring an all-white outfit just in case.

Sailing out of Miami on a quick 3-night sailing to the Bahamas, not that many were prepared.

DJ Tony (BR) was though!

The theme was international dance songs representing the country of each of the crew members on the ship's animation team. Representing America, "The Wobble" lol.

Overall it reminded me of a night at Atlantic Dance Hall.

One of the biggest crowds I've seen at a deck party!

Everybody was having fun!

People dancing all over the place!

After the international segment of the party, the DJ played a 20-minute EDM set!

A good time was had by all.

DS Update: City Works Delayed

City Works Eatery & Pour House, pictured here in a Blog file photo, was scheduled to open Winter, 2019. We took this to mean December because that's the only month remaining this year that has Winter in it. But apparently the opening has been delayed and it will now open in 2020. Like maybe February. We'll keep you updated.

This Weekend In Techno Town

THURSDAY NOV 21
DJ duo Loud Luxury (CDN)     Gilt Nightclub     Electro House / EDM

FRIDAY NOV 22
DJ Gryffin (CDN)     Plaza Live     Hard Dance

FRIDAY NOV 22
DJ Circle K & MC Collaborator (USA)     Stonewall     DnB

FRIDAY NOV 22
DJ Lola B (USA) & DJ Dani Orieta (USA)     Iron Cow     House

SATURDAY NOV 23
DJ Mondo (USA) & DJ Santana (USA)     Hyde Park Cafe (Tampa)     EDM

SATURDAY NOV 23
DJ George "G-Spot" Jackson (USA)     Grumpy's Underground Lounge     Chicago House

SUNDAY NOV 24
DJ duo Rybo & Lubelski (USA)     Elixir Bar     House

CW Update: Eve Is Back!

CityWalk's annual New Years Eve party is back this year. A separately ticketed event, there will be DJ's at all the clubs including Antojitos this year as well as a large outdoor dance floor featuring DJ M-Squared (USA).  It runs from 8PM to 2AM and includes unlimited gourmet food. Information and advance tickets can be found here. The event sells out every year.

Club Report: Coyote Ugly Saloon (Denver)

After dinner in downtown Denver, we made a stop at the local branch of the nightclub chain Coyote Ugly Saloon.

My entourage on a chilly Denver evening!

Made famous by the 2000 film of the same name, each location features pretty female employees standing on the bar encouraging drinking and playing various games with the crowd.

One of those games in progress.

Members of the crowd are often invited up. Considering all the chains we have in Orlando, we don't have a branch of  Coyote Ugly. Seems like it would do well along International Drive. Tampa has a branch in Ybor City.

There's dancing too to Top 40 hits. Overall, a good time was had by all.