PI Update: Remembering 8TRAX Exteriors

With this past weekend's visit to the World's Largest Disco event in Buffalo, the all-70's Disco format caused many memories from Pleasure Island's club 8TRAX to come forward! Most PI fans will remember that 8TRAX replaced a club called Cage. As you can see, when 8TRAX first opened, it was strictly a 70's club.

Sometime around 2002, with the 70's becoming more-and-more distant, it switched to playing both 70's and 80's.

Within 24-hours of closing on that fateful night in September, 2008, the 8TRAX signage in front was painted over. The colorful paint job itself remained awhile longer.

During 2011, with Disney having no apparent options on what to do with the place, the colors were painted over. 8TRAX never more!

DS Update: Westjet Magic

Travel day today so posting this filler article. Spotted at Lester B. Pearson Toronto International Airport this past Saturday morning, the Westjet Walt Disney World Boeing 737-800 plane. Apparently 36 different colours were used to paint this aircraft.

Concert Report: The World's Largest Disco (Buffalo)

Had so much fun last year at this event that I couldn't pass up a chance to experience it again! The annual World's Largest Disco event at the Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center in Buffalo, NY.

Entry completed. Coat check completed. The anticipation increased as I rode the escalator up into the convention center's main floor and was greeted by Saturday Night Fever and The Jefferson's images!

Music provided all night by the DJ's & Techs from WTSS Star 102.5 Buffalo.

The early crowd. Bell bottoms, platform shoes and go go boots ruled the night!

It didn't take long for the place to become packed!

70's Disco hits one after another!

You can never go wrong with Go Go boys!

Well of course there were shiny disco balls!

Deney Terio from 70's dance contest show "Dance Fever" was there!

And they did a quick skit.

Halloween never ended in Buffalo!

The "Car Wash" guys!

"Fill-up and you don't have to pay!"

 There were a few dressed in Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabers sports regalia, but otherwise it was strictly 70's attire!

A fundraiser for childhood cancer, this event has raised around $7M over the years!

 

 

Because everyone loves 70's Disco!

The Hues Corporation (USA) performing their hit "Rock The Boat".

Another sell-out! If you don't buy tickets within a day of them being offered on TicketMaster, you ain't going! It's always on the Saturday night after Thanksgiving.

70's television program photos ring the arena.

There are no bad vibes in this place!

"Laverne & Shirley" and "Adam 12" photos.

A drag show was included.

Packed right up to the barrier!

So many 70's styles are in style again in 2019!

An incredible experience; it was like a night at 8TRAX x 100!

Celebrity guests included Natalie from "Facts of Life", Bo from "Dukes of Hazard" and Janet from "Three's Company".

A "Grease" skit late in the program.

Amazing night and a good time was had by all.

Tonight In Techno Town

TONIGHT
DJ Duke Dumont (GB)     Celine     Deep House

TONIGHT
DJ Sigala (GB)     Gilt Nightclub     House

TONIGHT
This is where I will be!
The World's Largest Disco     Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center     70's Disco

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.