NHL Hockey Night In Orlando

All 5 major league sports are represented along the I-4 corridor of Central Florida. Two sports are based in Orlando; NBA Basketball (Orlando Magic) and MLS Soccer (Orlando City Lions). The other three major league sports are based in the Tampa Bay area; Major League Baseball (Tampa Bay Rays), NFL Football (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and NHL Hockey (Tampa Bay Lightning).

So when the NHL brought a pre-season game to Amway Center in Orlando, I jumped at the chance to watch a game close-up!

And it was even more exciting because I was invited into one of those skybox suites! So this is how the other half lives!

The Lightning brought their team stadium announcer with them from Amalie Arena in Tampa. But I could not tell if they brought their DJ with them too because about 75% of the music was EDM! I'm hoping that was the Orlando Magic's DJ playing because I'd go to more games with that kind of music!

You can never go wrong with Go Go Cheerleader girls!

The Lightning won 6-2 before nearly 11,000 hockey fans and a good time was had by all!

SAVE PLEASURE ISLAND

RIP 10 YEARS TONIGHT

This Weekend In Techno Town

THURSDAY SEP 27
The final weekend of September is jammed with world-class DJ's and it begins tomorrow night at Celine as DJ Gareth Emery (GB) performs on the main stage while Wade (E) performs upstairs on the rooftop patio!  Trance / Tech House / House.

THURSDAY SEP 27
I hate it when they have visiting international DJ's playing in different clubs on the same night and that's the case again Thursday night as DJ duo Chocolate Puma (NL) perform at Attic Nightclub.  House.

FRIDAY SEP 28
Last Friday of the month means "Lost In Trancelation" at Bikkuri Lounge. This edition, check out DJ Chris Schweizer (RA) joining residents Suzy Solar (USA) and Robb Blak (USA).  Big Room Trance.

FRIDAY SEP 28
Elixir Bar has another great show this Friday night on their wonderful patio with a visit from DJ Jacky (GB) with an opening set from DJ Fatkat (USA).  House.

FRIDAY SEP 28
DJ Agni has been drawing some big crowds to Peek Downtown for his "Beats" series and we get another edition of it Friday night!  You can see the lineup on the flyer.  House / Tech House / Progressive House.

SATURDAY SEP 29
They drew a huge crowd last year at EDC-Orlando and you can only imagine how they'll pack the far more intimate Gilt Nightclub this Saturday night!  Heavy Bass / Dubstep.

SATURDAY SEP 29
OK Breaks familia, time to return to Bikkuri Lounge this Saturday night with this huge lineup featuring headliner DJ Martin Flex (GB) and supported by Seth Vogt (USA), Rich D. (USA) and more!  Breaks.

SUNDAY SEP 30
The weekend continues into Sunday and back on the patio at Elixir Bar is DJ Baum (E).  House.

SUNDAY SEP 30
Local boy makes good as DJ Sage Armstrong (USA) returns home for this show at Celine.  Dirtybird House.

PI Update: Shades of Mannequins

This Thursday marks 10 years since Pleasure Island was closed forever. But as we visit the Island, we can still remember the fun we had back then. And in fact, you can still see some snippets of what once was. Mannequins Dance Palace, famed for its "ahead of its time" lighting and sound system......and that revolving dance floor!

We were told even back then that the building that housed Mannequins and 8TRAX could never be razed because it housed the power grid for the entire Island. While no doubt the power grid was ultimately moved elsewhere to support what became the much-larger Disney Springs, it's true that Mannequins and 8TRAX were the only clubs to be spared the wrecking ball!

I can remember many-a-night when the entry line began here at its spectacular marquee entry and snaked its way to the Hub. Or on Castmember Thursday nights, the 3rd floor side entrance being used via the stairway!

The Mannequins revolving dance floor during happier times!

The Mannequins revolving dance floor during sadder times.

No more dancing under the hanging mannequins.

Now a part of Morimoto Asia, you can still visit outside and see shades of Mannequins. Sadly, you're now more likely to see the "technology" of a fast-paced restaurant rather than hear "techno" music which is what electronic music was called back then!

PI Update: Shades Of 8TRAX

This Thursday marks 10 years since Pleasure Island was closed forever. But as we visit the Island, we can still remember the fun we had back then. And in fact, you can still see some snippets of what once was. This was the lower/rear door of 8TRAX. That round building carried guests up a circular staircase from the club's lowest level near this door up to the club's highest level where the DJ booth was.

We were told even back then that the building that housed 8TRAX and Mannequins could never be razed because it housed the power grid for the entire Island. While no doubt the power grid was ultimately moved elsewhere to support what became the much-larger Disney Springs, it's true that 8TRAX and Mannequins were the only clubs to be spared the wrecking ball!

I can remember many-a-night when the entry line began here and snaked its way up the stairs beside the club building!

The 8TRAX dance floor during happier times.

The 8TRAX dance floor during sadder times.

 No more drink specials at 8TRAX.

Now a part of Morimoto Asia, you can still visit outside and see shades of 8TRAX. Sadly, "Peking Duck" is in, "Disco Duck" is out!

Club Reports: Independent Bar, The Beacham, Aero Bar, The Patio

You know by now that if it's at all possible on a Saturday night, I'm going to begin my evening at Independent Bar.

Just as it should be, DJ Indie John (USA) in the booth!

The dance floor went from this at 10:30PM.....

.....to this at 11:00PM!

80's New Wave packs the dance floor every Saturday night!

It's the songs everyone knows the words to!

 Spotted in VIP: Jennifer & Craig

You can't beat the vibe in here!

We haven't dropped in on The Beacham in awhile because Saturday night resident DJ Richie Rich (USA) had relocated to South Florida.

DJ KP The Great (USA) was on stage when I arrived.

The place was absolutely packed!

The music Hip Hop and RnB.

I had sadly missed Richie Rich's reunion set by just a few minutes. He's here pictured (left to right) with DJ Xclusive City (USA) and DJ Yung Scholar (USA).

Just like old times!

Aero Bar was up next!

DJ Dominick Morrison (USA) leading the festivities!

It was packed here too!

With Chris Lake (GB) playing out at the Fairgrounds last night, K?D (USA) at Gilt, the Earthdance event out near Lake Wales and Imagine Music Festival in Atlanta, I thought downtown might be dead last night. It was NOT!

Since Aero is a rooftop venue, you're literally "dancing with the stars"!

The music EDM all night!

For the best New Years Eve party in Orlando, check-out The Dom playing at EPCOT: China. Only three more months to the big night!

Partying in VIP!

Last stop of the night was The Patio!

DJ Parry (USA) on the controls!

Parry packs them in!

I would not ordinarily set foot in this place but Cascada (D) hit "Everytime We Touch" blasting on the speakers drew me in, lol!

Bubble music!

It's crazy like this every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night!

And they've got a big Halloween edition planned on October 31st!

Peeps making requests.

Says she's looking for "Booty".

Packed downtown last night and everywhere I went, a good time was had by all!