Club Reports: The Stripper Poles Of Downtown Orlando

Numerous downtown Orlando nightclubs used to have stripper poles but they've apparently gone out of style! Today we remember a few of them. This one was located inside Antigua.

 

 This one was located at Suite B Lounge but was removed when they remodeled and rebranded as Peek Downtown.

Back in the day when The Beacham was Tabu Nightclub, they didn't have a stripper pole but they did have two dance platforms which were popular with the Ladies.

Venue 578 back when it was Firestone had a couple popular poles!

I don't recall Independent Bar ever having a stripper pole per se but this round support beam adjacent the dance floor has often served the same purpose.

 Currently downtown, there seems to be a couple poles inside Room 22 (formerly Vintage Lounge). I've never seen anyone using them so they might just be for their employee dancers.

The only definite remaining stripper pole downtown that I'm aware of is this one upstairs at The Office (formerly Stigma). It appears stripper poles have gone the way of glow sticks and you sadly just don't see them much any more.

Club Report: Elixir Is Back!

Elixir Bar has reopened and there finally is some nightlife downtown again. Check out the pictures on our sister website Orlando Entertainment News here.

PI Update: Hot August Nights!

Mannequins in August, 2008!  One month until closure.

Doors opened at 9PM!

But normally just entering via a door was not an option; you had to ride the lift up to the second floor!

And when you arrived, this is the greeting you received!

During the final years, the famous "Mannequins Light Show" aka the "Mannequins Medley" was usually delivered early in the evening.

As the dance floor began to fill and.....

.....as the dance floor revolved around!

A lot of House, Trance and Top 40 remixed to an electronic beat.

A good time was had by all.

Friday Funny

Not so much.
Yes, we might get a little political as the 2020 election approaches.

Downtown Update: Three Orlando Nightspots

My friend Patrick Scott Barnes is a downtown nightclub photographer and he has published a book called "Three Orlando Nightspots".  My Review on Amazon: 
A look at the craziness of Orlando's downtown nightlife scene from the perspective of club photographer Patrick Scott Barnes. Between the numerous fun color photos included in the book, Patrick has included poetry selections that touch on the expected nightlife topic but also provide insight into his perspective of photography, race, exes, health and more! An enjoyable read, especially if you're a fan of females out having fun!  
Only $10.99 on Amazon here.

This Weekend In Techno Town

FRIDAY AUG 7
DJ K1KO (USA)     Elixir Bar     House

SATURDAY AUG 8
DJ Chino (USA)     Elixir Bar     House, Top 40

Downtown Update: Church Street Struggles

This past weekend the Orlando Sentinel ran a story talking about the struggles Church Street has been facing because of the coronavirus. It talks about some of the closures that have occurred down there recently.

No doubt the situation on Church Street has worsened because of the virus but the story overlooks the fact that things have been bleak there for years. The Blog has chronicled the street's demise in recent years prior to the virus hitting. Like what is going on with the Orlando Magic's festival marketplace that was supposed to be built across from Amway Center? What is the city doing to encourage tenants in all the empty spots? The Sentinel article is here.

Video Killed The Radio Star?

Yes, it's hard to believe but on August 1st Music Television aka MTV celebrated it's 39th anniversary! The first song played was by New Wave band The Buggles (GB) "Video Killed The Radio Star". Link.  It seemed to make sense though. If you could hear and see a song at the same time, video would kill radio.

But of course it didn't happen. Terrestrial radio is still out there with very little music on the AM band and still plenty of it on the FM band. There is internet radio and satellite radio. Radio is bigger than ever. And MTV dropped their playing of music videos by the mid-90's so video never did kill the video star! No telling what the next 20 years will bring! Tune into the Blog in 2040 to find out!

Club Report: Oasis On The River (Sanford)

Two nights in a row in Sanford? Yes, with downtown Orlando basically dead, sometimes it's necessary to travel to find the fun. DJ Amygurl (USA) in the booth at Oasis On The River. See all last night's pics here on sister website Orlando Entertainment News here.

Club Report: Manikins Lounge (Sanford)

With downtown Orlando completely dead, I decided to take the lengthy drive to downtown Sanford where there actually is some nightlife. Destination: Manikins Lounge

This ain't the Mannequins that you and I remember from Pleasure Island.

DJ Rob Bates (USA) was delivering the music which was 80's New Wave, Dark Wave and Goth. (No DJ photos last night so we're using this file photo.)

Good size crowd in the room and there's also an outdoor patio in back. Ran into a lot of Independent Bar Saturday night people here last night!

There are very realistic mannequins spread throughout the club. Since many of them are standing against the side wall where patrons are also standing, you really have to look closely to see if what you're looking at is a real person or a mannequin!

Heck, I was hitting on this person sitting at the bar for nearly 10 minutes before I realized she wasn't real!

Some of the staff. Not the Mannequins we remember but definitely a cool place and a good time was had by all. 
ABOVE PHOTO CREDIT: MANIKINS

Friday Funny

So what is it about Trump that you like?

Yes, we might get a little political as the 2020 election approaches.

DS Update: Lululemon News

Sorry, no actual news. Renovations continue to change the Trophy Room store into a Lululemon athletic wear store. Supposed to open this year but no date has been announced.

This Weekend In Techno Town

FRIDAY JUL 31
DJ Dubfire (GB)     Courtyard 390     House
CANCELLED

SATURDAY AUG 1
DJ Evan Gamble Lewis (USA)     Oasis on the River (Sanford)     Breaks / Bass

PI Update: We Found Gideon's!

We had previously speculated where Gideon's Bakehouse was going to be located. Turns out it's going in to our favorite spot most recently occupied by Rustic Cuff and most famously occupied by Erwin Pearl Jewelry. The extensive construction walls surrounding the venue makes us think that a new door will get installed at the corner of the building facing the Hub. We previously complained that Erwin Pearl had little chance of success given the location of their door which was on the side facing east. Downhill pedestrians on Hill Street never noticed the place while uphill pedestrians were more focused on what was in front of them up the hill. A corner door plus some baking smells drifting into the walkways will be a sure winner. The sign says opening in 2020!
(Editor's Note: PI Live Bar used to occupy a different building located at this spot.)

DS Update: Fighting Covid-19 At The Springs?

During our recent visit to Disney Springs, were the guests taking care to social distance and wear the required masks?

As you can see, absolutely yes. As in the Disney theme parks, guests can only take off their masks if they're dining or drinking and they can only do that in place, not while walking around.

Staying away from a crowd is sometimes difficult but I did not witness anyone anywhere (except at outdoor dining tables) not keep their mask on. Compliance was 100%.

A line to get into the limited-capacity Uniqlo store was practicing their social distancing.

Lots of free Purell hand sanitizer stations throughout the Springs. Good job, Disney. Good job, everyone too.

Club Report: Tail Break Rave Coming!

Since the Covid-19 surge in Florida and particularly Orlando, clubs and bars have been closed and there have been close to zero DJ events. However, on Saturday August 22, an event called "Tail Break Rave" is going to be held outdoors at Ace Cafe. Not only offering an outlet for pent-up demand for entertainment, it could give other promoters a way forward to jump-start activities. You can see the amazing talented lineup that includes DJ Magic Mike (USA), Huda Hudia (USA), Jimmy Joslin (USA) and many more!  How are they going to do it?

This will be an outdoor drive-in theater-style concert. In this photo we see cars as typically parked facing towards or away from the Ace Cafe building. During this event, everyone arriving in a motor vehicle (most people) will park facing towards the camera. Running from 1PM to midnight, earliest arrivals will be up front.

A large stage for the DJ's will be standing in this grassy area on the south side of the complex. There will be powerful speakers and amazing lighting. Face coverings will be required and you will need to remain in or near your vehicle except when going to the bars, restaurant or bathrooms inside Ace Cafe.  If you choose to arrive without a vehicle, you will be able to hang out in this grassy area in front of the stage. Social distancing and masks will be strictly enforced by Security. This is is exciting! Advance tickets here and the Blog will keep you updated

Club Report: Ace Cafe

It was Christmas in July last night with The Yelves (USA). 
More pics on sister website Orlando Entertainment News here.

Friday Funny

Yes, we might get a little political as the 2020 election approaches.

DS Update: DJ's Return To Springs!

When Disney Springs shopping and restaurants reopened in late May, one thing that did not also return at the same time was Disney Springs musical entertainment. That has now been rectified as Disney tries to bring music back into the mix but without drawing crowds that would not be able to social distance.

Wednesday evening at the Waterside Stage in Disney Springs Marketplace with DJ Elliot (USA) playing old and new Top 40.

The music is kept rather low volume so as to not create a party atmosphere. Most people just walked by with only a few chilling out on the ample benches.

Spotted in VIP: Lindsay dropped by to visit the DJ!

One of our Blog sources says that under Phase 1, DJ's will be playing here Wednesday through Sunday nights. Under Phase 2, they will go to DJ's here every night. Under phase 3, DJ music would continue here as well as at Expo Park in Disney Springs West Side. Under Phase 4, additional music would be provided at the Water Fountain Stage near Earl of Sandwich.

Under Phase 5, the other musical entertainment that we've grown accustomed to around the Springs could return to work, presumably even here at the Waterview Stage which was the prior home to the Late Night Disney Springs DJ parties. Since those parties and musicians always draw crowds, it appears that we will need to be much further along in the coronavirus fight before that happens.