New Years Eve was the final night for one of downtown Orlando’s oldest nightclubs, Tanqueray’s. We didn’t attend because we were elsewhere but in checking the Blog archives, we only visited one time during all the years we were downtown as seen in these Blog archive photos from 2014.Lots of dark wood and decades of cigarette smoke permeated the place. But it was a popular hangout for many.We never went because it was home to live bands and we were not into live bands. The entrance upstairs at the corner of Orange Avenue and Pine Street is very reminiscent of the entrance to a subway station in NYC, a Metro station in Paris or an Underground station in London. If another club opens here, and we don’t know that one will, we hope the new owner gives the place a “transit station” retheming, perhaps with an old car from the London Tube inside!Speaking of London, London House is the quirky members club located just off Sand Lake Road in the Tourist District.Resident DJ Chymera (USA) was in the booth playing a great mix of both EDM hits and House.But it was hard to see him because the fog was so thick.But we did get to see last night’s hostess, Tori. Many of you know her from her downtown clubs B Nice and Arena Art Bar.Because of London House‘s location across the road from Big Sand Lake, fog can move in with little notice. Or maybe they had a fog machine. Nonetheless, you can never go wrong with Go Go girls.We’re told the place was absolutely mobbed for NYE two nights earlier. Last night, just a small assortment of us movers and shakers.We visited Universal CityWalk last night including their main dance club Red Coconut Club which has been reimagined for the holidays as the Green and Red Coconut Club.Step inside and you’re transported to Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge.But please, leave your ski equipment outside.Dance floor had a small contingent on it.DJ Marg (USA) was in the booth playing Top 40 hits during our visit such as “Single Ladies”, “Bad” and the “Wobble”. The whole family is welcome and there is no cover charge. However, with the holidays coming to a conclusion, not sure how many days remain for this refresh before it reverts back to Red Coconut Club.You can play hockey during your visit.Lots of kitsch. Upstairs, the original DJ booth is still here but is now being used as a tech booth. Back in the day when “The Herb Williams Band” was playing downstairs on the main stage, DJ’s would play from here between band sets and after the band ended. After many years, a DJ booth was finally constructed beside the dance floor downstairs.Very impressive; come check it out. Universal garage parking is also free after 6PM.Also in CityWalk is Rising Star Karaoke.Yes, it’s a large karaoke club with audience seating on three levels.At every other karaoke bar in town it’s just you and a microphone; at Rising Star you also get a live band to accompany you!And backup singers & dancers!This guy was singing the famous Frank Sinatra (USA) song “My Way”. There’s apparently no rule that you have to be a good singer to croon at Rising Star. A DJ plays Top 40 between karaoke sets and an impromptu dance floor is created in front of the stage. Everywhere we went last night, a good time was had by all.
You must be logged in to post a comment.