Well it’s true. The Monkey Bar is out, The Green Room is in. We’d just like to know why? In the sea of mediocrity that is Wall Street Plaza, Monkey Bar was an island oasis of electronic dance music. But not anymore.We climbed the stairs and walked into this. The inside bar is in the same location.The DJ is still located in the same place but now with a proper booth instead of just a table.We met DJ Palmer (USA) for the first time. The music was a good mix of Indie (we double-checked to make sure we weren’t in Hollister) evolving to Hip Hop during our visit.On the balcony the outdoor bar is in the same place. The fez-wearing monkey is still there too so LONG LIVE MONKEY BAR!We next headed to downtown-favorite Elixir Bar.The action takes place on their famous outdoor dance patio and we walked into this.The opener DJ Najman (USA) was on when we first arrived a little after 11PM.The Miami-based DJ was pumping out mostly vocal House & Tech House.He plays here fairly regularly as well as over at The Vanguard.Dance floor was getting crowded. Very impressive set.And right on schedule at midnight, there he was, the headliner…..DJ Kidoo (RO)He would continue with a mostly House set. First time seeing this Romanian DJ.We wouldn’t call the dance floor “packed” as we sometimes see here at Elixir but it was definitely crowded.Great set and a good time was had by all.There’s no sign yet with this new club’s name on it but the venue best known as Stonewall Bar previously and most-recently (and briefly) as Heatwave is now SapphireLounge. They only just had their grand opening over Labor Day weekend so this place is definitely breaking news! And we were immediately intrigued by that DJ playing up on the second level.So much yes!We entered on the ground level and walked into this. Whoa!In the main room, DJ Nina S (USA) going back-to-back with DJ Mr. Nukem (UAE).House and Tech House from this booth, all night long!Dance floor was jammed.You can never go wrong with Go Go girls.The first of 3 bars was down here.We climbed the stairs to the upper level, titled the “Found Room” last night.DJ Cataclisma (E/USA) was playing mostly House up here.First time seeing DJ Cataclisma play. Originally from Valencia, Spain, she is now based here in Orlando.Small narrow space but it was jammed up here too.DJ Ethan McCain (USA) had played up here earlier and was now controlling the lights and…..smoke?There’s a large bar up here too.Looking down, we could see there was a third dance floor!And at the bottom of the stairs, a third bar!The third area of music, last night titled “The Alchemy Room” but located on their outdoor back patio.DJ Hulian (USA)His set was more on the EDM side of House music with classics such as “Ecstasy” and “Pump Up The Jam” in remixed EDM formats. Good stuff!Dance floor was jammed down here too.Impressive new venue!Sapphire is located on Church Street west of downtown and adjacent to the soccer stadium. There is street parking nearby but they also have a large lot with free unsupervised parking about a block or so further west at Westmoreland Drive. Awesome venue and a good time was had by all.
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