current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!
by Amy Malaspina
PENSACOLA, FLORIDAEase On Down The Road....
Throughout my many travels in search of the perfect night spot, I often have found myself on an interesting yet unending journey. Much like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, my quest has taken me to the far reaches of the earth. From the DNA Lounge in San Francisco, to The Pleasure Dome in Tampa, I've clubbed with the best in the west, yet I still yearn for more. So what's a newly transplanted Pensacola clubber to do? I asked around and all roads led to yellow. They told me to follow the yellow brick road and that's just what I did, directly to The Emerald City.
Click your heels together babies, 'cause you ain't in Kansas anymore. This is Pensacola's newest and freshest nightspot, The Emerald City. First some background on the City. Emerald City is owned by Johnny Chisholm who also happens to own Oz in New Orleans, in case any of you hardcore clubbers have happened upon it whilst milling about Bourbon St. So you know, the joint is money from top to bottom. Are you ready, my little munchkins? Let us don our ruby red slippers and ease on down the road to Emerald City and you be the judge. Join me as I try to find my way home....
I started my night off relatively early. Not knowing this club, my early arrival would enable me to scope the scene and decor quite nicely. Armed with my two companions, each of us searching for something different, we were off to see the wizard. A quick flash of some green (nicely priced at three bucks and no cover before 9pm), and we were in.
Once inside, you have three pathways to choose. One to the dance floor, one to some pool tables and a cozy little chill room and the final path to a front bar. We decided to stop first for drinks and then begin our adventure. Jessica, our fair haired bartender hooked us up flawlessly. We thanked Miss Jessica for our cocktails and ventured into the dance room.
I tell you, my lollipop guild, this was one Dorothy who was impressed. I walked into a fabulous light show of color and flash with kickin' beats groovin' and a crowd of 18 and up year-olds dancing and having a wonderful time in the Wizard's City. Across the dance floor I spotted the dance room bar. Glass block and neon lights, the inside bar got my club seal of approval. I walked up to the bar to be greeted by William and Joey who gave me some juicy dirt. They told me that at least two times a week, some local talent or the cast from Oz comes in to bring a high energy, thoroughly enjoyable show to The Emerald City. Thrilled because I love a good show, The City was feeling more like home. (And yes my dear readers, I have caught more than a few shows and they are of the utmost entertainment!) I thanked the lovely William and Joey for the hot tips and ventured out back.
The outside of The Emerald City is straight quality, a nice greenhouse feel. A place where kiddies can chill, dance or sip their cocktails. Back through the greenhouse door reveals a back patio and bar. This outside bar has a quaint Tiki feel with plenty of stools to park thirsty patrons, not to mention the flawlessly fabulous Sal. He asked if I'd been on the rooftop yet. Rooftop?
I climbed the stairs to the outside rooftop. Lined with benches, the rooftop is a perfect place to chill and socialize. Suddenly I took a deep breath, clicked my heels together and opened my eyes. I was home.
So my little munchkins, your nickel tour was just that. To get your full money's worth, you gotta see it to feel it. This is Emerald City children. It's all I think it is and more. A place where magic happens, everyone is beautiful and dreams come true. So if you go to Emerald City, looking to find that perfect party place or your courage, heart or home, come just like Dorothy did honeys, with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Pensacola may not be ready for this club, but for you believers, the ones who want to follow the yellow brick road to The Emerald City, bring it on babies, because, after all, there is no place like home.
Cheers To The Riviera
So tell me, where is a girl to find some of the best Gay bars in town?" I queried.
The group response was unanimous. "Girl, no evening can possibly be complete without a trip to the Riv!"
And with that, we were there. Excited I was, this being my first night out in that busy, bustling, boom town of Pensacola. First stop, The Riviera.
The Riviera, located just off of Main St. downtown, is a must see for any visitors, or locals for that matter. Owned by Greg Sheets, the Riviera will celebrate its second birthday on New Year's Eve, and if the crowds that consistently pack the joint on any given night of the week are any indication, it should be one hell of a party. But back to my evening at hand....
My posse and I arrived at about 10pm to a lively crowd and some crazy tunes to groove on. We scoped the scene....
Riviera Myth #1: The strange but true haps on the Riviera that we'd heard just had to be investigated. You see, it was said that on certain nights, the joint will be either overrun by men or taken over by the females. Riviera FACT: Fortunate for us, this night, we could put that ugly rumor to rest. The Riviera was, upon initial inspection, almost exactly 50/50. A nice mix of twenty to fortysomethings, even some queens thrown in the mix for good measure. We were indeed pleased and ventured to the front of the club to play some pool.
The Riviera has a good feel to it. The decor of wood and brick suit it quite nicely. It sort of has an old firehouse feel, minus the sliding poles and big red engines. The wooden dance floor is completely surrounded by mirrors so you can check yourself, or someone else while cuttin' a rug. Outside, the tropical patio and bomb shelteresque bar are two of my favorite places to chill and relax. (Also an excellent environment to get to know that someone special.)
We walked back into the danceroom and weren't shocked to see yet another rumor crushed.
Riviera Myth #2: The Riviera never has any entertainment. Riviera FACT: au contraire, mes amis...This night and almost every Fri.-Sat. from 11pm-2am, The Riviera is home to some of the most flawless dancing boys (some local, some out of towners). Not the Chippendale's rejects either, these boys are easy on the eyes. Not to mention the occasional pageant or drag show, The Riviera is entertainment in itself!
My friends and I dance the night away to the wee hour of 3am and part separate ways, satisfied and confidant that we had released The Riviera of some nasty myths. Overall, The Riviera is a great place to meet and greet. I give it my full seal of approval on my bar scale, but only a half seal on my club scale. In good faith, I cannot give it a full club seal, for I do not get a club vibe from The Riviera. It has all the elements of a club, true. However, the homey feel, the friendly atmosphere and one of the best staffs in town, make it that special little neighborhood joint you always seem to find your way to when you're out on the town. A place where everyone knows you name. Well, Cheers to you Riviera!
Riviera Turn-About Raises Over $700 For EASE
On Thurs., Aug. 27, the staff and management of The Riviera did their first ever "Turn-About" as a benevolent gesture to raise money for Escambia AIDS Services and Education [EASE]. The event raised over $700.
As the staff was busy with the presentation of the show, their regular duties were done by volunteer bartenders Amy Armstrong of Bedlam and Joe Carlson from the Roundup.
Supporting the cast and assisting with makeup, wigs, and gowns were Lauren Mitchel and Savanah Storm from The Red Garter. Additional support was supplied by Connie Miller of CBonet Boutique and Dwight King of Premier Hair Salons.
Joey Averil did the spotlight to help the "girls" sparkle. John Fletcher, The Riviera's backup DJ, made everyone sound good and kept the tempo up and hopping.
Bunny Hopson, DJ for The Red Garter, along with Jack Thompson of The Riviera, did the music and show coordination.
A surprise entrance was made by Miss Carmen Del Rio of Dallas who just happened to drop in.
Greg and Joey wish to thank everyone for all their support, especially the customers who hooted and hollered giving the entire affair life.
current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!
Brought to you by
Over 1.5 MILLION *hpm & 150,000 **uvpm
gay mardi gras | southern decadence
gay america | gay bars | gay euro
*hits per month **unique visitors per month
web rates | site stats
rainbow award
Copyright © 1996-1998 Ambush, Inc. All Rights Reserved ®
THE WEB TEAM:
Rip Naquin-Delain | Sonny Cleveland | George Patterson
828-A Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70116-3137, USA
PH 1.504.522.8047 FAX 1.504.522.0907
