Miamis Upper Eastside has been slow to break free from its red-light-district past, but that hasnt deterred some locals from trying to shift its transformation into high gear. Nightlife newcomer Patrick Walsh, along with Animals of the Arctics Alex Puentes and Ricardo Guerrero, has given the area its first weekly party, Nightdrive, at the News Lounge (5580 NE Fourth Ct., Miami) Wednesday nights. Walsh, who is also the venues manager, says having a party far from the conventional spots abandoned buildings in Park West or warehouses in Wynwood is a risk, but with all the hustle and bustle around 55th Street Station, people will see there is an upside to partying in a place where businesses are close together. Plus, in this location he doesnt have to compete with nightlife kingpins Poplife and Sweat Records, both of whom already have the mainlands weekend club market cornered.
Nightdrive has already hosted local scene stars Mike Deuce, José El Rey, Panic Bomber, and the Remote Controllers, and the party doesnt show any signs of slowing down. This week, Nightdrive continues on cruise control as Lolo Reskin of Sweat Records hits the decks and Fort Lauderdale electronic duo Life of Seals performs live, along with the nights promoters, who spin under the names DJ PJ, Treasures, and R3K+. The party starts at 9, and theres no cover.
Wednesdays, 2009