Lolo Reskin's '80s Prom Has Become a Miami Thanksgiving Tradition

"We keep saying maybe we won't do it this year, but then we decide, 'Why not?'" Lolo Reskin says.

Lauren "Lolo" Reskin, owner of Miami's Sweat Records, will — thankfully — once again throw her signature Thanksgiving Eve '80s Prom this year. This Wednesday night at the Electric Pickle will mark its 13th edition, and Reskin couldn't be happier. "The '80s will never not be fun," she says. 

Reskin started an '80s-themed night with Miami nightlife professional Carmel Ophir back in 2003 at the Soho Lounge that eventually morphed into a yearly prom held the night before Thanksgiving. It was perfect for those who wanted to get in one last night of partying with loved ones before turkey time. "It's become a nice tradition," she says. "For as much as things change in Miami and people come and go, a lot of people have family in town, and this is a chance to see everyone when you're visiting for Thanksgiving."
The night will be furnished with a prom motif, complete with a photo booth with '80s props that will be open from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. The music will be synth-heavy and '80s attire might not be mandatory, but do you really want to be the only party pooper dressed like a millennial? Trust us, this is an event people take seriously.

"People come so hard and put so much into their costumes. They dress up in their Run–D.M.C. track suits. There's lots of 'Like a Virgin' Madonnas and Risky Business Tom Cruises. There's those aerobic outfits like Olivia Newton-John wore for 'Let's Get Physical.' We once had a whole group dressed up in Ghostbusters costumes."
As far as music is concerned, the upstairs of the Electric Pickle will have Ophir, Ray Milian, and Tommy Gunn playing new wave pop like A-Ha's "Take on Me" and Wham's "Careless Whisper." Downstairs will feature live band the State Of playing a set of '80s covers while Reskin, DJ Hottpants, and Sasha Lauzon will spin early hip-hop, Miami bass, and roller rink tunes — which Reskin considers essential ingredients to any '80s prom. "I grew up next to Hot Wheels, so roller rinks are the '80s for me."  

The 13th-annual ’80s Prom. 9 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, at the Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-456-5613; electricpicklemiami.com. Tickets cost $10 to $15 plus fees via wantickets.com.