Hot. Sticky. Sweaty.
That's summer in the Magic City for you.
But come 11 p.m., your nights are gonna get even hotter when Steam Miami makes its official debut with their Wish You Were Here party.
See also: Steam Miami: "It's Very Interactive. We Embrace All Fetishes"
With a steam pipe that sends puffs of smoke into the air, brick walls, and rusted paint, Steam resembles a factory straight out of the Industrial Revolution. Inside is a 7,500-square-foot labyrinth of surprise where even more steam pipes, meters, and light bulbs hang from the ceiling.
Black and white semi-nude photographs and vintage posters of pin-up dolls line the light grey walls of the "part nightclub, part theater, part live entertainment" party hall.
A chain-curtained catwalk runs along the perimeter of the club where rebellious nuns, scandalous showgirls, sexy housewives, and the rest of the night's characters, 15 to be exact, swing from giants chains and strut their stuff beneath Steam's flashy LED lights.
The show goes beyond the platform. Throughout the night, you'll spot a sad clown standing by his lonesome self in the middle of the dance floor and maids dressed in lace aprons obsessively dusting your drink table and banquette, both of which come equipped with drawers to guard your belongings.
You'll see doctors scoping the crowd and handing out prescriptions (i.e. random notes) and gawk at showgirls bathing in milk and serving Fruit Loops to the crowd.
Adding to that element of interactivity, Steam is in the process of installing a photo booth where you'll get to play with wild props, pose for the camera, and brag about your, say interesting, night via social media.
Public shenanigans aside, there are several secret themed rooms hidden inside the club.
Earlier this month, owners Russ Bruce and Anthony Moretti told Crossfade, "The team has total creative control to interact with the crowd."
That freedom comes to fruition in these private spaces, where entertainers are free to randomly grab you, drag you into their secret chamber, and have their creative way with you.
In the center of all the madness stands the 100-linear-foot candle-lit bar. Part marble and brick, gunmetal and terra cotta, bartenders have enough room to stir up tasty drinks and be a part of the craziness.
Steam is as much a nightclub as it is an interactive performance venue. Boasting a Funktion One sound system and state-of-the-art acoustics, the music carries on till 5 a.m.
"The music doesn't change based on the performances," explains Bruce. "We're a full-on club with performers."
While the show never ends at Steam, the outdoor patio carries more of a laid back vibe. Although still in the works, the terrace will have a bar, Balinese décor, and hammocks upon completion.
"We wanna use the outside space to balance the club," he claims.
Until then, you'll just have to release all of your Steam indoors.
"We want you to leave here saying, 'What just happened?'"
Wish You Were Here Preview Party. With DJ Bailey Smalls. Thursday, August 14. Steam Miami, 30 NE 14th St., Miami. The party starts at 11 p.m. and tickets cost $10 to $20. RSVP at steammiami.com or call 786-516-3393.
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