Promoter Charlie Rodriguez has been dancing nonstop since the 1970s, and his feet still don't hurt.
He says the music keeps him young, and it will do the same for you.
That's why all South Florida lovebirds looking for a good romantic throwback should check out the Valentine's Day Concert with Teri DeSario at his new spot, Fusion Cafe in Davie. Here's what Rodriguez had to say about dancing on tables, Studio54, and the capital of single and mingle.
What is your dance party all about?
We play all genres of hits from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The DJs are Alex Gutierrez and Lewis Martinee; he's the producer of the Expose album and has worked with Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias and many more. He's DJed for me at many Miami Disco Fever shows.
How'd you come upon this spot in Davie?
The people in the homes in that area of Weston, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Cooper City are 45 to 65 years old; many of them are Latin Americans who grew up in Miami-Dade and have since moved up and are living in affluent neighborhoods with husbands and wives and kids. But that doesn't mean the music stopped! It's still in their hearts, and they want to go out and enjoy it. Now they don't have to drive to the beach or Coral Gables. They can drive 15 minutes from their house.
Is it just DJs?
No, we also do live shows like the Valentine's Concert with Teri DeSario, who had a big song with KC from KC & the Sunshine Band, "Yes I'm Ready." She also worked with Barry Gibb from the Bee Gees on "Never Gonna Give You Up."
What is the venue like?
It's a home run. A beautiful building, free parking, gourmet chef, VIP sofas for bottle service, dinner tables, cigar roller, terrace... It's a very elegant place. And it holds 1,000 people!
How was the grand opening a few weeks ago?
It was like Studio 54 in the year 2015!
What can the people look forward to from your party?
We do big singalongs on the hooks of the great songs throughout the night. It's interactive, with audience participation all night long.
How does the crowd react?
They go back 20 years to being with their friends and pretending they're teenagers again.
Who else do you have coming to perform?
We have Fran Jolie, TKA, and like I said, Teri DeSario. We're doing one concert a month and one party a week. Right now, we're talking with Kool and the Gang.
What's the craziest thing you've done there yet?
I had a horse here on the grand-opening night greeting everybody with a girl in a bikini, just like at Studio 54.
How'd you get started?
I've been doing this since the '80s down here. Big concerts with 15,000 people at the Hialeah Race Track. Since then, I've been going from club to club. I'm the promoter with the traveling disco ball.
Why should people keep on partying all their life?
If you go out and dance and party all night long like there's no tomorrow, it keeps you young. If you're hurting and sore on Sunday morning, you did good for yourself. Just keep those BPMs around 130 and you'll be burning calories too.
What about single people looking to have a good time?
This is the capital of single and mingle. If you're not married, you're divorced. Plenty of people have been hooked up here.
Dancing on tables?
Even better, we have a stage just for people to get up on and dance. It's definitely a party.
Any stars ever show up to hang out?
You never know who's going to show up and perform. You might have KC there with you like it's 1980-something. And that's the beauty of it. Nobody else is doing something like this. People are driving in from Homestead to Port St. Lucie.
How much does it cost?
Free to get in! The only time we charge is for concerts, and then it's $20. We also have two-for-one drink specials.
Name some of the music you might hear.
Cyndi Lauper "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," Rick Astley "Never Gonna Give You Up," Eddie Murphy "Party All the Time," Journey "Don't Stop Believing," then right into disco. But it's all hits, nothing but hits. From pop to soft rock to disco to freestyle. We take you back!
Why should people go to a Charlie Rodriguez dance party?
You can't get this kind of entertainment unless you have a crazy house party at your house. We may be getting older, but we're not getting any slower. Let's party!
Valentine's Day concert with Teri DeSario, 9 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at Fusion Cafe, 15531 Sheridan St., Davie. Free parking. Visit miamidiscofever.com.