Ain't no doubt about it, baby! With funk and soul-speckled tracks like Daft Punk's "Get Lucky," Bruno Mars' "Treasure," and Robin Thicke's infamous "Blurred Lines" topping the pop charts this summer, disco is making a comeback in the mainstream in a very big way. Even Drake's latest smash single, "Hold On We're Going Home" is sprinkled with a bit of that slowed-down, falsetto-laced disco sparkle.
When we think disco at its most glorious, it's impossible not to think of Studio 54, the notorious NYC nightclub that peaked in the late '70s, just as disco reached its cocaine and glitter-infused heyday. At "the most famous nightclub on earth," celebrities like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, Cher, and Madonna rubbed elbows with beautiful "nobodies" hand-picked by the owners from the swarms of hopefuls waiting outside their doors.
Next month, for one night only, Fort Lauderdale will play host to its very own Studio 54, albeit a toned down, less sexually explicit incarnation.
The Ghost Light Society, the group of young professionals, aged 25 to 45, who've made it their mission to raise funds for the Broward Center's arts in education programs, have settled on Studio 54 as the theme of their fourth-annual fundraising soiree.
This year, the event takes place on October 19, on the stage at the Parker Playhouse, which, with the help of the Broward Center's world-class props and crew, will be transformed into a dark, thumping, and stylish VIP-style nightclub and lounge, complete with a dance floor, giant disco ball, and Studio 54's iconic half moon and spoon (we'll let you use your imagination on what the spoon's for).
To raise awareness for the organization and kick-off their upcoming event, the folks at Ghost Light Society will throw a party tonight at the Archives, a high-end men's clothing boutique on Las Olas Blvd, right across the street from Rocco's Tacos. The open-to-the-public event features free beer, wine, and vodka cocktails by Ketel One, plus a free sushi bar. A DJ will get guests in the mood with a range of disco-inspired tunes from the '70s to today.
As a special treat, guests will receive a first-hand account of some of the crazy shenanigans that went down at the original Studio 54 in New York. At 7 p.m., Stanley Tate, one of the former owners of the infamous nightclub, will speak briefly about some of his fondest memories there.
Ghost Light Society Soiree Kickoff Party. 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 18 at the Archives, 1304 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. Free. Visit Facebook for more details.
Follow @CountyGrind
