[UPDATE! Since publication of this post, Watermark has been contacted by Southern Nights manager Greg Skeen, who has informed us that Southern Nights is “not in the process of purchasing any other establishments.” We appreciate the update, regret the error, and will be sure to post any new information about G.Bar’s sale as it becomes available. — Editor]
No singing for OGC at Magic game
It was set to be a beautiful night inside the Amway Arena when the Orlando Gay Chorus entertained a massive crowd Feb. 25. But unfortunately, it’s not to happen. According to a spokesperson with the chorus, miscommunication with the Magic fouled up the plans to perform at halftime—apparently when you’re asked to perform a $2,000 sponsorship is implied. Last-minute negotiations pitched a pre-game performance, to which the OGC denied. Orlando Magic owner, the DeVos family, has a long list of anti-gay moves. We’re hoping this truly was a miscommunication and not something more devious.
Walker joins Hope & Help
The Hope and Help Center of Central Florida has a new event director—and the Center will soon be looking for a new assistant executive director. Russell Walker will leave The Center and begin his new job with Hope and Help on Feb. 16. He will fill the position previously held by Christopher Hessler.
Orlando bar owner to invade Ybor?
Tampa Bay’s Ybor City has some fantastic bars, and unlike Orlando, they’re all pretty much walking distance from one another. One of the gayborhood bars is G.Bar, and Watermark sources in both Orlando and Tampa Bay have said rumors of G Bar’s impending sale were true. We’ve even been told that the likely buyer is Rick Kowalczyk, owner of the newly remodeled Southern Nights in Orlando. Our attempts to get more information were unsuccessful, but all the signs—including a liquor inventory reduction blowout party held in January—are there.
The ‘Original B’ is back!
Nazhoni is said to be one of Orlando’s original and wildest club kids. And now, Nazhoni has returned to Southern Nights where she will bartend and play host. Returning to their Tuesday line-up, Southern Nights will have Nazhoni host an amateur strip contest as well as perform her own dance-floor hotspots for Thursday nights.
Artegon may be the go-to for Gay Days
If you’re going to start the biggest gay week in Orlando, you might as well start it right. Gay Days has been known for their big and crazy kick-off parties and this year seems to be no exception. Locations are being finalized and we hear the newly opened Artegon’s Marketplace is a frontrunner. The marketplace had a grand opening filled with live music and entertainment recently and has also hosted Watermark’s Third Thursday social. If you haven’t seen the space yet, check it out when it hosts the MBA’s March social mixer.
Buh-Bye To Yum Yum
The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck is no more. Founders Joey Conicella and Alix Marin sold the popular food truck to Rak and Paula Sharma, but it seems the new owners have abandoned the future of the treat-filled truck. We’ll miss their sweet treats, but know there are plenty of other food trucks in Central Florida to delight our taste buds.
