Firestone to return to its roots
The recent closing of Steel has left an opening for LGBT nightlife in downtown Orlando. However, there's been some buzz surrounding the fate of the Orlando landmark dive bar Hoops Tavern, which closed its doors in October as well. Located just behind Club Firestone at 47 West Amelia Street, it's been rumored that Firestone owner Jan Harrold has acquired the locale and is planning on reopening it as a gay nightspot. Firestone itself was once a happening gay night club when it first opened in 1990. Hoops was a multi award winning neighborhood bar that featured your standard beer hall fare and was best known for its dart championships. The bar's original owner, Stephen Nadiak, died in December of last year from complications from diabetes. Firestone's owners were unavailable for comment at press time.
Cracked Nuts
Orlando Ballet’s upcoming production of The Nutcracker will feature cameos by a few local celebrities. Lined up so far to be donning tights this holiday season are Michael Wanzie, Doug Ba'aser, Gary Lambert and Shawn Hunt. â┚¬Å”Shawn and I are wearing panty hose,â┚¬Â corrects Gary Lambert. â┚¬Å”We are doing big drag!â┚¬Â This will be Lambert's second time gracing the Orlando Ballet's stage. â┚¬Å”It's going to be damn fun,â┚¬Â he bursts. This cast of macadamias is sure to give a whole new meaning to the phrase â┚¬Å”nut cracker.â┚¬Â For more information, OrlandoBallet.org
Watermark Shuts Down Mr. Sisters
Watermark's Orlando WAVE Awards celebration was so outrageous on Nov. 9 that Mr. Sisters closed its doors on Nov. 12 for good. Watermark, along with WAVE winner Ginger Minj and Alicia Markstone, played host to the best of the best in Orlando at Mr. Sisters. More than 150 people filled the cutting edge nightclub. Minj dazzled audiences with live performances accompanied by her pianist and fellow WAVE winner Spencer Croswell, while guests were treated like glitterati on the red carpet having their photos taken by WAVE winner Eric Babcock. The hosting venue surprised the community when it suddenly closed its doors the following weekend, with little explanation.
