CLOSET SET FOR GRAND OPENING TONIGHT
One of the biggest events on this year’s queer social calendar is taking place tonight (Friday, 9 May) as Joburg’s new gay super club, Closet, opens in Fourways.
The venue will be the city’s largest gay nightspot, offering a stylish lounge bar, nightclub and “fantasy playground” experience.
Tonight’s opening will feature a live performance by Cape Town’s electro-swing and dance group GoodLuck as well as legendary DJ Stuart Hillary and DJ Shugga on the decks.
Club owner Rui Nash Jorge told Mambaonline that he was inspired to open Closet because of the city’s lacklustre gay nightlife options.
“There’s a lack of a venue where we can go and hang out like we did in the 90s. We had the Heartland and Rosebank, and we met our friends there. We didn’t have to plan it because we knew were everyone was,” he said.
Jorge commented that the city’s gay clubs were once on the cutting edge of music and the nightlife experience, but no longer. “I find the scene today to be too conservative. It’s not pushing boundaries. We have fallen behind as the gay community,” he explained.
Jorge said that Closet is “an exclusive venue, kitted out with state of the art decor, light and facilities that you don’t get anywhere else.”
An element that makes it unique, he added, is the fantasy playground, where patrons can be entrained by a private dancer. “It’s sexy, without making it trashy,” Jorge said.
“We’re also bringing in elements like a coat check, things that have fallen by the wayside. And we also have a restaurant and we plan to host afternoon sessions, high teas and art exhibitions.”
As for his long term vision for Closet, Jorge aims to make the venue a home for the city’s gay community. He plans to bring in international acts and to extend the Closet brand so that it becomes much more than a venue. “We want to create a little gay village here,” he said.
Experience Closet for yourself tonight. Tickets for the opening range from R150 to R250 (VIP). From 9pm. Dress to impress. To book ahead of time (recommended) call 082 332 2061 or email iam@inthecloset.co.za.
Closet is located at the Design and Decor Centre, Sunset Avenue, corner Forest Road, in Fourways (next to Molly Malone’s). More about what’s behind the Closet doors can be found at www.inthecloset.co.za or on facebook.com/CLOSETza.
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