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Maison A Go Go
Jennifer Winston
The city of Hollywood better get ready. The former Hollywood antique mall is in the process of being transformed into Maison á go go, a new club located at 2031 Harrison St. near Young Circle in the heart of Hollywood. The upscale, hi-energy dance club is scheduled to open in early March. Miles, former singer of the local band The Itch, and the club’s general manager and music coordinator, gave me a private tour of the club after a late breakfast. Maison á go go will combine the excitement and style of South Beach and New York with the refinement and sophistication of Las Olas Boulevard. It promises to offer something the Broward club and dance crowd has been missing. The club is currently a work-in-progress, but it was easy to see its potential. “We are not going to be doing what any other clubs are doing,” said Miles, as he walked me through the huge three-level space, describing the plans as we went along. The decor of Maison will be rich and elegant, with a mod flair. Maison á go go boasts three large bars which wrap around the dance floors. The first floor will have a lush VIP room done in green and gold velvets with scalloped back benches and deco style chairs. One of my favorite parts of the club is the working antique elevator, which will be operated by an elevator girl. The second floor will also have a VIP section, complete with overstuffed couches, chairs and loveseats done in deep reds and golds. The third floor will feature the swanky elegance of the cocktail lounges of the ’60s and will offer a more laid-back atmosphere. Customers will be able to play pool, sit at a table and enjoy a cappuccino, esspresso or a martini while being able to converse without competing with the DJ. This is possible by using a directional sound system over the dance floor at one end, and using fill speakers throughout the rest of the lounge with a separate volume control. “No one will have a better light show, and we will have one of the largest DJ booths and best sound systems in town. No expense has been spared,” said Miles.
The music will also be “state of the art” with a popular resident DJ and national DJ’s and musical acts appearing regularly. Typically, downstairs on Friday and Saturday nights, club-goers will experience the best in mainstream and retro dance music in the early part of the evening. At Midnight it will evolve into progressive house and breakbeats till close. The music format for Thursdays and the upstairs lounge is being kept under wraps at the moment. In keeping with the “House of go go” theme, cocktail waitresses in the VIP section and the upstairs lounge will don go-go outfits, complete with patent boots and platinum blonde bob wigs. The bar staff will wear attire reminiscent of the ’60s and early ’70s. A professional dance company from South Beach will perform throughout the night in full go-go costume, including special dance sets in the front window for those in line waiting to enter the club. But don’t let the playful fun of the go-go feel the club will portray fool you; this will be one hot club for adults ages 21 and older, with art galleries, shops and restaurants all within walking distance. Miles promised me that he will have the nicest, most polite staff and reasonable drink prices. “No attitudes, no snobs,” he said.
Initially Maison á go go will be open Thursday through Saturday with the hours of operation from 9:00pm till late, with additional nights not far behind. For event, VIP, and mailing list information call 954-927-3635. Somewhere between South Beach and New York lies Maison á go go… it’s closer than you think. ◼
