LoAnn Loves...Voodoo
Above: Daisy D. at "Life's a Drag" with Dennis Rodman; Courtesy Daisy D. (2)
Story by LoAnn Halden
What is the typical shelf life of a gay club? And more importantly, how much of that time does it still carry the patina of cool? I'm not talking bars here, which can cruise along with a comfortable neighborhood vibe for decades; I'm talking booty-shaking, cover-charging dance halls.
A couple of weeks ago, I finally made it to Voodoo Lounge in downtown Fort Lauderdale for Sunday night's nine-years-in-the-running "Life's a Drag" party. (Damn that having to work on Monday thing!) They have obviously found the secret recipe, because the club not only stays crowded into the wee hours, it attracts the most interesting mix I've seen out in Lauderdale, oh, ever.
Maybe that's the answer. Voodoo isn't a gay club. The Sunday party is best described as eclectic with a heavy dose of gay: on this particular night there were cage-dancing drag kings, MTF pole dancers, a former (straight) gay porn star, chiseled gay Miami boys, and a gaggle of pretty people of undetermined sexual orientation.
There are three bars, each with different music, and a pair of drag shows hosted by Daisy Deadpetals, which are more likely to hit space-age, hip hop or performance art notes than traditional female impersonator shtick. I will admit to grumbling about the drink prices, which match the big-city feel, but there are drink specials and reduced cover if you go before 11 p.m.
Does your city have a dance club that's still crazy/sexy/cool after all these years? Post it here or tell me about it at loann@outtraveler.com.
LoAnn Halden is a contributing editor to OutTraveler.com. Check back often for more dispatches on her travel "loves."
