Once upon a time, Miami was the undisputed monarch of South Florida's gay nightlife.
The 1990s to the mid- to late-2000s was the Golden Era, when a casual stroll down South Beach felt like a runway show complete with dazzling gay bars and clubs at every turn. From the legendary Warsaw to the iconic Liquid and Score, South Beach was basically a fabulous buffet of nightlife delights. Fast forward to today, and while the scene has slimmed down more than a contestant on a reality show diet, we’re still blessed with a handful of gems like Twist, Palace, Gaythering Bar and Nathan’s Beach Club.
At the center of it all, both past and present, has been LGBTQ nightlife promoter Edison Farrow, who recently launched a new bi-weekly rooftop party at the Lincoln Eatery, where Laundry Bar and Bar 721 once stood. @ThatSoBeGay recently sat down with Farrow to discuss the new networking event for LGBTQ locals and his rich history with the @GayMiamiNightlife scene, particularly gay SoBe.
First off, tell me a little bit about yourself and the major gay parties you hosted back in the day. I remember you promoted and hosted at Buck15 every Thursday, but what other events did you have a hand in?
One of my most memorable events was 12 years of "Martini Tuesdays," which was a party that changed location every Tuesday night. I also did seven years of "The Simple Life" Thursdays at Buck15, "Euphoria Fridays" at Jade Lounge, "Hype Fridays" at Bar 721, “Sky Sundays” on the Esme Hotel rooftop, "Smash Sundays" at Chalk, "Karma Saturdays," "Relay Dating" gay speed dating, the "Miami Beach Gay Bowling League" and Drag Brunch at Señor Frogs Miami Beach. I started the first ever Drag Brunch in 2000 at Samba Room. More recently, I did “Heaven” on Ocean Drive next to the Clevelander, but it was very short-lived. We had huge crowds, which showed great possibilities and interest in new venues. However, the owners and management were extremely disorganized and did not deliver the quality of events that the people or I were expecting.
When did you first arrive in the SoBe gay nightlife scene?
I arrived in 1995 when South Beach was in its most incredible, bohemian and decadent time. I started bartending at Twist in 1996. I worked there until 2003.
Tell me how different was the scene then than now?
Miami Beach was filled with interesting stores, coffee shops, restaurants and bars. They were all "mom and pop" small businesses. It was a paradise.
Finally, what prompted you to do these new rooftop parties? Why at the Lincoln Eatery? How big or successful has the turnout been?
I met the owner of "The Rooftop" at Twisted Tonic. She was interested in a gay night. It is a beautiful venue with great views. We have had excellent turnouts at every event.
What can we do as a community to revive the gay nightlife scene on South Beach? Do you think we’ll ever get back to our heyday era? 90s-mid-2000s?
It is difficult to imagine South Beach ever being as phenomenal as it once was. We need new venues to open. We need new promoters. And, the city needs to be less difficult to new businesses and possibilities.
“The Rooftop” runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. every other Friday at the Lincoln Eatery rooftop, 723 Lincoln Lane N, Miami Beach. Due to Spring Break, the next rooftop party will take place on April 4.
“I am not having the event during March due to the cities restrictions for Spring break,” Farrow said. “It would be difficult for people to attend due to the parking restrictions and delays on the bridges.”
Published with permission from miamilgbtnews.wordpress.com.
