Nocturnal Vibe by Doug Van Sant
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The Need For Speed
While growing up in Dover, Delaware, I grew very familiar with the term "Welcome Race Fans." Living less than a mile from a NASCAR track, I'm more than familiar with the buzz associated with a race weekend. My hometown has hosted two feature races each year at Dover Downs International Raceway for as long as I can remember. I've seen the hordes of race fans coming from all over the country decked out in their favorite drivers t-shirts. I've spent many afternoons and evenings at the endless cookouts and campground parties near the track. And I'm well aware of the obsene parking and traffic situation that usually goes with the excitement. But I never thought I would see something like this happen in downtown St. Pete.
When I first heard of the potential for a Grand Prix in the city by the Bay, my pulse quickened to an IRL pace. When the news became reality, I started making plans to use my Old Northeast home as a starting point for a wild weekend of mind-numbing speed in our backyards. Yes kids, the time has come for the Indy Racing League to take over the streets of downtown and present to you the first ever IRL street race. Starting Friday, April 1 and going through Sunday, April 3, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be a combination of thrills, spills and some of the best parties of the year. We have Red Bull pre-parties, swanky benefit parties, hospitality tent parties and an after-party featuring one of Tampa's favorite house DJs. It's a high-energy lifestyle and as they say in racing, let the green flag fly!
Red Bull Pre Prix
The racing bug has hit me early as I started driving by the race course Thursday afternoon. Checking out an Indy race track going through downtown St. Pete is quite a specticle. It reminds me of scenes I watched on TV as open-wheeled race cars sprint through the streets of Monaco. As my IRL race fan buddy says, 'it's quite the European vibe. And that vibe has worked itself into the fabric of a downtown already buzzing with some funky streetlife. Starting Friday, April 1, the First Friday Street Party will kick things off in style with live music along Central Ave. Thousands make their way to First Friday on a monthly basis, but with the race atmosphere alive and well, you can bet this street party will bounce.
To join in the festivities, Red Bull will host the Pre-Prix Party later that evening at The Garden Restaurant/Lobby Bar on Central Ave. The party will kick off with a private VIP event from 7-10 p.m. and then open to the public for a night of DJs, drinks and appetizers. Local celebs will be present, and if you're lucky, IRL drivers will also be looking to open the weekend nocturnal style.
For The Love Of Cars
Now that we have you reved up for the action at the Grand Prix, let's turn to Saturday. One thing you should pay special attention to while visiting the races is the world famous tent parties. What is a tent party you ask? Well, most IRL sponsors like to go above and beyond for their clients. It's a nice way to make the most of the racing experience with food, drinks, and a private location to watch all the action. If you have the chance to score some passes for a tent party, do it! You'll treat yourself to watching the races from the best locations on the course and your party will start the moment the open bar is... well... open.
But if that's not enough for you, the Grand Prix weekend parties continue. Studio 419 Entertainment teams up with the American Heart Association and Budweiser Select to present For The Love Of Cars, an upscale cocktail party featuring exotic cars. For The Love Of Cars will be held at the Bank of America Tower Lobby in the heart of downtown at One Progress Plaza. The event will run from 7 - 11 p.m. and a portion of the event proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association. Tickets are available at www.s419.com for $150 General Admission and $250 VIP admission. Limited tickets are available and this will be the party to attend on Saturday night.
Honorary chairs are Dr Randy and Mrs. Kelly Feldman, and the event chair is Brooke Palmer. The evening will feature live entertainment by the Stacey Knights Band, complimentary dinner buffet by Mattison's, open bar, cigar lounge, casino tables by the Ocean Jewel, and exotic cars including a rare Ferrari Enzo and a Mercedes AMG CLK GTR, one of only 25 in the world. The Budweiser Select VIP area will include VIP admission with gift bags by Neiman Marcus, a private seating area with plasma TV's for Final Four action and a martini bar. Gosh, there isn't anything they didn't think of for this prime time event of the races. VIP tickets can be reserved by calling 727-488-0419.
The Checkered Flag
Studio 419 Entertainment is also your source for the post-race party on Sunday, April 3rd. After the Grand Prix, Cafe Alma will host The Checkered Flag starting at 5 p.m. The evening will feature local house DJ icon JASK, spinning in the courtyard and Cafe Alma residents inside. And for those who are in the know, this lineup is hot. JASK is regarded as one of the top house DJs in Florida and spins along side fellow Paradise resident Joshua Wilkins at the Hyde Park Cafe most Saturday evenings. Cafe Alma has been turning up the house music scene in St. Pete for sometime now and the vibe is very chic. Alma blends the best of a European cafe with an urban neighborhood bar that brings an upscale and diverse scene one might expect in Milan or San Francisco.
The evening will also feature complimentary Budweiser Select beer and shots from the S419 "pit crew." One can only assume that means drinks will be very attractive. And after a weekend of pure energy, Alma is just the right style to smooth things out with some soulful house. Cafe Alma is located in McNulty Station at 260 1st Avenue South. You can check them out online at Cafealma.com or by reading my Clubland profile of the venue. In the meantime folks, St. Pete is the place to be this weekend, so start planning to cross the bridge and get your race on now.
Latin Lounge In SoHo
Obviously auto racing is taking a big portion of our time this week, but don't forget about some of the weekly parties that bring out the best in our nightlife. Every Thursday evening at Bahasa Lounge, the local scene is boiling with beautiful people and fantastic music. Latin World Ladies Night, presented by Latin Pop Promo is setting a new standard as the best Latin night in the Bay area. Blending the diverse sounds of Latin pop, rock, tropical, house, tribal, as well as salsa and meringue, it's obvious why this party bumps. In the main room, Pedro M kicks out world beats unlike any you've heard. In the blue room, Chino & Tony mix it up with smooth and sexy tribal and Latin house. On the patio, guests enjoy the visuals of VJ JC.
If music isn't enough to grab ya, ladies receive free entrance and free drinks until 1 a.m. And for those looking for other qualities of a hot party, high-end fashion is always on tap. Dolce, Armani, Ecko, and many other famous labels will be noticed walking through the door, so don't go light on style. For more info on this party, reservations, VIP tables or the guest list, contact Pedro at 813-839-4430 or Chino at 727-459-8445.
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