We Got Spirit, How 'Bout You?

By Roland Gruspe Jr.
Finally, there’s a nightclub event for the 21-plus crowd: Spirit!
Spirit is hosted by Atmosphere Events and is located in an upscale, swanky venue located in the Art’s District of Santa Ana, at club Proof. In the past, the gay Tuesday night promotion at Proof was known as Club Stiff and was run by club Lucky promoters, who took their Tuesday gay nights to Lucky Strike at the Block at Orange. Atmosphere Events is trying to fill the void left in Orange County’s 21-and-over gay-nightlife scene.
One of the first things I rate for a new club is the drive there. It’s either easy to find or it’s a journey to get there. Spirit is conveniently located near the 5 freeway off the Broadway/ Main Street Exit. Parking is not hard to find at all and there is secure parking on Third Street and Broadway.
The architecture on the rooftops of the cozy and intimate restaurants and lounges is attractive — and across the street you’ll find a boutique-style American Apparel Store. (This is a major plus in ratings.) You can go shopping, have a nice dinner, enjoy pre-cocktails and dance it off at the club all in the same night! Cover is only $5, and Disneyland cast members are free all night with a valid Disneyland ID.
Upon entering the massive door, you’ll notice neon lights that illuminate from the bar, a plush lounge and the small, intimate dance floor. Opening night featured go-go dancers and shirtless jugglers who juggled flashing, lighted balls. The lounge and dance floor are sectioned off by modern-looking, metal, beaded curtains that are suspended from the ceiling and close off the lounge space from the dance floor. It looked like a Britney Spears video, but it didn’t stop my friends from striking poses in front of them.
Spirit also has a spacious outdoor patio, which has a hanging canopy of small white lights. The lights against the walls of the building make the night sky look almost reddish-orange and are perfect mood lighting.
The overall vibe of Spirit was chill and provides a great alternative to the 18-plus fare. Based on the fund I had on opening night, I would rate club Spirit three out of five shiny, disco balls!
Special thanks go out to Erik and Juan for inviting the Blade team to the grand opening!
Spirit is located at 215 N Broadway in Santa Ana. For more information, visit www.SpiritTuesdays.com.
 
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