Welcome to Nocturnal

May 18, 2005 10:01 AM
by

The sound of cork popping off a champagne bottle among a throng of excited clubbers marked the eagerly anticipated inauguration of the most hyped Miami Nightclub in years… Nocturnal.

The question on every one’s minds though is: “Did Miami’s newest ultra chic venue live up to our expectations?” The answer… a resounding YES!!

Day One of the Grand Opening Festivities started off hectic to say the least. Stretching about a block long, three separate lines (one for General Admission, one for Guestlists and the other table service), inundated NE 11th Street.

At 11 p.m., Dade and his lovely wife emerged from their palatial establishment champagne bottle in hand.

5…4…3…2…1… they chanted, counting down the opening of Nocturnal. POP!!! The cork flew off the champagne bottle as Dade gleefully took a swig. After many long months of setbacks in order to get Nocturnal up to code, the doors on 50 N.E. 11th Street proudly swung open!

20,000 feet of pure opulence greets patrons as they enter. Indeed, no expense was spared in creating one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced nightclubs in Miami (let alone the country).

The first floor houses the main room dance floor, three bars and the Nocturnal Café. My first impression upon entering was that the main room looked like a smaller rendition of State on Lincoln Road.

Two identical bars were situated on either side of a hardwood dance floor. Placed upon the wall as one enters is a large flat screen display that details upcoming guest dj’s and events.

The largest disco ball in Miami loomed overhead. Though really only half a disco ball, it served a dual purpose. To refract light throughout the venue as any normal disco ball would, and also as a focal point for the release of the kryogenic smoke into the main room.

Overhead, the second floor balcony encircles the main room.

At the far end of the dance floor opposite the entrance, a marble floored lit staircase leads one up to an even more opulent second level.

Separated into three unique areas, the second floor’s main attraction are the countless tables alongside the balcony catering to patrons desiring “only the best” in bottle service.

An ultra VIP area resides on the south side of the second level for those desiring a more “hassle-free” and intimate spot to party in.

The flooring on the second level is comprised entirely of marble. Giant futuristic circular lighting displays are prominently featured throughout the area as well.

Perhaps the most inventive idea I have seen yet at a nightclub are the multiple video monitors. Cameras inside and outside the venue keeps a “bird’s eye” view of the happenings around the club. Anyone dancing on the main room floor, second level or patio could end up on “Nocturnalvision” (so to speak).

The ability to catch what is happening on the patio while one is in the main room is a huge plus as one could view who is spinning on the patio and the crowd without actually leaving the comfort of your table!

The DJ booth that resides on the second level is a technological marvel. A Pioneer efx, 2 cdj’s 1 dvdj, 3 Technic 1200 turntables, and a Funktion One mixer complete the package.

Though the placement of the booth is seemingly a bit awkward, (in that its on the second level over the dance floor and not on the actual dance floor) it really is the only place it could be positioned considering the size of the main room.

On the opposite end of the booth lies a smaller room replete with tables and yet another DJ booth on a small platform. Serving as an alternative to the main room’s music, the sound emanating throughout was crisp and vibrant.

The crown jewel of Nocturnal is the Patio!!!

The most striking element of Nocturnal’s Patio as one walks in, is the video display on the top of the tent-styled roof. From raindrops, to trippy effects, to waves and even a cityscape speeding by, the effects are incredible.

The sound system and setup in the dj booth is identical to that found on the main room.

The bass on the patio is astonishing, causing the floor to vibrate on the more bass-laden tracks.

If one were to walk into the “dead center” of the Patio, though the sound was a tad off, an issue that will be addressed shortly according to DJ Stryke (who played a major role in setting up the Patio’s sound system) in a recent conversation.

The stacked floor speakers on the dance floor were set up in such a way because the wiring had not been completed. Shortly, the speakers will be positioned on both ends of the Patio, thereby eliminating any sound discrepancies.

The booth is to the immediate left as one enters. Situated underneath a balcony, the awnings supporting the booth slanted for a sleek and futuristic feel. A hardwood finish further added to its aesthetic appeal.

Also on the left a large bar, behind it a multiple lit panels with “grassy” designs helped add to the Patio’s chic look. A smaller bar lay on the opposite end of the Patio.

A large V.I.P. area with a “waterfall” glass display, yet another lavish touch.

Finally, an unobstructed view of Downtown Miami, (one can even see cruise ships docked at the Port of Miami) greets those ready to party into the wee hours of the day.

Catering to both music aficionado and “big whigs” alike, the most lavish and technologically advanced nightclub has finally opened. The newest chapter of Miami nightlife is upon us.