Central Auckland is to get a new LGBT venue in December. Owner Corry Maaka says the new club, with the catchy name of ‘Pink Dollar' will open downtown at 17a Albert Street on Friday 15th December. “We don't want to have the same kind of atmosphere as the other gay bars open at the moment, says Maaka. “We'll have production shows that are consistently exciting and new, to give people something that hasn't been done before in the gay community.” An elaborate opening night is planned for Friday 15th December, reveals mistress of entertainment Ramon Te Waake. “We'll start with a traditional ‘poi' dance blessing, and Cook Islands entertainer Phylesha Brown-Acton's show will be a highlight. The unmissable DeeZaStar will also be making an exciting appearance. “Dancers and drummers will appear at the main entrance, along with real knife-throwing action.” Te Waake assures us the knife-throwers are professionals, so it won't literally be a ‘killer' opening. “We want to bring all the different queer communities together, from the gym bunnies, to the Bollywood stars, to the Cook Island performers. The new club will be a theatrical performance space, which will be our real point of difference.” Albert Street has been a popular destination for Auckland's gay community in years gone by, as home to ‘The Staircase' club in the 1990's and more recently ‘Splash Bar' in 2004. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 28th November 2006 - 12:00pm