After running a successful, and very gay-friendly, venue on Auckland's Karangahape Road for two years, the owners of ‘Descarga Cubana' have decided to move on. The Latin-Amercian themed venue, situated next door to Family bar, became popular with the queer community when monthly drag king events were held there last year. “It was common on a Saturday night to see people from The Family bar dancing in the street to the music coming from Descarga Cubana,” explains Deans. The business was conceived two years ago by owners Everall Deans and Daniel Gallo. Descarga grew quickly and was praised for bringing a fresh concept and a different breed of clients to K' Road. “Descarga Cubana attracted a new client base because of its uniqueness. It sprang up from nowhere and quickly became a popular venue. It helped introduce Latin music to many people who had never heard it before – including the new sound: ‘reggeaton',” explains Deans. “We were more than a cafe and dance venue. We helped unite the Latin community by providing a place where they could speak their native language and keep their culture, food and music alive.” The Cuban venue was also a favourite for queer birthday functions and cabaret-style events organised by gay latinos. Auckland's first Havana-style burlesque show with the Hootchy Kootchy Girls was launched at Descarga. The opportunity to exit the premises came when the owners received an offer from a hospitality group to purchase the lease on the building. “We had to make a quick decision about selling the lease, and it was a difficult one.” Some local venue operators have offered their dance spaces to Descarga for relocation. Customers too have pledged their loyally, promising that wherever the name Descarga Cubana appears, they will follow. “Daniel and I are proud of what we have achieved. We made an impression and were able to close the curtains when the venue was still at its peak,” says Deans. The owners plan to keep the Descarga brand alive with future Latin and salsa events listed on their website, linked below. Relocation opportunities are also being considered. “A lot of people are unhappy about us closing, but I guess all good things come to an end,” concludes Deans. Descarga Cubana's last day of opening will be tomorrow - Wednesday 4 July 2007, with Latin band ‘Orquesta Nueva Zelanda' playing live from 8.30pm. The site at 280 K' Road will then become a new ‘Rock N Bull Steak Café'. Ref: Descarga Cubana, GayNZ.com (m)