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Favorite Places

Favorite places...well let's see. Thinking back to the late 80’s, a time when Full House, Saved by the Bell and Star Search were the hot T.V. shows to watch. Staying up all night for hours playing ATARI (Pong) which was the latest, greatest state of the art video game system. Going out every weekend to meet friends and see your favorite local bands perform.

Thinking back, the 80’s hold some great memories. During the 80's I was either operating a sound system or a lighting system for some of the best talent in the area, and helping out as a stagehand for some of the local production companies around town. I must say...I do miss the 80's.

During this time, the Cleveland/Akron Area had no shortage of clubs for the bands to perform at…Spanky’s East, Sahara Club, Bizzare’s, McNasty’s, The Station, The Cove, and the Akron Agora, just to name a few. The Cleveland Flats were also alive and kick‘n with live entertainment.

These clubs all shared a similiar theme, fun and a great time. The Cleveland Flats atmosphere was the best. Still, there was one place I enjoyed going to and working at more than any other…”Spanky’s West in North Ridgeville. Otherwise, know later as... “Cadillac Beach”.

Cadillac Beach was awesome and seemed a bit out of place. A large club with high ceilings, big dance floor with overhead stage lighting, and a stage built for plenty of running room. Cadillac Beach was well maintained and looked great inside, sporting a ‘Beach Theme’ atmosphere, featuring a full size ‘Pink Cadillac automobile’ centerpiece which housed the D.J. booth for the "in house" sound and lighting systems.

Cadillac Beach was set up perfectly to accommodate live bands with easy load-in and load-out’s. The bands dressing room was located right off, near the back of the stage. Plenty of electricity available to handle power amps, lighting and stage gear. No shortage of outlets on stage and 220 available for any additional lighting. An in-house PA system and trusses filled with lights, surrounding the stage, topped it all off.

Cadillac Beach was always packed on the weekends and the crowds loved the live performances given by the bands, which were more reminiscent of a full blown concert as compared to a night of watching a garage band jam. The dance floor stayed full and the DJ kept it hopping between sets. Cadillac Beach made the best ‘sex on the beach’ drinks I have ever had.

Cadillac Beach was a wonderful place to play and work. A great place for bands to come and perform. The times I had there will not be forgotten.

The people and the fans were the best. Cadillac Beach…Thank You!!

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