The AC Time Warp

While the sun set on the rest of San Diego on August 25, 2010, the full moon shined its light upon Air Conditioned Lounge taking everyone and everything back to the early 1900s.  The Cherries Jubilee chorus dancers and the Olio Jazz Band spun our quaint little establishment back to the days when drinks required more than two ingredients and entertainment was more than a DJ spinning records to the latest trend in music.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, this was definitely a night not to miss at AC Lounge.  With a classic cocktail menu to boot, the sounds of shakers mixing drinks added to the soundtrack of the Olio Jazz Band.  From 9-10 PM customers had the AC bartenders working hard for their tips with a $3 drink special for all vintage cocktails.  Side Cars, Manhattans, Whiskey Sours, and much more were all made with fresh lemon juice and real sugar, which made these snazzy cocktails all the better to consume during the festivities.

The Olio Jazz Band kicked off the show with their four piece crew of musicians.  There is nothing like soft jazz with a hint of nostalgic eeriness to set the time period back to the early twentieth century.  This musical quartet turned AC Lounge into a twilight zone for a good portion of the night.  Although live jazz is definitely relevant in today’s music scene, the Olio Jazz Band definitely gave the feel that they were here first.

With an outgoing, entertaining host bellowing his words, he couldn’t help but emphasize how much he loves his girls—and he has good reason to.  Six dancers took the stage at 10. Feathers and fishnets fluttered amongst the dance floor with provocative moves appreciated by all.  Costume changes kept the girls on their toes, and even a solo tap dancer shuffled into the mix with shim sham shimmies and buffalo steps to add to the beats.

AC Lounge is bringing burlesque back every fourth Wednesday.  Such a shame that you had to miss this premier event, but now that you know where this blind pig lies once a month, there is no reason not to grab your zoot suit, smoking stick, and appetite for crafty cocktails and entertainment and mosey on down to Air Conditioned Lounge.

Be there or be square!

~By Laura Canepa