GIG REVIEWS
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GIG REVIEWS |
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Salon Rouge
@ Bar Nusha, Cambridge www.vanguard-online.co.uk If La Rambla, Barcelona could disguise itself as a party, it would dress up as Salon Rouge. ‘Saloon girls and elegantly wasted gentlemen welcome’, purrs the libertine press release: ‘whilst dressing up is not compulsory, it is encouraged’. Indeed, gorgeous, besuited men are everywhere, begging the question: why are smoking jackets not compulsory on men, everywhere, all the time? ‘Turkish delight?’ A silver platter of heaven floats under my nose. Indeed, this truly is a prebar that pampers. With door tax that earns a winning discount to clubnight Dot Cotton, Cambridge’s answer to sparkling, hi-camp pop, what more could you possibly want? Ever? Free champagne, possibly, but lucky for you Salon Rouge offers exotic cocktails at the bar. A must-have for any burlesque-loving decadent’s diary, once upon a time Salon Rouge was a Summer birthday party that proved a carnival-style adventure to be continued. Happily, magical sunshine still flavours the music, a kooky menu of 50s Jive, live samba percussion (www.tomthepom.com) and old time, Speakeasy cult favourites. ‘Strip City’ plays alongside menagerie blues classic ‘St James’ Infirmary’, while Latin hipsters, the Black Out Allstars rub down Shirley Bassey with cheeky, shimmying beats. As she gets jiggy with Doris Day. What about these masquerading characters, then – are they real, or statues? ‘We want to see interaction and cater to the crowds’ needs’, says Eddie, one of the creative team behind the night’s success whose festival credentials he’d rather keep secret under his top hat. ‘We’re all involved in the circuit, and are behind a diverse array of impressive festivals! Salon Rouge is all about fun, and we’re open to new contributions all the time. Know any magicians?’ No, but where can I find the Sagrada Familia? ‘The décor is a reflection of the music, art deco. it’s totally unique. We’re expecting top notch talent for future parties, and are especially on the look out for a fan dancer!’ With a vibe that rivals Glastonbury’s nocturnal favourites Lost Vagueness, and costumes inspired by namesake Moulin Rouge this is a space that defines sensuality, sexual dissidence, and anarchic bliss. Circus runaways, cultural misfits and glamour queens take heart: your haven is here. Viva la sunshine. If you would like to offer your magic tricks to salon rouge visit www.salonrouge.org.uk email: salonrouge@salonrouge.org.uk |