If you live in another part of New York besides the City (yes, there are other parts of the state) and are looking for a different nightclub experience, then look for two very special clubs. One has been mentioned on several episodes of the old "I Love Lucy" show as well as used as the main theme of a smash hit for Barry Manilow. The other one shares the same name as a '80s rock group whose lead singer was the very flamboyant Boy George.
Copacabana
If you haven't guessed the first one already, it's the very famous
Copacabana. This nightclub was famous when it first opened not only for the many stars that appeared there but also for its connection with the New York Mafia (one of the biggest Mafia leaders actually held a "stake" in the club for a while.)
The nightclub opened in 1940, and has maintained the 1940s art deco style and theme throughout the years. During this time, several movie and TV scenes were shot there, and, as I said earlier, it got several mentions in several of the old "I Love Lucy" episodes. Despite the fact that Ricky worked, managed, and eventually owned a nightclub himself, it was the Copa that was still considered the place to go for a special event with the Ricardos and the Mertzes.
When you go to the Copa, you'll probably find yourself humming the Barry Manilow song of the same name. You may even find yourself looking for the doomed lovers Tony and Lola (with her dress cut down to "there") and Rico ("he wore a diamond") who was responsible for Tony's death and Lola's gradual decline into madness and alcoholism.
Culture Club
The second nightclub that locals and out-of-towners, especially those for whom the '80s were "their" decade is the
Culture Club. The club has undergone some changes in the recent past, but the '80s theme still remains. If you remember the '80s, this is the club for you. You'll hear all the songs from Boy George and Culture Club (of course) as well as Duran Duran and other popular rock stars of the '80s.
