DiscoMusic.com

In 1985 I was lucky enough to experiance Casanovas on a Saturday nite! Being only 18 at the time and subjected to the under 21 type clubs, I was totaly mesmerized by the disco culture that had somehow survived long after the disco movement had been out fashion. On that August nite I was treated to a live show from the Village People. The clubs sound system was bumping and that Cuban crowd were the best dancers I have ever seen. Everyone was impeccably dressed and on their best behavoir. Not one fight or altercation. I am happy to say how grateful to enjoy this seen even if for one nite. I was their on vacation and had to go back to the kiddy clubs in O-town till I turned 21!

I remember the nite Madonna performed at Casanovas, I was too young to get in. So I went to the teen disco across the street, The Forest. Since then, I wanted to go. When I was 20 or so I finally made it and for a few years I would go every Wednesday when it was strip nite. On Sundays, we would go to the beach, then Coconut Grove (Monty's), haul butt to 'Novas to get stamped by 8:00 (no cover until 10:00), fly back to Kendall, bathe and change, then go back until 3am. Best times and best music. I actually met my wife there. Always reseved a booth.

Casanova's was the best back in the day! I've seen some great shows from TKA there..Joey Kidd, you name it. I think I even saw George Lamond there. Being from NYC I had just moved to Miami around 89 and it made my move a whole lot easier. Those were the days!
Is the place still there? We drove from Kendall which is where we lived. I have video tapes of all the Tka shows etc..I was so young and stupid I video taped them. LOL

Looking for photos, advertsiing, video, posters and other memorabilia from Casanova's Disco, Hialeah, FL for use in an upcoming CD release. Any help appreciated.

I had the pleasure to be one of the Casanova DJs. It was the most enjoyable club I have ever worked at. I had the honor of meeting so many artists. To name a few, France Joli, Celi Bee, Vicky Sue Robinson, Gloria Gaynor, Jenny Burton, Madonna, George Krantz, Grace Jones, Timmy Thomas, Alisha, Noyobe, Laura Branigan, and alot more. How many of you can places like Firehouse in Downtown? Peple would dance on the sidewalk to music from the 70's, 80's, and 90,s. One of the hottest happy hour to listen to your favorite disco!

I rememeber the music on Sundays & Wednesdays was phenomenol! Ciro Llerena was an excellent DJ!! I graduated to Casanova's when I was legal to get in-before that, The Forest, across the street, was the place to be for the underage set.

I think I may have some pics of Wed. nights in Casanovas, when the Hypnosis would perform using people from the audence. I had lots of fun there; it was the Best Disco in town. Sure there was the LimeLight, Pete & Lenny's, Menage, but we all defaulted to Casanovas after everyone else closed.

Ciro was by far, one of the most talented DJ's I had the pleasure to listen to...the mixing and programming was perfection!! Check out the new CD "A night at Casanovas" although it's mostly freestyle, it will still bring back good times!! Casanovas had a way of making you feel at home and yes the people dressed impeccably and featured the best hustlers I have yet to see, even in NY, LA and Chicago. Remember the night Grace Jones came on stage dressed like a sailor on a motorcycle... Tiny club with the biggest acts...Sylvester, Madonna (Physical Attraction & Everybody), France Joli, Fancy and too many more to list!! Good Times. The Forest across the street had excellent music as well! Nothing like a Casanovas Halloween Party! Check out the CD sleeve for the memories!

Casanovas & The Forest WOW great memories
great music great people - I have several tapes from Ciro Live at Casanovas & The Waterfront (club he played at the same time)

DJ Roli, please respond, would like to talk with you further about your experiences at Casanova's.

Amen to all the posts here. I was a Casanovas "regular" on Wednesdays ( Ladies Nite) and Sundays (Tropical Heat wave) . I remember the hypnotist Loughlin and had one of my friends hypnotized by him. Made him believe was one of the Weather Girls and he sang Its Raining Men...He changed his name to Louise and everytime he heard that name, he responded. I was also a graduate of The Forest and before that Midway Skating Center (disco on Saturday night).

Like many have said Casanovas was the best place hands down. The most beautiful women, the best music and definitely the best DJ's. Even at 43 years old I still listening to the 80's music played there and still have many 12" disco single LP's and still love them. Music will never be the same again. Too bad we don't have a radio station that caters to us and plays that music.

Relive those golden days and nights of disco with "A Night at Casanovas", a 16 track fully mixed CD featuring such Nova favorites as Expose (Point of No Return), Company B (Fascinated), Erotic Exotic (Take Me As I Am), Secret Society (We Belong Together), and many more! See:
http://www.discomusic.com/cds-more/5454_0_3_0_C/

This site brought back so many good memories. Now thinking back we had it so good. The best would always perform at Casanovas and we would be in front row dancing with them. I too remember Madonna and Grace Jones, she tosses a cup towards a guy and cut his head. And the hypnotist was the best. It was one of the times and we had the best music to go with it.

casanovadude, you hit the nail on the head-Midway Skating Center on Saturday nights was one of the best spaces in Miami for disco dancing. I have very fond memories of my disco days but Midway started it all for me...

Hello, I was told that DJ LLRENO is the best FREESTYLE DJ in Miami. I lost the opportunity last night in Coral Gables. M friends made it out there though and told me that I missed out on a really awsome night entirely. The DJ was the one who made the party keep going none stop. I would like to know if DJ LLereno is still at Casanovas. And where else does he DJ at? Thanks for you help and information.

DJ llerno still playing like nobody's business on Saturday, Remember memorial day, july 4 & labor day weekends spending the weekends on Miami Beach and the nights at Casanovas. Franc Joli, Viola Wills, Rocker's Delight, the late Laura Branigan, Grace Jones and of course a very young Madonna are just some of the artists who performed. Today what was a landmark in the Miami Disco community, Casanovas, stands a Walgreens. Terrif

Please note Casanovas closed a very long time ago. I loved Sundays at Novas
The music used to take me away. This was absolutely the true disco lovers straight club that played music you only heard at gay clubs where the music jammed the most at that time point in time. You can only hear this type of music in COral Gables. Get there soon you will love the music.

Visited Flow last night for the first time, and what an out of mind experience that was. Although I am now 40 and a little thicker around the waist than back in the days I totally forgot and thought I was still 22 and dancing the night away. I can wait to go back again. Lots of people from the good old night's almost like a reunion, we're now 20 years older balder and shubbier but still dancing disco like we all did when we were young. Horray for Flow I hope we can keep it around for many years to come. I invite everyone to come out and experience this for yourself.

my name is orlando perez, and i also lived at Casanovas, I was peronal friend with Celi bee, and you all remember most of the dj like Ciro, Carlos, Roli, but what about Al Fuentes, I would also work with him in the booth some times, by this time I was one one the dj's at level 3 in miami springs, I was also one of the cenetr floor dancers, I also onew a little dance school in west Hialeah, called Onix dance studio on west 4th ave and 62 st. and I knew Kevin the manager, and I also reserved a booth everynight, there will never be another Casanovas, I even remember entering the legs contest.
but the best disco DJ was Luis Martinez from the lime light, her also had the best equipment.

does any one remember the old color guy in the bath room, his name was Jimmy, he was the same guy that took care of us guys at the lime light for years, he use to protect us all of the time from what ever we where doing.

My best memories was dancing the night away at Casanovas. I entered dance contests there several times. Would love to see some pictures from there.

i remember Casanova as being the few clus in Miami in the early 80s. It was across from a Teen disco called 'The Forrest' So, Casanova was for the grown ups. my fondest memory was toward the end of the era that Carlos "No Show" Nodal would do a strip contest. I believe it was on sunday nights. I also heard that Carlos Nodal died of cancer.

"he use to protect us all of the time from what ever we where doing."

callate muchacho. lol!

Oh geez my daughter is writing a paper for school and found this site! she said "I hope I find pics from INSIDE novas" I told her hell no girl you don't want to see that it was boring. LOL damn we had fun.

"I also reserved a booth everynight"

Did ya? I was usually dancing at the entrance of one of the booths.

I am 41 now, good times good times.

I was at Flow about 4 weeks ago, the vibe in the air was awesome. :)

WOW! CASANOVA! Now those where awesome times! My best memories of growing up in Miami were going to CASANOVA on Saturday nite, and then going to the beach in Sunday morning and then finishing up the weekend at CASANOVA on Sunday evening. Those were great times. Also being part of the Mr. Casanova contest was great! The music the atmosphere was something to remember. Does were the good old days.

Wow -- I remember playing Pac-Man at the Casanova's Gameroom and listening to Madonna blasting in the background. The best little neighborhood Disco. I remember seeing Celi Bee and Laura Branigan in concert in the early 80's. Casanova's had the best Saturday night concerts.

I had the pleasure of reliving the "CASANOVA" days at the end of January...My wife surprised me, by having a limo pick us and 3 other couples from Ft. Lauderdale for a night at the Flow Lounge in Coral Gables to celebrate my big "40".....WOW, it was like a Disco Reunion....From the time we drove up to the side street, I could hear the DJ playing "You Can" by Madeline Kane...I knew it was going to be special!!!! So it was...danced, like I was with 18 again until closing!! Ciro and Albertico were there spinning like it was 1982.....the hustling was hot and the musiic was top notch...they played the best in hard core disco. What a party....fun crowd...nicely dressed...classy place...good times!!! Hopes Flow Lounge sticks!

My name is (TJ) former security and doorman for Cassanovas. My experiences with the club was the most excellent time of my life. Reading th earticles brings back memories. At one point in time I would like to have a Cassanovas reunion including the Cassanova cast.

This was the best club back in the day!!! So many nights were spent dancing until 5am...then to Denny's for breakfast. I will never ever forget all good times had at "El Gau" which was the name we lovingly called it (meaning CASA in spanish) CASAnova's!!! Just reading all the things people have written brings back so many memories & I wish we could do it all over again! Remember guys...1-2-3 SEGURO!!!
Casanovas...we miss you! It used to be myself Josie (la trigueña) & Gladys (la rubia) Thanks to TJ -our wonderful friend the bouncer- we would skip the line (nowadays called VIP entrance & also skip the cover!!) Believe me there would be MANY nights with lines that wrapped around the corner...but Gladys & I would be there "punto fijo" in our mini skirts!!!

I am 28 years old and remember hearing the commercials for casanovas. Only 8 at the time, I would see my aunt (now 42) getting ready for the best party in town. I always wondered what I missed....FLOW lounge is by far the closest I will ever come to that!! Ciro Llerena is definately a legend and I still think about Casanova's as I pass by what is now a Blockbuster and Walgreens. Great memories...see you at FLOW.

OMG! reading these entries takes me back to a great time that still lives very fresh in my mind! Yes it was Casanova every single wens, friday, saturday, Sundays (the drill beach, monty, go to novas get stamp, back to montys and back to novas for the rest of the nigh!) Yami, Liz, Myra what great times! Madonna walking around the club, a normal thing! Viola Wills (still my fav! "if u could read my mind) Shannon, Village people in the house, the Hypnotist, What a Blast! Girls remember our corner under the DJ window. We were regulars! Does anyone remeber the old guy always there!?! 2 funny! Hey Yami remember Dream Boat! A Casanova reunion would be an absolutely great thing!. 41 now and rembering like it was yesturday

The sucessor to Flow in Coral Gables which closed early tiis year. Unfortunately, Apple Martinis does not have the madic that Flow did. When you walked into Flow it was like entering a time machine taking you back 20+ years to Casanovas. Based on last nighti ts time to call a priest, rabbi or Iman for its ready for its last rights. A sad day that the meomory of Casanovas is once again fading.

I was gone for a while and got caught up. A few notes in response to above. I went to a show on a Saturday either in '81 or '82. The show highlighted the Village People. The lead act was a little known singer called Madonna, LOL! At the time her only song was "Everybody" and I promptly said to my friends, "One hit wonder". That my friends is why am not in the music industry. Many memories there. I know when I am on my death bed one of my top 10 memeories ever will be all the nights at "Novas. From parking across the street in the shopping center where Forest was at to the temperature when you got in. We usually were one of the firsts to get there and it was freezing. But , as you walked in , even that early you could feel the magic in the air. Me and my buds Jorge (no me llames caballo) to Nelson (Shadow) to all the girls that we met there . Jorge, Nelson if you are out there , please post. haven't heard or seen you guys in a while. The ladies were hot. We called them "las Plasticas" all the time in a nice manner. It was a place that you had to work for a dance. Usually "do you want to dance"? did not work. You had to worlk it and if you did , you usually got a hot one, as all were hot there. Well, enough for now. Gotta go listen to " A Night at Casanovas" now. Peace...

Hey Casanova fans! Orlando posted that Casanovas was a one of the few clubs in Miami in the 80's....Nothing could be farthest from the truth...In the 80's you couldn't decide which one to start the night out in...even though eventually we ended up in Casanova's for the late night jams and down home vibe.....To name a few...Alegro, Club Z, Ovo, Banana Boat, Rick's Bar, Cats, Ensign Bitters, Stringfellows, Firehouse 4, Parallel Bar, Fire & Ice, Stefano's, Faces in the Grove, Mystiques, Zigfield's, Alexanders, Gambits,Top of the Grove,Suzanne's downtown,Tradewinds, Club Nu...Countless fly by night clubs on the beach and in the Ft. Lauderdale area.....Veteran clubber!

Hey Marco Carrillo, Orlando people are high.That was a great list and I will add 2 others: (4th Aero Squadron and Club Z later 1235 or was it 1235 then Z? Peace...

Casanova Dude...how did I miss the 94th Aero Squadron...first time ever I heard Bobby O music! Just took the family there for Mother's Day Sunday Brunch....how time's change....Actually, I did mention Club Z which was before 1235, then became Passion and then became Prince's "Glam Slam", etc, etc, Did you ever have a Z Tea at Club Z....whoa man....talk about putting you down!! Let the memories live on!

Hey Casanova Dude...you're right about the hot ladies....we'd say.....PLASTICA! and then we'd back from them....PERO FANTASTICA!!! Good Times!

I would LOVE to post some pictures of the great times we had at Casanova's but unfortunately, didn't have digital cameras then & the few pictures we do have must be dug up from who knows where...Maybe at next posting, we can come up with a few pics....Even though many years have passed & seem to long ago, we had much more fun than what's going on in the clubs now. I wouldn't change those times for anything! We were the plasticas uhhhh humm but it was all so innocent compared to now. Thank God for the memories. Does anyone know what ever happened to John the bartender from the first bar to the right? He was soooo good to me & my friends...1-2-3 SEGURO!! (our personal chant) We miss you Casanovas!!

:)

Not one of you supposed regulars has even mentioned Chris the hot dog man.

Hey Casanovians - someone told me that there was going to be a Casanova reunion at the Dade County Auditorium. Some bands were also going to play. Any one have info on this? Email me: tirateunpeo@bellsouth.net Let the Good Times Continue! "Me estoy poniendo mejor!"

Hey Josie, you are right on with all you say. My son is now starting his clubbing days , or let's call it waht we use to call it, la discoteca. The music now in these places is all loaded with bad words , has no rhythm and is just plain ugly music. Who can ever forget our music? I can't say the lyrics were mind blowing , but the music was nice. I have all kinds of CD's that I have downloaded with that music and still play it loud and strong in my car. As for pics, you are right . I hope someone out there would have some pics. I know I still have some of those old flyers with the muscial stars they used to have. Remember those? One of my forst times there I signed up to get them in mail and would get them monthly. I have them somewhere and if I find some I will post. Peace and keep playing that 80's music...

I heard a rumour that there was going to be a Miss Casanova's Reunion at the end of June, 2006. Is this true? Please advise.
I was one of the 10 finalists in the Miss Casanova's Contest 1986; and I was the 4th runner-up in Miss Casanova's Contest 1988.

July, 28 2006 at MIAMI DADE COUNTY AUDITORIUM
2901 WEST FLAGLER STREET, MIAMI, FL 33101
Cost: CASANOVAS FREESTYLE

CASANOVAS FREESTYLE CONCERT: EROTIC EXOTIC FEAT. RUDY GIL LOS SUCIOS JOHNNY O JUDY TORRES GEORGE LAMOND LIL' SUZY LISSETTE MELENDEZ BETTY D OF SWEET SENSATION CYNTHIA CORO K7 PLUS MANY MORE

Hey Josie, did you know that Chris the "Hot Dog" man, was once the bouncer for the club Scaramouche, at the Omni Hotel? After a dancing night at Casanovas, a hot dog or two and a soda hit the spot.
Does anyone know what happen to Chris?

OMG!!! Louis did you say Scaramouche??? That was another great club it was in the Omni & let me try to remember.... the other club Alegro was there too right? You know those were great clubs as well as the others mentioned in previous postings but somehow I always felt "at home" at Casanova's. Isn't THAT the truth?? The other clubs were good to change the scenery a bit but just for a while.....we would always end up back at Casanova's again. And hey, Casanovadude...when you listen to all your great 80's disco music don't you close your eyes & travel back in time as you remember the lines to get in the club, the fun we had talking to the other people in line..getting kind of anxious to get inside so that you could jam to that great sound?? My friend & I used to sit on the counter-like tables (which were speakers inside) between the stairs to go down to the dance floor. do you remember that? We would sit there with a drink, our legs crossed & people watch. You're sooo right, "do you want to dance? did not work you had to be a little bit more creative for your dance ....THOSE WERE THE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for writing & keeping those memories alive!

hey there guys, you are correct there where alot of other clubs in the 80's but after the lime light burned, the clun that allmosy everuone ended up at at the end of the night, was CASANOVAS, and some of the other clubs that you guys mentioned where different types of music, not disco music, and I would love to know if there is a Casanova reunion and if it has passed, i love to see a link of pictures of the event please operez@rgv.rr.com
i did not reply to you all earlier, because i was not notified by the system of the responces.

Where the heck is Gino? I wanna talk to you Gino!!! Heard you on the radio for the reunion commercial - freaked out cause you sound so damn old (mentira mentira lol) Mr. Gino Latino LOL. Can't believe you didn't contact me for the sexy background novas commercial ;) - hehe.

Gino I got two words for you...

1. Manolo
2. Bus

LOL contact me if you read this. ;)

Love ya - Muah!
Marina
Plastica pero fantastica

Does anyone have any info on the Casanovas Freestyle happening on July 28? Is it a concert atmosphere or will it be like a big disco with dancing? Anyone know?

Thanks!

Josie, yes close my eyes all the time when listening to that music. On certain days when I need to relax I will just lock myself in one of my kids' rooms put on the music loud and just reminisce. It was the best music , hands down. As for the lines, I usually did not wait. Like I said in a previous post we were usually there very early. We would get to see the people that did the disco dancing as there was no one on the floor. The air was still electric even when the place was dead. We usually did not sit much and if we werent moving, we were standing. Once we made it to the floor we usually never got off because it was easier just to stand than try to fight your way back out. As for the lines to dance, I had to sing "Love is in the air" (not the Paul Young version, but one that was like a medley sang by a lady with a weird accent) to get a dance once. Got the dance and then she bolted after 3 minutes . My friends callled her "tres minutos" from that point on, LOL! We saw her often and called her that name until she finally told us her name was Mayra. Many funny one liners were heard and said and some worked and some (mostly mine, LOL) were bad! Anyone remember Loughlin, the hypnotist? Bring up some of the funniest and amazing moments...Like my posting above I actually hade a friend hypnotized. I also remember him putting 2 chairs back to back about 3 feet apart, laying the skinniest girl on the top and standing on top of her...amazed the hell out of me . Was it him or the long island ice teas? LOL. Also, write back some of your favorite tunes they played and artists if you remember . Somr of mine were all 3 Gary Low songs (La Colegiala, You are a Danger and I want you) Nayobe's Please Don't Go and Marx Brothers , Stay...Write back guys . The more you remember the longer we can keep it going.

Hey Josie one more note on your previous post. Casanovas was hands down the best. I don't know if you all remember but in the early days it also opened Thursdays. It was always empty. I was one of the few regulars that went Thursdays. They eventually stopped opening Thursdays and I switched to Gambits. Like you said above, it was a good change of scenery but never like Novas. I liked it so much though that if it had opened 7 days a week I would have been there every day. There were some nice places but none like this one. I would say the Squadron was a far second. Their music selection was the closest to Casanovas , but they were never as packed and the ladies were not as "caliente". Speaking of "caliente " ladies, I went to college up north during these days . And north I don't mean Gainesville or Tallahasseee, LOL. Way north! I had a roomate that came down from the great white north for spring break one year and I took him to Casanovas. Dude thought these hot ladies were models or actresses. He had his mouth open and his eyes popping out of his head all nite long. When we left he asked why I had ever left South Florida to go to school. I told him i would never had studied and he understood immediately. I challenge anyone to have come down here and gone to Casanovas any nite and found more beautiful women in one location at one time! Peace, I'll be back in a week or so to read more...

Guys, reading those postings brought back wonderful memories. I remember Friday nights at the Forest. I was 15, heading to 16, and I would get home from school early afternoon and began prepping for the show. I'd play Super Q and get inspired. I'd put on my double breasted shirt, along with my parachute baggies and crayon shoes. You all remember we bought the clothes at Merry Go Round. Well, my dad would drive me to the Forest at around 8, and my night would last there until 1:00 when they closed. They were fun days and I have great memories. Before being of legal age, I was able to sneak into Casanova's a few times. I'd go through the game room and try to guillarme into the club. When I had the munchies, I'd go to the Cozzolis' across the street. I'd sit there and watch the crowd and wait for that guy who always parked his Corvette in front of the club. Unfortunately, Strawberries came in a brought a crowd that ruined the mood. Anyhow, the memories will continue to live within me. Hope all you Forestecos and Casanoveros are doing well. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Keep the memories alive.

Oh my god so funny to see all these great postings, that was an era at Casanovas that will never be repeated, young people think todays music is something special, they will never know what we had back in the day. There was truly magic in the air at that place. One other mention of nightclubs here, nobody mentioned Studio 51, that was another decent club back in the day. Tuxedo's and disco dresses, geez are those days gone.

wuz upppppppppp

I remember Chris the hot dog guy from Scaramouche! Reading about him triggered the memory of when I hung out at Scaramouche & he was the bouncer-what an easy going nice guy!!
Amen to Studio 51 & all the others mentioned. It would be fun to have a reunion of all these great clubs that shaped the notorious Miami Nightlife!!
Did anyone hang out at Biscayne Baby especially on Tuesday nights when they had their alternative/new wave nights?!
And all hail to the greatest club ever known in Miami-the original Salvation in downtown Miami!!

Those were the best days and the best music by far at Casanova's!!! It will never be the same anywhere..even though Flow comes a little close.......I will add another club that was not mentioned by Marco Carillo ....remember "Infinity's"....

SUCIA SUCIA QUE RICA SON! I just bought my tickets for the Casanova's Reunion..

great memories from casanovas!!! i was fortunate enough to catch only the last few years of the little but unforgetable club were i remember only going a few times. The women were awsome the music pumping oh how i wish i only could have been there from the begining. The Amacco in the corner of Le Juen was the stop for manyof us before we entered casanovas.Once inside omg it was just of feeling of pure plesure.By then forest i think was gone and strawberries was across the street, however the hand full of memeories i keep from casanovas will never go away.

Did anyone go to the reunion concert this last Saturday?

RE: Casanova Freestyle Reunion
Miami FL 07-29-06

It was awesome!

Check out Ciro Llerena's site at http://myspace.com/djciro

i stand corrected by Marco, that's a good list of clubs i forgot. I would like to list also Club infinity that was also on 42 ave (LeJuene Rd) which
tried unsuccesfully to compete with Casanova. when i said a few clubs i was thinking in the early 80s. thanks Marco for bringing those up.

Hey Diana - I added Ciro to my myspace page. If you want, drop me a line or an "add" sfcanes98@yahoo.com

Sergio
"El Sucio de los Roads"

Nova's brings back more memories for me then any other club,it was while doing business with Casanovas as an inspiring booking agent that I was able to quickly gain more club clients with the help and recommendation of Kevin.

Casanovas was not the original nor incorporated name as most know of of it.

Casanovas was actually filed in Florida as Casanovas Hideaway,which makes one thinks what was the Hideaway thing all about in the first place?

Thats an answer only those who set foot in the place will know!

Nova's,Miami's own Studio 54,best ever.

How about some props for the best DJ that Miami EVER put out....Carlos Nodal ! Carlito, Rest in peace...You will always be the #1 DJ.

Amen on the Hideaway thing MiamiDisco. If you went there often, it felt like a place you could hideaway from almost anything that was going on in life. The ladies , the music and ,yes Jay, the #1 DJ (Carlos) that any club any Miami ever heard made you have a few hours of excellent entertainment. The price wasn't bad either, LOL! Back to Carlos. I never went to place while I was in my prime where the music was always at a peak. Most discos brought you up slowly , peaked, and then ran out of good music and then either played the same music over again or just played crap music. Casanova's peaked around 11 and kept peaking until it closed at 5AM . One good jam after another. Carlos really knew how to run a party! My sentiments exactly , Jay. RIP Carlos and I know one day when we all get up to heaven Carlos will mix for us all again...Take care and peace!

I have been gone for a bit and reread all the notes again...Man do I miss that joint! A few comments from reading above. I met my first girlfriend at Forest . I was a whopping 16 and still remember as it was yesterday. We broke up before I graduated to Casanovas but did see her there a few times. It is funny how Casanovas and Forest go together and this isn't because they were across from the street from each other. The music was hot in both places even though they were different. In Forest I remember 70's disco stuff which up to that point was the best music ever. (In The Bush, Instant Replay, Ritmo De Brazil..etc) . At Casanovas it was 80's (mostly import ) disco . Too many songs to name but if anyone wants any of this music I have at least 50 full CD's of this stuff plus many 12 inch singles. Then this music evolved into freestyle with Expose being one of the first groups I remember being classified as freestyle . Point of No Return was the first I remember being classified as freestyle. After freestyle , music just died and now it is dead and gone to HELL, LOL!Take care mis hermanos y hermanas. Hope to read more and keep this nostalgia going! Peace...

Chris "the hot dog man" Marrero was a fixture across the street from Cassanovas for years until the City of Hialeah changed the street vendor rules putting Chris out of business.

Indeed Chris was a bouncer (or more aptly - doorman) at the Scaramouche at one time... and before that he was the Laser Light Show operator at Scaramouche.

Chris sold the hot dog cart and dabbled in real estate for a few years. He was also a fairly successful male model, often appearing in fashion ads for Burdines and Sears.

He eventually ran afoul of the law due to a few questionable real estate transactions and was financially ruined.

After losing everything (which included hundreds of thousands of dollars and a brand new BMW) due to fines and legal fees, Chris actually found himself homeless and ended up living out of his car.

Chris met a young lady that had been thrown out of her home by her husband and together they joined forces to regain a place to live. Chris later married the girls sister and had a son.

For a while Chris was an unsuccessful screenwriter penning movie scripts that (as far as i know)went unsold. Last I heard, Chris Marrero was divorced, living in Fort Lauderdale and working with a film investment company soliciting investors for movies.

Okay folks we're in our forties and we're not dead yet! Ciro is still spinning the night away at Apple's Martini at Cocowalk. @ The Old Marino's location it's a little loud never thought I'd say that.

Casanovas was a great place to listen and dance to great music played by the Master himself "Ciro". But it was also a great place to work except on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends during the Miss Casanova and Mr. Casanova Contests. We had a great crew from Bob, Joe, Ralph, Debbie, Cindy, Laz, Manny the Door the guy,
Flash the Photographer, Jimmy
and his wife in the ladies room. Tom wasn't that bad we were just young, and Kevin of course, I'm sure I left someone out sorry If did. but'Novas opened my eyes to a lot of things thank God, I just want to know where's the fat chick that still has my Black Casanova's security jacket, Im sure it doesn't fit anymore anyways. Peace long live the memories.

Although I'm only 30 now & was too young for Casanova's, there wasn't a story that I didn't overhear. My mom, who was still in her teens/early twenties would come home late from--
1) Escapades
2) Egoiste?
3) Decos
4) City Limits
5) Club Z
6) & Facade!!!!

just to name a few.

The reunion of Expose last night 10/21 was unbelievable!!!! I can understand the tears of joy....there were many.

I remember:
It was 1990 & Soave was "Crying over you"live at Six Flags. I remember being pissed because I didn't have a ride from Miami to Hollywood. I had to hear it on Power 96.

I remember singing a very catchy song with those unmistakable chords...

"I know, if you look into my eyes
I'll be with you tonight,
if you, would only play right,
I'll be with you tonight"

We are blessed to have all these memories... more to come soon.

'glad to found you all.

Hey Mike, you missed lots of good times in all those discos your mom spoke of. But, Casanovas was the best of all of them. By the way, I can understand those tears shed at the AAA Freestyle concert this weekend. Folks my age that lived through those days can only wish they could have one more night like one of those. I wouldn't trade the life that I heve now for it, but one night back at 'Novas circa 1983 would sure be nice! Peace...

And, one more comment from Mike's comments above. Doesn't everyone here feel the pain when you hear Power 96 now? The crap they play on there compared to our music back when that station was good. Remember Kid Curry with the lunch time mixes. The Chief Ramon Hernandez, Ciro . Remember Bo in the morning, Leo Vela and all the super mixers. Every time I hear Laz in the morning (I beleive he is the only one left from those days) I wish for once he would just do an all freestyle morning and make all us older folks happier. We need some help with a good station here that plays our music all the time!!!

I remember them all. Phil Jones, Mohammad Moretta, Dimas (when he was recording tracks like "Be with you tonight" & "Drums of Love"). I even remember Laz when he recorded with Danny D & the Boyz from the Bottom!!!


All great memories!!! I have some great stories to share. From concerts at Metrozoo's Haunted House all the way forward to Emerald City in the late 90s, I was there for most of them!
The best night I ever had at a club was the hour drive to Club Boca in 98. Stevie B's concert that night was legendary!!! They were live on Power that night, I remember.

And even later days at Alcazaba....those were all great. The Miami anthem "My sweet love" would receive a collective "OOOHHHH" from everyone when it broke in. LOL I remember bringing my cd case from my car & giving it to Dj Shalomar (at Emerald) to play some tracks in the club. What great times.

More to come.

Amen Mike. There were lots of good times and good music then. I used to tape the noon mix quite often since I had a programmable cassette recorder. I still have a bunch of them and will be transferring to CD soon. I was a little bit older and married when all those concerts you speak of, but I do remember hearing them on the air. Many good nights of music and not just with Power. I go back to as far as 96X days when Leo Vela was a mixer during the disco days. Then came Super Q and La Discoteca en el Aire with Maria Cristina Ruiz. I would put Super Q on and prep for Casanovas. Great memories...keep 'em coming. Peace...

What memories, waoooo!!....How about the other clubs at that time,, Pete and Lennys,, Studio 51, Skips, Disco 95 ( wich was locate out of i-95 and hallandale I think), How about, Yesterdays??..I believe its still open....and remembering now,, ECLIPSE,, remember that club?? it was in front of Dadeland Mall, now where the Humana Insurance building is off 88 Kendall Drive..and for you OLDIES,,,, the starting place was, MY PLACE in 8 Street, than we would hit PAPA GRANDES on 37 th Ave miracle mile where there is a blockbuster now,, waooooooooo, what memories

Casanova was on of the stepping stones of my Disco life. Some call me the father of Disco, because of my age. I'm now 52 yrs old. I go back as far as Rum Bottoms, was later turned into Limlite. I was know as Gil and Millie witch later I divorced after 10 yrs. I been to so many disco's its hard to remember. Still today I listen to old songs, like Music, Rythem and Harmony by the Broklyn Dreams. I still keep have a dissent collection of songs.

I would like to hear something about the last(closing)night of Casanovas. I don't remember hearing that it was all over but I'm sure that it was quite a memorable & sad night to close those doors for the last time. I wasn't there that night & I'd like to hear from someone that was. I wonder who played, must have been an honor to get that last gig?

As somebody above had previously mentioned the legal description name is: Casanova's Hideout corporation application was approved on 2/1980 and it was disolved on 11/1990, just over 10 yrs...

Well Ciro Llereno still spinning and now he plays sat at apple martinis also there is a great disco hustle club called paladium all the great hustle dancers hangout there or wenesday at the grand bay in the grove but i renember barry gib was at casanovas one night and hanging out also sundays nights were great there you would hang out till 12 and then it emptied because of school or you had to work

hey does have any pictures or video that you would like to share w/ me I am a big
fan
of casanova night club
please call me or email me
305 962-9821 or Latindreamsent@bellsouth.net

Josie, I was not there either but like you say, I bet it was emotional. My take on the closing was that no one knew. I believe they were open one day and the next day just closed like most discos in those days. Very little information was known or given out. I remember when they closed the place down a few months to replace the lighted floor with the wooden floor. They told us they would close a short time and then reopen with a surprise. After it went a while I figured they went under and never will reopen. Glad I was wrong! I moved out of state for a few years near the end of the era and when I came back I was married. I came back in 1988 . I never went back after 1988. My last time there was probably right before my wedding when I came to visit my parents. I went by myself (don't tell my wife, LOL) the last time around late '87 or early '88. I see from a note it closed around 1990. I would also love to hear if they did announce its closing and some of the emotions that went on that nite. That was the night music died and an era ended! Peace to all and would love to hear closing comments...

Eddie,I filmed a lot of the groups I use to book all over town and have many performances still on s-vhs tape,which I am now in the middle of transferring to digital video for a project I am working on and soon will be made public.

hey miamidisco...we'll be back, waiting to see your short video of those performances from back in the day, this should be awesome! keep us all posted, que rico!

Thanks everyone for sharing the memories. what fun.
Yes, at least in memory I'm back there once again sunday about 11 pm....

I was a regular 1987 - 88 on sun. nights only...sat. was definitly club nu s. beach. Casanova's Sun. nights --the place to be.

does anyone agree that perhaps that vitality and carefree of youth is why some of us wish to go back. Or just relive these memories? Plus, we had not a wrinkle or extra pound at age 21!

funny no one above mentioned all the drugs / coke taking place there. not that it affected me, but from what I remember, the big dealers of the time were mostly in the booths. Older, ugly men back in the booths with what seemed to be bodygards in front.


pleae email me if you have photos of backstreet, casanova, club nu, club 1235, or casanovas
taken before 1990. Or links to other websites that have photos of these places.

our memories nor disco will die! MD

Michelle, I have a few photos up of the clubs you mentioned on my site http://www.305Disco.com

I DONT REMEMBER WHEN I STARTED GOING TO CASANOVAS BUT I DO REMEMBER ROBERT AND APOLLO WOULD GET ME IN AFTER THE FOREST !!! real good times i also was a regular for many years but the croud got young and we all stoped going !!! GOD BLESS THE GOOD OLD DAYS !!!

baaaayaaaaa!!!!!!! casanovas what can i say the best but dont forget the gunshots over in strawberries

Ciro Llerena, Carlos Nodal and Luis Martinez - these people made my youth worth living, seriously.

I have such strong, vivid memories of all these DJs, enough for me to make me want to become one. I witnessed Ciro play at FLOW two years ago, and then just recently at apple Martini Bar (in the Grove) and I commented to him that he played as if it was yesterday at Casanovas. Ciro, if you read this, you are one in many and you stand out. I remember when Ciro denied me the rquest to play Heroes (Big Band Tribe) at Casanovas - I'm not mad about it still, but he was right; it wasn't the crowd that merited that song at the time. When he was involved in SEDA (South Eastern Disco Association - a record pool here in Dade County), he played outside the scope of Casanovas music.

I still reremember the many songs that he brought into his music program, that wasn't Casanovas material... absolutely great stuff!

God bless the many DJs that are very talented as Ciro and the Carlos Nodal that we will miss time and time again when he played Salsa on sunday nights at Canasonas.

By the way, for thos eof you out there that remember some of Ciro's mixing, the very best was the hit by Tiger Moon " Something tells me" -

Thank god we have these memories, life is alot better.....

The forest and casanovas where the place,(firecraker,dance..party,manguse,rock rock rock it and more.. those where the songs that make us dance and fall in love those where the days.Super skating center in 49st(where home depot is) la playa collings and 81st bayaaaa.. and if you no ligaba you still have hope in casanovas and of course show off your tan that night. No doubt casanovas and ciro where the best, last song I heard ciro mix(lay all your love on me by abba) still in my mind and heart. The day I give my last breath in this world I will ask God to take me back there for just a few minutes and live those moments again for a life time, God bless you all.

My name is John Fara and all the chicks know me as le narison. I had all the chicks at Casanovas in 1989. i want all you ladies & guys I had a few if you know what i mean?...that remember me to
send me an email so you can see what you look like now. I'm 68 and still hot!!!

It was only a matter of time.. but it finally happened... someone created a page for the party goers of CASANOVA. So if you're on myspace... look it up and show the page some love... and post a pic if you have one from back in the days at Casanovas

http://www.myspace.com/clubcasanovas

Hey everyone my name is Patty and yes I was a big time novas party girl... I won the Madonna contest back in the 80's, Bo from power 96 was one of the judges who voted for me : ) back then she was on hot 105- I was 15 at the time and had the connection in the front door (Hi Tom) when needed I had my sisters I.D - who didnt have one in those days.... Anyways times sure have change, Im 37 now and still love Disco and the awesome Casanova times... I hate todays music, Can you really call it music? my 17 year old daughter thinks our music is terrible. I will do anything to have one more Casanova night!

If we could wake up one day find ourselves back in time I would want it to be a Saturday Night from 1981 to 1986, after that year it was not the same for me. I guess my crowed was getting older and married for the most part. But yes if I could back into time I would probably be there.

Hello out there in Casanovas land!
I am Laz, Casanovas bartender extraordinaire. I did my damage from the back bar. Cut the hair a while back and now I lead a somewhat respectable existence. I have pics from back in the day and will dig them out and post soon.

Hey I have some inside pictures from the club in the Omni (Scaramouche?) I'm an architect and I did a walkthrough since it may be remodeled. The mirrored columns brought me back to the good old days:)

Wow...there was nothing like hitting the beach, "La 81" on Sunday, and later on going to Casanova.

The best on Sunday afternoon was take out the boat run around the bay with the grils, hang out at Sunday on the Bay or Monty's than get a boost and at night hit Casanova. That was life on the Fast Lane ! Thanks God I Survive those Years. Party Party Party

Even though I always competed against it, with Carlos and Ciro, it obviously was the best of its time. Cocaine, coke whores, dealers and musical acts were always there. Plus all those 'MAMMITAS" from Hialeah equals a 10

hey you all, I have a question, I have left the area now for over 11 years, I saw on one of the postings here that said something in reference to Carlos nodal "rest in peace" is that a joke or has past away, and if so please tell me what happened, operez@rgv.rr.com just in case you dont want to put that information here.

LANDY, just got back in town after a week with MICKEY MOUSE, saw your message. I am responding, ans keeping your email address for future use. NO JOKE, sorry to say!

I am so sorry about Carlito's
hey there Nelson, yes I remember the sunday drives on the bay either to sundays or to 41 street Eden Rock beach, I remember we would get home by 7 or 8 am on sunday morning from the limelight and after that from the Denny's in hallandale blvd. and we would hook up my boat, gas it up go to the neighbor hood cuban grocery on hialeah drive and get beer sodas, Cuban bread ham and cheese and put the boat on the water either in key biscayne or at the miami river and go first to Eden rock and crash for a few hours on the boat or on the sand and wait for the girls to show up and then we would either go skying right there on 41st or hit the water and go to sundays to pick up girls and bring them to the beach with us, those days will never return, we had a great time and I am also very grateful that I also survived all of that extra s*** that we were doing, but it was fun, and since the girls demanded it for the parties, so we did it and had it.

Wow, this brings back memories. I grew up in Hialeah and spent most my childhood days at Hialeah Lanes which was part of the club. As a matter of fact, before the club use to be billiard tables and a day care nursery. I was to young to visit the club, but remember hearing the walls shake over the crashing pins. Nice site.

Robert, I too remember the bowling alley. The owners originally wanted to use the entire building as a Club. Could you imagine that. It would have been the biggest most outrageous club ever! I can't, or refuse to remember the day care center. Those kids would be in their thirties today!!!

yes I used to play pool in that room before it was casanovas, and I remember the guy at the door of Casanova's, he was a cop or an ex cop related to the owners and of course Kevin the Manager.

Ok, other than Apple Martini/Flow, where else can I dance to the old Casanova's style music?

Did you guys hear about the other Freestyle Reunion concert May 31 at the UM arena? Contact me at sfcanes98@yahoo.com, since I got the link on my myspace page.
Gotta get my Cavariccis, my beeper and brick phone ready!

Contact me when it is a DISCO reunion!! That sounds more like it!! Some VOYAGE, LOVE AND KISSES, CERRONE, DON RAY. Now that is worth a reunion!!

Great memories described here!! Does anyone remember a song that used to go "hit the beach now....now get a guy ||:" ? It's from the mid-80's, I think..
Really would appreciate any info on that song. Some of you may get a kick from seeing this short video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k08sStMYwQ
It's "People from Ibiza" (another song I was searching for).

PS--To Orlando (Landy)Perez ---did you live behind a McDonalds?

Hey there Lissy, I lived off lejeunne rd and 5 place south east, i lived 2 blocks from los sucios in south east hialeah, I have an ex girl friend that lived behind mcdonalds on hialeah drive, but I did not.

Hey Orlando, OK just checking if you were my neighbor! Maybe your ex was one (if she lived in Palm Spring Villas)..

Hey there Lissy.
I do not remember where palm springs villas is or was at, I have been gone from hialeah for 12 yrs now, so I may assume that is near palm springs or north hialeah, you either went to hialeah high or miami lakes, I went to springs sr. high. it feels good to hear from Old dance friends from the days.

Those were the days! they will never come back , but the lucky few will remember them forever!
Honey's... Widows...Novas
If my friends could see me now.
DISCO LARRY

TO ALL WHOM LOVE & FOLLOW DJ- CIRO LLERENA!

My name is Jose Alfonso, and I've had the pleasure of recalling those great memories from casanovas, as well as the most recent ones locally at Apple Martinis, Alcazaba Lounge and Flows.

I'm delighted and honored to have started www.Cirollerena.com, Ciro's website and we are also delighted that all of you (as I do) visit Discomusic.com in order to both remember and keep up with Ciro llerena and other DJs like him. Please visit us at www.Cirollerena.com or www.CiroDJ.com and relive those moments again....

Then come back and Discomusic.com and share your thoughts and comments with all your friends. We are all both lucky and happy to have both this forum and our music which bonds us all ina special way!

Best regards,

Jose A.
Jose@cirollerena.com

TO ALL DISCO MUSIC LOVERS !

I will upload several CASANOVAS pictures to DiscoMusic.com - please visit this site again and review the old time pictures.... lots of memories to come.

Jose Alfonso
Jose@Cirollerena.com

Hi, Everyone

I just wanted to start by saying reading everyone's comments brings back so many memories. WOW I love this Era I have to say it was the best now things are so different I really miss those DAYS! I use to go to Forrest in Hialeah, My Dream, and OMG remember The Castaways cmon what summer didnt you want to saty there and DANCE by the pool " Those were the days!"

Remember Salon Azul I went there every Wednesday when it was summer and then on Sundays!! Pete & Lenny's OMG I remember not being able to go because I was sick but I could hear them on the radio "Power 96" I still have 1 cassette that I recorded. I also went skating at Midway by Flager and also Hialeah Skating rink and also Tropical skating by Bird Rd. In fact I lived in Westchester by always hung out in Hialeah. WOW I have so much I want to say but I will come back another day.

I hope to hear from anyone who would love to remember the good times and hopefully I can find all the great people that I use to dance with.

Thank you for this website and keeping Disco alive.

Just saw this site and had to comment. I am not sure how many shows we did at Casanovas but I do remember the incredible energy the club always had. Ciro was/is/always will be the best. I still feel badly about the time my shoe flew off and nailed someone down front during "Babe We're Gonna Love Tonight" !

My name is Yami, my stepfather was Carlos Nodal, DJ at Casanovas, Latin nights. So I had the hookup to get in at like 15-16 years old. That was cool I loved it there. Well, if anyone ever needs PIC I have a lot of them of my dad and of my dad with lots of celerity’s.

Hey everyone sorry so cold earlier just trying to take it all in. Thanks for the great posts about my step dad (Carlos Nodal). I called my mom so she can write a short letter telling everyone exactly what happen to Carlos. When she gives me the letter I will translate it and post it. But just to conform Carlos died of lung cancer in 1999.

'Novas...WOW! As a young Black kid growing up mostly in the Midwest-I had always been curious about "THE MIAMI SOUND" and "EURO/ITALO-DISCO" that would occasionally sneak into the programming on the dance oriented stations.Came to Ft.Lauderdale in the mid 80's for a tryout with the Yankees...and basically stayed and watched South Florida become center of the party universe for the next dozen or so years.My previous experience with Latin culture of ANY kind consisted of watching the T.V. show :CHICO & THE MAN.
Where I came from you were either Black or White...with a high likelihood of German or Polish roots.When I moved to town-dance music was in it's post-Disco/pre-HI NRG & Freestyle phase.Casanovas was the PERFECT field trip for a gringo like me.Fell in love with the scene.Fell in love with more than one hot Cubana.Thoroughly enjoyed Ciro Llerena...who would still spin the serious disco for the impeccably dressed Hustlers.Got pretty good at it myself.It was like an extended time warp.Who else would play Gino Soccio:Turn It Around...or Garys Gang:Knock Me Out...or Billy Ocean:Stay The Night? Thanx Ciro.

In case anyone is interested,Ciro is still packing them in at his new home,The Club which is owned by another legendary Miami DJ,Jimmie E who also use to own Infinitys in Miami Springs.

Im actually hosting a benefit event there for Nile Rodgers of the group Chic,

For info go to http://www.305Disco.com

Come relive those moments once again.

We are having a "tropical heatwave" of a second Casanova's Reunion @ The Club at the Renaissance 2340 S.W. 32 Ave on June 20th, 2009!

See you there!

I used to go there and tried picking up these stuck up chicks who today weigh in at more than 350 pounds and live off government checks with their four children.

Most of these chicks are skinny again thanks to gastric by-pass surgery... lol

Wonder what Cuco Macuco looks like "TRIED Picking up" now that is LMAO

Typical Saturday night for me before I was legal. 1980/17 years old, I take my Woolworth's fake ID from Miracle Mile and confidently stand in line at Casanova's, was told to come back when I was 19....went straight to The Forrest - I did this EVERY Saturday night until I turned 19. I proudly took my legal ID and the bouncer was so happy to finally let me in he didn't charge me cover AND comped me free drinks that night - he said he admired my determination! I didn't know what was inside but I just new it would be magical!

So...some more memories to toss into the mix, Forrest - how about the "Chaparonas" sitting on the circular purple (?) benches with their eagle eyes, ready to separate their young daughters from dancing a little too close. AND - the concerts - some of the artists (France Jolie, Viola Wills) would sing 1st at Forrest then head over to Casanova's! I also had tons of their little promo calendars with the acts performing that month - unfortunately when I moved to DC the moving company lost one box, and it was the box with my HS and Disco memories!!!!! :-(

I also remember driving there from a day at the beach, getting my hand stamped, putting a plastic bag over my hand, showering and heading back to the club, no standing in line or cover charge. I had my own apt and would be broke towards the end of the month, so my friends and I would bring a cooler with a 2 liter coke bottles filled with Cuba Libre's, we would dance out butts off for about 10 songs (CIRO & ROLY U GUYS WERE GODS!)...run out to the parking lot by Cassoli's, chug down drinks then run back to the club.

I lived at Cassi's on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday nights. My friend Leo and I would practice disco after school then show up early to wow the crowd with our moves. ALWAYS closed down the club heading to Denny's for breakfast, then straight to the beach where we would sleep and work on our tans.

Clubs - yeah there were others but not as GR8 as Cassie's.

Monday - Uncle Charlies/2 for 1 drinks/dancing disco, drinking long island ice teas, spraining my ankle

Tuesday - Waterfront - practice those disco moves

Wednesday - CAAAAS-A-NOVAS! - Fave was the hypnotist the things he made those people do!

Thursday - Fire&Ice; that was when Newwave was hitting the scene, I remember one night taking a white bed sheet and spray painting it and wearing it out to that night with my "jellies".

Friday - Cassie's
Saturday - Club Z
Sunday - Monty's for some pain killers, then back to Cassie's!


Those WERE the best days of my life - thanks for the memories!

We did the sound system for Cassanovas....owned by Harold Vineberg...who had quite a few bowling alleys...this one had a late liquor license.
One of our first "split systems" wher the subs were on the floor and complete mid-high packs in the air

Come relive those moments once again.

We are having a Casanova's Reunion Weekend @ The Club at the Renaissance 2340 S.W. 32 Ave on October 16th & 17th, 2009! On Friday, an after party following the Casanova Freestyle Reunion concert at the James L. Knight Center. And on Saturday, October 17th, LIME live on stage!

See you there at the dance floor! ;)