Salvation

Miami, Florida

DJs:
Robbie Leslie

Photos below submitted by Scott Blackwell:
1. DJ Booth at Salvation with Light Man Paul?
2. George Cardenas and Scott Blackwel in George's apt during one of his Saint guest spots.
3. Pic of salvation from bass bins looking at the bar and elevated DJ booth.
Salvation Salvation Salvation



Salvation

Please Add Any Missing Clubs That We've Missed!

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Please feel free to link to this page by using this URL:
http://www.discomusic.com/clubs-more/887_0_6_0_C/

Posted by:
Bernie: DiscoMusic.com
on Sep 25, 03 | 8:19 am



Reader Comments on Salvation

 

The original Salvation from the early 80's was truly the greatest disco Miami has ever seen. Housed in the old "Salvation Army" building in downtown Miami, the people, music & overall energy of the club have never been duplicated. I believe Bob Eckenweiler was the DJ.
Posted Dec 16, 03 | 7:45 pm by tojo6163

Yes, Bobby Eckenweiler was the DJ and he was the best!
Posted Mar 03, 04 | 9:35 am by discotodd

Would love to hear so much more about the club since we installed the sound system, but i was only there a few times. Who else played there?
Barry (Graebar Sound)
Posted May 29, 04 | 10:18 pm by Barry Lederer

I know Jorge Cadenas was a guest DJ in 1982. He used to be the resident DJ at Monster in Key West at the time.
Posted Jul 14, 04 | 11:37 pm by mixmachine

Downtown Salvation was the club.
Doors didnt open till 11:00 pm sometimes 12 midnight on Saturdays. You could smell the wood that had been polished before you entered the club. Sundays they use to have tdances and have a spread of food upstairs on the balcony. I remmber many nights in the bathroom talking to Jane the attendant. I miss Salvation it was a growing era for me
Posted Apr 12, 05 | 9:57 am by diskow

Salvation was one of the most amazing clubs in south Florida. A lot of the music that was played there were rare songs that really never made it out of the underground music scene at that time. Some of the songs that were played there: Glad To Know You, Jump Shot, The Visitors, The Force, Tripping On The Moon, Hills Of Katmandau, Atomatic Lover, Sandstorm...
danny
Posted Apr 14, 05 | 2:09 pm by modfinds

I remember one song that I never heard anywhere else, Strange Desires, by Pete Richards.
Posted Aug 27, 05 | 7:54 am by soir

THE ORIGINAL SALVATON IN MIAMI WAS LEGENDARY. IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC! TO THIS DAY, THE BEST CLUB EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER WITNESSED. ALL BOW TO BOBBY DJ ECKENWEILER! AMAZING!
Posted Sep 10, 05 | 3:05 pm by JUAN

I came out when I was 14 and started to attend Miami clubs shortly thereafter. I frequented every Miami hot spot and never has there been a club like Salvations. It was amazing. Everyone dressed to the nine's and most everyone took a lot of drugs. The music, the energy, the space was truely magical! I remember the pounding of Abba's Lay all your love on me vibrating off the wall and into your heart. So many friends, so many of them gone. Salvations saved so many of us. I, occasionaly, drive by and gaze with transient memory at its facade and remember.
Posted Dec 20, 05 | 1:54 pm by Albert

Saturdays at Salvation were legendary. It was an interesting mix of Preppies, leathermen, twinks and Cubans. All together in absolute harmony. We used to drive down from FtL.

The songs that stood out for me were "Rain, Rain, Rain" by Gombay Dance Band, "I Wanna Take You Home" by P Cowley and , of course, "The Visitors" by ABBA.

Coke, MDA, acid, poppers and ethyl were plentiful and added to the groove.
Posted Jan 27, 06 | 2:53 pm by JohnnyCB

yep...in all the years that I was a clubber, Salvation became the standard against which all others were held.

I'm fortunate to have a cassette of Bobby from that time- the choice of tunes is totally Miami- some of the tunes I've yet to identify. One of the songs on there is "Deetour" by Karen Young, which still holds it's own.
Posted Feb 01, 06 | 12:39 am by basil

I started going to Salvations Downtown Miami when I was 14 years old. It was my 1st time in a gay bar. I couldn't believe the music, the energy and the celebration of life. I don't know if it was because of it being my 1st bar or what but, I know that I've never had such fun again. My music was true ear candy (lay all your love on me, sing sing sing, the visitors, situation, tripping on the moon, the force and many more. I have a David magazine from 1981 with a drawing of the club on the front cover with a turn table for the roof.
Posted Aug 02, 06 | 4:51 pm by Jace

I noticed a post from basil back in February. I have made it a point to collect as much music that I heard at Salvation as I can. I may be able to identify some of the songs for you.

Posted Dec 05, 06 | 12:23 pm by soir

where's Jorge now???????
Martin
Posted Jun 15, 07 | 5:38 am by MartinDow

People talk about "The Garage" in NY, Muzic Box & Warehouse in Chicago, Trucadero Transfer in SF, but no one can touch the original "Salvation" in Miami. I remember walking in and people offering you sugar cubes of acid and MDA. People would stand in line to get there stuff leave and come back in the middle of the night. By that time the music had gone absolutely bezerk. Krishnas would be outside. It was a great mix of gay, straight. It was all about the music first and foremost. I remember many nights walking around asking people "what is this song" it was always either "The Force" By Nancy Nova (Thanks to Mystic Bill), "Seahunt" by Patrick Cowley, And all the trippy disco classics mixed with the ryhthmic disco. That was the Miami Sound!!! and the best club to this day!!
Posted Jul 14, 07 | 7:53 pm by juan cementerio

I am looking for old David Magazines from 1975-1980. I ran some ads in them. It was a wild time in history and would like to make sure it is preserved.
Posted Dec 04, 07 | 4:59 am by Dennis

What a great Christmas present to find this site. My partner "Joe" and I have many memories of Salvation's during the 80's. The music has never died for both of us. My song " Trippin On The Moon" says it all. MDA, Rainbow, 714, and yes, the fans. We were both into " Fan Dancing ". Our thing was to get ready by Wednesday by getting our clothes and fans cordinated for the weekend which usually was 3 changes in clothing since tripping made us sweat, hence the change in clothing. Joe used to call this ritual " Tune Up Wednesday ". Salvation's was home to many. There were many clubs, COPA, Backstreet, 13 Buttons ( showing my age here ), 1235, Club Z any many more that I can't remember, but none could ever compare to Salvation's. I've always wondered where the old crowd ended up, As for me, the Pacific Northwest ( the next best thing that ever happened to me ) and now the state of North Carolina (still figuring this one out), yet the topic of Salvation's was always present in conversation. In meeting new friends, they couldn't understand my feelings toward's this club, I just would say, " You had to have been there ". Today the music lives in my mixes ( I mix my own CD's on my PC ) and at times, it's like being there again. Joe and I are no longer together but remain very close and have a very strong friendship, after all, we did spend twenty plus years together. So, if the old crowd is out there, let me here from you or from anyone who was there. Salvation's, there will be nothing like it ever again. Joe, thanks for the best time of my life. Te Quiero !
Posted Dec 13, 07 | 7:30 am by Frank Gonzalez

Frank, you are not alone on not only thinking Salvation is indescribable. I've yet to go to another club(even studio 54) that had the energy of Salvation. I too have ended up in North Carolina. I really long for a place to groove like Salvation. I would travel far to do it.
Posted Dec 13, 07 | 7:55 am by soir

It's incredible reading all these comments about Salvation. And we have to clarify that we are not speaking about the same Salvation that popped up in Miami in the 90's. They were 2 very different clubs. I used to think that I was the only one that thought that there has never been another club like it. Everthing that Frank said is true. It was such an event every Saturday night and into Sunday morning. I remember hearing "Changin'" by Sharon Ridley for the first time there and thinking what an amazing feeling that was. Hey Frank, what part of Caroline are you in? I am in Raleigh myself. Does anybody remember Constantine?
Posted Dec 13, 07 | 8:10 am by JUANRGRULLON

Hey Hey ! What a thrill to get the responses to my post. There is only one other club that was a little like Salvation's to me, "The Saint" in New York. All other clubs were smoke and mirrors. There was one place that sprang up after Salvation's closed, but I can't remember the name. It was located in decorators row north of 36th street in Miami. The old crowd transfered there but it was not the same. The music was different, what was known back then as "Progressive", gone was the Hi-nrg and the "SLEAZE", well you all know what I mean here. The 90's version of Salvation's is not even in my vocabulary, shame for using the name. By the late 90's I was out of the club scene but my heart was still in the music. Constantine, oh yes! What really surprises me is how long Salvation's lasted, considering the Miani PD was down the street. I personally feel it became just too comfortable, and the going on just got out of hand. I too would travel far for another Salvation's type club, but in truth, it's wishful thinking if another one came along, today's youth does not know how to party! This is why I mix my own music and re-live it all. I've settled in Reidsville, it's about 20 miles north of Greensboro. I became the care giver to my handicapped sister at the beginning of 2007, moved her up to Spokane, WA and quickly realized that taking care of her was going to be a challenge. My heart is still in the Pacific Northwest, taxes drove me out, plus I needed to be closer to family. I've been here in Reidsville about a month and have adapted well, considering it's a small town. Nice people, but waiting to see how tolerant they are. I can still hear "Standing Right Here" by Melba Moore during that final hour before last call in the mist of a great "High". Well all this has gotten me in the mood for music. I'm off to make a new mix, Salvation's style. Keep the post coming ! Who know's, we just might party again.
Posted Dec 13, 07 | 11:15 am by Frank Gonzalez

i've traveled and met people all over. Each time i encountered someone that partied at Salvations the memories are intense and wonderful. Trully, there has never been a club like Salvations ever again in Miami or the Beach. I'll drop a few "character" names to make some of you smile. Remember Lisa my Dear, Cecilia, Jose el negro, bob martinez, luis castro, carmen"new wave" kuki, tony sampson, jorge alonso, jorge lario, fernando garcia, guillermo, nilo, etc.. What great nights we had there.
Posted Jan 22, 08 | 8:39 am by rudytriana

Hey guys
It is so great to hear all the wonderful comments about the club.My partner (Peter) and I installed the sound there as well as The Saint, Troc and 12 West
We loved the place.
Anybody know what became of the owner Bob Harris? Would Like to know-Keep the comments coming
Posted Jan 22, 08 | 8:51 am by barry lederer

Wow!
Carmen "New Wave". Now that has taken me back. Partied many a night's with this fun loving person. If there is one song that was Carmen for me, "Quasimodo". She would really get into this song, plus her attire matched her to the "T". So full of life!
Posted Jan 22, 08 | 11:29 am by Frank Gonzalez

This is a short list of the songs that"took" me places at Salvations.
Let's Start to Dance by Bohannon,Hills of Katmandy, by Tantra, Lay all your love on me by ABBA, Tripping on the Moon, Cerrone, Tanited Love/where did our love go remix, by Soft Cell, Situation by YAZ, Just can't get enough by Depeche Mode, Megatron Man by P Cowley, Strange Desires by P Richards, Remeber by Gino Soccio, oh god i could go on and on ... So glad to find this site and read all of your comments.
Posted Jan 22, 08 | 1:02 pm by RUDY

Hey Frank, the club you're referring to in the Design District was "Fire and Ice". Great memories of that club as well.
Posted Feb 12, 08 | 5:06 pm by tojo6163

SALVATIONS was one of the most popular clubs ever in Miami. Too many drugs for my taste, and that is saying something in itself. But everyone else loved it, so on my scale from 1 to 10, it gets a strong 9.
Posted Feb 16, 08 | 8:21 pm by vyniljunkie

I went to COPA, Backstreet, 13 Buttons back then, too, and loved those clubs. So sad when 13 Buttons burned to the ground. How could we never have even heard of Salvation? Sounds like it was a fabulous club.

Does anyone remember where "San Francisco" was located? We went there a lot, too, and saw Divine perform there (and had our picture taken with her!), but where was it?

I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1982, and I'm telling you, none of the clubs here have ever measured up to the clubs in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Not even a candle. It's crazy.
Posted Jun 01, 08 | 3:32 pm by Mark

WOW, that is one hell of a statement. The MIAMI Clubs were better than the San Fransisco Clubs? With all the talk, the bragging , the fame that these places had, MIAMI CLUBS WERE BETTER!!! Cool!-- SALVATION was located just west of DOWNTOWN, in what is considered East Little Havana, along FLAGLER Street around 7Th or eighth street. The SALVATION ARMY Building?? Remember it now?
Posted Jun 01, 08 | 4:03 pm by vyniljunkie

No, that's the thing, there was a group of us that went to numerous clubs, and Salvation was never among them. We never heard of it! How we missed it, I don't know, but I'm sorry we did.

My question, though, was about a club called "San Francisco," located somewhere in Miami, maybe near the Gables or the Grove. I really have no recollection, but it was a much smaller club, with a tiny dance floor, but not too small for an appearance by Divine.

Anyone remember that one, or where it was???
Posted Jun 01, 08 | 6:01 pm by Mark

"San Fransisco" was located where HONEY FOR THE BEARS used to be. On 27th avenue as you were entering the Grove, on your right hand side, a block or two before the light on Bird Road. A GAY club that didn't last too long. But having DEVINE showcased sounds right.----- The reason you and your friends missed SALVATION, there really was no advertising. Word of Mouth mostly. SALVATIONS wasn't around too long either.Both Clubs lasted less then two years.
Posted Jun 01, 08 | 6:15 pm by vyniljunkie

the years at salvation were what kept me from killing myself in that crazy Florida.
My boys Alex, Frankie, Maria, David Dancing in that corner. Sitting on the speaker next to the floor and tripping to the beat.
I will admit that the meat market side of the floor scared me but i would venture there and just pass thru. No worries, and never a problem.
Best timeof my life.
Posted Jun 13, 08 | 4:59 pm by kenwood

This is great- the thread has gotten very close to home now. Carmen and I were pals- as were Nilo, Ceclia, Fernando, Jose...

who remembers Jose showing up in the wedding dress? That was a rough one for me- I still can't shake that image.
Posted Aug 21, 08 | 10:13 am by basil

I remember Jose in that wedding dress like it was yesterday. He was so outrageous! Does anyone remember Constantine?
Posted Aug 24, 08 | 2:19 pm by Juan Grullon

Constantine was one special man. I loved it when he would show up with the orchids woven into his hair. Talk about regal!

Does anyone remeber Jose's lace draped umbrella?
Posted Aug 25, 08 | 4:58 am by JohnnyCB

OMG...doesn't anybody remember the Halloween Parties? I was cinderella one year and Maid Marion the next. Who can forget the Sundays after the beach "all white" dances! All those taned beautiful people. We were the straight girls from Miami High, but enjoyed our "FagHag" status. We still miss and think of Humberto "Hums" Hernandez, Tony "el chinito" and Tony Laria gone but never forgotten! Annie Sainz, my "cousin" if you're out there please e-mail me.
Marilyn
Posted Aug 29, 08 | 5:33 am by Itty Bitty

I actually never went to Salvation (did do Fire and Ice in the Design District, and that has the same fond memories for me that many have here of Salvation), but the mother of my first child, nicknamed Blondie by her friends, would always talk about this place in the same religious manner I (and other friends of mine) speak of Fire and Ice. She would always mention the fan dancing, and I actually still have a 12" of The Force inherited from a friend of ours who unfortunately passed away. I do actually believe, based on my own dance experiences in Miami at Fire and Ice, Warwaw, 1235), that the Miami clubs really could not be easily be beat for the sheer dance excitement, drugs or no drugs.
Posted Sep 28, 08 | 4:18 pm by Manny

You know what's really crazy? I lived right around the corner from Flagler and 7th/8th streets, and as I said in previous posts, never heard of Salvation. If only one could go back in time....
Posted Sep 28, 08 | 5:42 pm by Mark

Hey Manny- tell Blondie to get in touch with me.

basil.racuk@gmail.com
Posted Sep 29, 08 | 6:53 am by basil

Basil My Drear!!!! Disco still lives in Fort Laudardale
Disco Carlos
Posted Sep 29, 08 | 11:37 am by limelight78

Oh my god, Basil of all people. This is a scream. I used to know you and Juan Carlos and Emilio San Pedro. Nilo and Jose El Negro! Wow. What a trip. I left Miami years ago but who the hell can forget Salvation and even better the Warehouse VIII! With Alina Hemingway, Quetta and La Renesito all creating the daily dose of scandals.
Posted Oct 22, 08 | 9:09 am by Tony Luis

ladies and gentleman, I present to you...

Salvation, 82 (a bobby eckenwiler mix):

http://www.sendspace.com/file/khr0cb

Posted Oct 22, 08 | 9:48 am by basil

Thank you Basil. This mp3 is priceless. I loved the genius that was Bobby Eckenwiler. I can picture myself on that dance floor right now sorrounded by music lovers like myself. Thanks again.
Posted Oct 22, 08 | 3:28 pm by Juan Grullon

OMG! A friend of mine e-mailed this site to me. What a blast from the past! This creep I was dateing at the time took me to Salvation for the first time and we had to be picked from the line outside in order to get in. I didn't think we had a chance, but we got in and I tried blotter acid for the first time. The experience was enough to wet my whistle for more. I dumped the creep and was back the next week and this really cute Venezuelan guy named Angel (who I started dating) gave me a hit of MDA on the dance floor. It made me puke (as it did every time afterwards), but it was worth it and from that night on, I was hooked. Bobby & Greg were the MDA guys and I became the guy with the Flash acid. I still have my red T-shirt with the black lightning bolt.
Reading all of the comments really brought back alot of fun memories and made me think about people from the club. Many of them are gone and others I just lost track of.
Manny...I use to hang out all the time with Blondie and her friend Jose. In fact, she use to cut my hair. The last time I saw her was about eight years ago at a shop on Alton Road called The Beauty Box. I ran into Jose once after that at a little bar on Biscayne Blvd.
Frank...if memory serves me, I think that you and Joe gave me my first set of fans. I had never seen anyone do that before and I use to watch you guys in amaizment and ask "do it slow and show me what your doing". Of course the set you gave me were distroyed in no time, but I was able to use them to make my my own pair.
By the way...does anyone remember a girl named Bea? She use to arrive all put together in a skirt and her long curly hair was down. When the party favors kicked in, she would hike her skirt up into her underware and tie her hair up with a bandana like Pebbles Flintstone. She was a trip!
Thanks to all who have written in and to Bernie for posting this site for the very plesent trip down memory lane. Salvation was not and never will be like no other club in the world and I am so glad that I got to be apart of the experience!!!
Posted Nov 05, 08 | 5:26 am by Kevin

Kevin, OMG! "Flash" and your red T-shirt just brought it all back again. Yes, it was me and Joe that gave you those fans. Last year I drove in my motor home from Seattle to Miami and visited Joe for about two months. He still has our original fans as a momento. I'm constantly making him mixed CD's of the old days. I've been meaning to do one for everyone here, but have been trying to sell my home here in North Carolina to return to Seattle. North Carolina is not my cup of tea. I do remember Bea very well. Another one was "Charo". When we couldn't get MDA or Flash from you guys, she always had Rainbow. We lost track of her in the late 80's as with so many. All these years have passed by in a heart beat, but Salvations's is still present in my heart. Thank you for being a part of me and Joe, the best times we ever had. I will call Joe this weekend and let him know. I would love to hear from you. Salvation's 4-ever!

Frank

Posted Nov 07, 08 | 6:27 pm by Frank Gonzalez

This has been incredible to read, how can I top all of these comments but to say, I was there and yes, what incredible times! Best part is, here we are remininsing. Enough cannot be said of the wonderful and talented people we have encountered over the years that are no longer with us. Thanks Rudy for telling me about this site....
Posted Nov 12, 08 | 1:44 am by Lisa My Dear

Lisa mi chappapote!!
Its disco Carlos, I miss your brown blush and your disco bob!! Long live Oscar de la Renta Poof dress!!
I love this site, and seeing everyone from back in the days.
Posted Nov 12, 08 | 11:26 am by limelight78

Hi Gang,

As promised, my Salvations mixes. Each is about 79 minutes long so you can burn them on a CD. I do have an extensive collection from the 70's to present so maybe in the future I'll do some more if everyone likes these mixes. Enjoy and "Let The Music Live".

Frank

Get the mixes here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=55c7158c7a223fdfab1eab3e9fa335ca0e7effb2342b34db
Posted Nov 24, 08 | 2:42 am by Frank Gonzalez

Thank you Mr Gonzales. I am downloading them right now. Do you have any other info on these like the year and the DJ?
Posted Nov 25, 08 | 1:25 pm by JohnnyCB


Frank, you are the man! I couldn't wait to download your music. All 3 cd's are great. Please make more available. Did you make these yourself? Have you ever played any clubs we might know? Thanks. See you on the dance floor.
Posted Nov 25, 08 | 4:49 pm by Juan Grullon

Hola Juan,

Great that you are enjoying the mixes, Yes, I mixed them. I was a freelance DJ in my youth many moons ago, for private parties and such. I'm constanly making them for my ex in Florida. I'm always remixing the old with the new ( Tribal Hi-NRG House ) just to give them a modern sound. I have alot already mixed so I'll post a link when I get a chance. Oh boy, to be on the dance floor again. I can dream !!!!!!!!!

Frank
Posted Nov 26, 08 | 5:18 pm by Frank Gonzalez

Juan,

A bit of everything. Enjoy.

Frank

3 More Mixes in zip file format.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=55c7158c7a223fdfab1eab3e9fa335ca512cb27126c8638a
Posted Nov 26, 08 | 7:46 pm by Frank Gonzalez

Frank<

Thank you very much for bringing back sooo many memories with those mixes!!

Posted Dec 24, 08 | 11:05 am by Pablo

Hi Pablo,

Your welcome. It great to re-live the memories. At times when I'm doing the mixes, my mind just takes me back, and realize how quickly 26 years have passed by.

Frank
Posted Dec 27, 08 | 5:33 pm by Frank Gonzalez

Have you ever heard of Artie Jacobs he was a mixer who introduced me to Bobby.He was very instrumental in Miami and South Florda Kelly this during Warehouse 8 days.conwe talk Vaughn
Posted Feb 22, 09 | 3:35 am by ROCARDO1

WOW! Salvation, Warehouse Poop Deck, Cheekers, Windward,
La Renesito, Alina Hemingway (who went by Avelina)
Gloria.
What great memeories.
And so many more... all diferent and all great.
Posted Jun 02, 09 | 3:07 pm by Fidel Hernandez

Miami was indeed a magical place! Some else mentioned the great mix of people all coming together..the club scene was divine(!) We partied
non-stop every night of the week. You could go to the Limelight and see Grace Jones on a Tuesday night, Village People would show up at Uncle Charlies downtown, Felipe..jingling his bells! The Warehouse with Chico guarding the back door and cafe Cubano served across the street at Versalles, Virgina Beach, The Trip, The Poop Deck, Copa..and Key West..Larry Formica at La Te Da's ..SALVATIONS was the CROWN JEWEL of the scene..Bobby Eckewiller played at STUDIO 54-I was on his guest list on that night! Constantino was my friend and Jose El Negro took the unbrella from my bedroom that night getting dressed at my neighbor Lisa My Dear's House! We are the original "Club Kids" carry on and never let the music die...! Can we all get together some time soon and DANCE???
Posted Jun 02, 09 | 4:51 pm by Maria10

I also remember Salvation fondly as my favorite bar. Me and my bf Eddie used to go frequently to the New Wave Lounge in Ft Lauderdale and then to the Copa. On alternating weekends we would go to Salvation. I remember friends like Carmen New Wave, Lisa My Dear, Annie Too Much, Little Johnnie, Rupert, and many others. Contrary to the earlier post, Salvation wasnt in Little Havana, it was smack dab in downtown right around the corner from the channel 6 building. It was off 1st avenue and nw 5th street....in fact the facade of the building is still there , near a metromover station. Only the front of the building with Salvation over the door remains. The rest of the building was razed after it burned down. Hey Disco Carlos its "Billy". I also remember fondly the drag show at Windward and the Poop Deck..especially the tea dances they were fabuloue. I will try to upload a Salvation ad that I have from an old disco magazine Vinyl Tracks. I still have my old Salvation membership card too. It was the BEST bar that I can remember!!
William (Billy)
[img]http://s793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/Miamidiscolover/?action=view¤t=salcationad.jpg
Posted Jun 17, 09 | 7:23 pm by Miami Discolover

Here is the Salvation ad

http://s793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/Miamidiscolover/?action=view¤t=salcationad.jpg
Posted Jun 18, 09 | 3:42 pm by Miami Discolover

I truly have enjoyed reading allthe comments and
memories of all. Salvation was so much fun and it seemed as if we were in a very special place that was just for us.
the lighting was bright the men were incredible
the drugs were fantastic.
The song trippin on the moon is the song that represents this wonderful memory of Salvation.
Met all of my hottest boyfriends for the night!
remember the fireman "Oscar Gonzalez" YUM!!
Thanks for letting me go back in time. Danny Powers
Posted Jul 16, 09 | 3:23 pm by Danny Powers

I too remember Salvation and all the eclectic people mentioned previously. It really was a magical place, the venue, the lights and the music. It really was ahead of its time. Working for the airlines I was able to party at The Saint, Studio 54 and Salvation. I was always happy when I returned to Salvation, it felt familiar. When Salvation closed, I felt like no other club around was as good enough. Not until WARSAW and LIQUID opened on South Beach, and after that it was PUMP on South Beach. They had the same energy and vibe Salvation had. After PUMP I stopped going to the clubs. You gotta know when to "bow out" gracefully. I trully miss all my friends that have passed but it's really wonderful to know that there are still people out there that experienced this trully magical club.

Carlos
Posted Jul 25, 09 | 7:38 pm by Carlos

i was always a copa fan, a friend took me one night to salvation, i found it to be very strange, almost spooky, the music, the vibe. did not go back for a few months,but this time around i had started experimenting with chemistry (if ya know what i say'n) and i kept coming back. got there at midnight for the early music and stayed til they threw us out (loving that morning music). mda was my drug of choice sometimes rainbow, never flash (too scary)and of course poppers, i remember getting home in the morning having to pass my parents eating breakfast and i was blue in the face and my nose raw from sniffing stale poppers all night because jerry dropped the cap AGAIN(love and miss him). i remember when phyllis hyman sang there and the old retro movies they would show on the big screen. me and my friends gilbert, jerry, ricky, jorge zabaleta, and piggy used to shred paper and fill garbage bags full of paper and throw it off the balcony at the peak of the night until we were told not to bring them again (don't think they liked having to sweep it all up), i remember one night someone had a long rope and it was over peoples heads from one end to the other and just moved slowly over everyones heads, or the night someone lit a candle in the middle of the dance floor and everyone danced around it. after reading everyones thoughts i have to say i had a smile on my face, i remember alot of the names listed, what characters, our hangout was to the front-right side, i was called little johnny and i was best friends with lisa selner, rick mallardi and his brother brad. my favoite music memories were when bobby played "take it to the limit" by the eagles and "white rabbit" by jefferson airplane. and of course the house favorites which have been mentioned from "the force" to "lift off" to "strange desires" i still have 2 tee shirts, white with the outline of the bldg on the front, in the late 80's some of my old group went by to see what was left and the bldg was still there we peaked inside and could still see the light tracks on the ceiling and we took a picture outside . funny i work downtown 1 block frome where it all happened. i have no regrets of those times, what a great chapter in my life, good friends, good times and good spooky music. some one else said it best when they wrote that "trippin on the moon" really sums it all up. here's to "megatron man" forever.
Posted Aug 05, 09 | 6:24 pm by johnny lariosa

johnny-i loved the "spooky" analogy. you are right
there was a certain vibe at that time period...a memory of a Salvations Night for me was in 1980's-during the days of the Mariel Boat lift (or shortly there after) on very packed, high energy night full of magic (as always!) the dj played "They're coming to America" Niel Diamond-a shirteless,gorgeus boy/man by the name of Jesus (fresh off the boat)came on to the dance floor waving and dancing with a huge American flag! WOW...!...what sweet nights!!Fan dancers...tamborine boys...drag queens...lovely "f** hags"..pretty girls....ms jane attending to us all in the bathroom...!the "tinker belles" of the day with their magic dusts!
Posted Aug 07, 09 | 11:00 am by maria10

Hello everyone,
its candice solomon. its so funny how when i want to feel disco fabulous i go back to the days of when i first met Bob Harris at uncle charlies dancing to bobby's music. I remember the first thing he said to me. kiddo lets get out of here and open a club i was 16. that was the beginning of salvation.
I remember selling charter memberships 2 years before we opened and brainstorming every night until
our dream came true. bob harris was a genoius and a visionary. he was mt fairy god father and i miss him
very much. he believed in me and gave me the most wonderful opportunity to run a club. i still have visions of our opening and all the fabulous people
dancing to bobby's music. he was one of the original greats when it came to music. a true force.
i will miss him always. constantine and his ribbons and fabulous fans. i met constantine when i was 11 he worked for my aunt iris at thing a dings at the omni. he was such a lovely man. artie jacobs wow!!
such memories and great morning parties at his cottage in the grove then seda his disco dream come true. thanks for bringing me home. i love you all!!
Posted Aug 10, 09 | 10:19 pm by Candice Solomon

I do not have pictures and/or music from that magical time to share with you guys and gals,but I do have lots of memories!!!!!!!!! I can't believe I found this web site.Cleaning my house,listening to some Direct TV disco station,it came to me.I wonder if there is a website for SALVATION'S and though I'm not computer "savy" in a 123 I found you guys.I'm so HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you all for taking the time to do this. As soon as I know how I will be downloading or uploading all the music and hopefully chatting on line.Again Thank You.Bea
Posted Aug 11, 09 | 1:40 pm by bea enriquez

Candy took me to Salvation when it first opened. I think I still have my membership card in some box somewhere. All the posts are right on. It was truly magical. My most vivid memory was for the Christmas party when all the Christmas trees were hanging from the ceiling. I too miss Bob Harris and Contantine. Candy you certainly shared a colorful part of your life with me and for that I am thankful!
Posted Aug 20, 09 | 2:40 pm by davidarias

I found this site while searching the internet for anything about the club I met my lover in 29 years ago today. . . SALVATION My sincerest gratitude to the people that created this website.

Charles
Posted Sep 11, 09 | 12:17 am by Charles

I have been trying to remember the name of this club for years now. I looked forward to going to Salvation all week, them Saturday night arrived. The party started at home in Ft Lauderdale around 6 then we were off to Miami around 10 to arrive for a magical night. The men were all beautiful , MDA was everywhere. I remember dancing with my handsome man to Viola Wills "if you could read my mind", our eyes locked, tears came to both of us and we fell in love that exact moment. When the song was over we stood and just melted into each others arms. My life changed forever that night.
Posted Sep 28, 09 | 9:14 pm by Tim

How could I forget to mention that after we danced to Viola Wills "If you could read my mind", the very next song that we danced to was "Love is in the air" by John Paul Young.
Posted Sep 29, 09 | 9:51 am by Tim

johnny lariosa..my name is carlos paz and i used to live in rick mallardi's house in hollywood for a while...i need to get in touch with him..if you get this message please have him get in touch with me paz747@aol.com
Posted Oct 02, 09 | 10:09 am by carlos paz

October 31,2009. Saturday night and Halloween PERFECT!!!!!! Who ever you are going to be and where ever you will be celebrating, HAVE A GREAT TIME. October 1981 in Salvation's Halloween was celebrated both friday the 30th which was the "Ball", OMG the Productions!!!!!On saturday 31st was more the" party night". The costumes were not as elaborate but they were hillarious and much much comfortable, so we the regulars could really party down as accustomed. What sticks out in my memory is two of the regulars(guys) dressed up as Hare Krishas.By the end of the night, they, maybe us too?were doing ethyl chloride from the clean part of the sheets that were their robes. That night was typical Salvation's :light,funny and of course FUN,FUN,FUN! There is a saying in spanish which says "Juventud Divino Tesoro" which translate to "Youth,Divine Treasure". Thank God we have this treasure to reach into and pull out priceless gems like this one. Have a Great Time and please stay safe.
Posted Oct 31, 09 | 9:30 am by dancing the night away



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