inthemix | Event Coverage | Mezzanine Level Launch @ Ruby Tramp, Gold Coast (04/04/08)

The ‘Ruby Tramp’ reveals another of her secrets with launch of the Mezzanine Level, located on the second level of the club. I arrived to a puzzling yet intoxicating fragrance that greeted me at the reception. Taking an instant liking to the talents of El Nino, I was certainly enjoying him whipping a storm on percussion to complement the beats being spun by DJ Rowan. It was instant satisfaction.

DJ Rowan is Ruby Tramp’s resident, and has accumulated a dedicated following of the selective punters that grace the venue. With his reputation for crowd pleasing sets, he is fast becoming a contender for the title of ‘King of Gold Coast house DJs’. A quick word with the man himself reveals that he is working with the Vinyl Pusher Records label on some very soon to be released tracks.

Whisking me away through the stylishly dressed mass for the official tour of the Mezzanine level was Lori J, the marketing manager of Ruby Tramp. With intimate lighting and a sultry fitout, I ascended to take in all that’s on offer with the trill of discovering the new level. Private and designed for the connoisseur, the Mezzanine Level is available to the discerning house lover who wishes to separate their experience from the main crowd, and this level has satisfaction written all over it.

El Nino’s percussion permeated every last inch of Ruby Tramp, more than complementing the deep house beats being lavished on the media and VIPs at the pre-opening launch. DJ Rowan brought the tempo up slowly and El Nino had the dancefloor in a trance with his combination of bongos and cow bell. This blend of music sounded like house mixed in with with a voodoo ceremony, with a dash of samba parade in Rio thrown in over the top.

Filling rapidly by midnight, the curious and the knowing were drawn to the club. With rumours of stylish fashion parades on coming Friday nights being whispered her and there, the elegance that is Ruby Tramp is earning itself a bit of a reputation. Nino, who I expected to be depleted after expending such a great amount of energy during his performance just kept going. Applause goes to him for really motivating the crowd. The Mezzanine filled with swooning silhouettes over the evening, bringing a strong feel of elegance, and I know that I’ll be coming back for more.