Czars of Vinyl rocked!

Well, before the Czars rocked my world, I flitted about town. First I started out at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, where local stars Mariachi Quetzal (below) performed Mexican music with layers of voices, violins, horns, guitar — even a harp! Ah, what a lush, velvety sound — I could’ve sunk into it like a pile of feathers.

Afterward I headed to a birthday party on the patio at Sangria. Great atmosphere — and it was ladies night, so all the special cocktails and glasses of wine were $5. The food, including my pan con tomate (right), left a bit to be desired. Too bad, because the last time I ate at Sangria, everything was top-notch. Maybe I just ordered wrong — the rest of the huge table seemed to love their entrees.

I sped from Cole Avenue to the Czars of Vinyl event at the party venue Marc Events, just south of downtown. What a show — a collective of DJs spun one after the other as hot folks mingled and sipped cocktails. My friend and party companion James put it thusly:

The show by Czars of Vinyl was one part sound and one part visual, to make one damn good presentation. The night started with high-energy dance mixes. One of my favorite mixes early in the night juxtaposed Johnny Cash with techno beats. As the night progressed, so did the music. Each DJ showed off his own style as video projections on spandex screens around the stage beckoned you to the dance floor.

DJ Jordan Bell killed it during his set.

Vodka was flowing freely – thanks to 42 Below vodka – as Russian “snow bunnies,” passed cocktails and entertained the guests throughout the night. Signature cocktails included mixes of kiwi vodka, honey vodka, HAVOC energy drink and fresh fruit juices. On the food side, every time I turned around, there was a tray of bites coming out. Barbecue sliders were a favorite of one of my friends. And after tasting the ahi tuna on a bed of risotto topped off with creme fraiche, I made my way into the kitchen to see who was responsible for this goodness. Upon entering, I was greeted by Chef Andrew Huszar and his wife Lisa of Tastefully Yours Catering. They gave me a personal tour of the night’s menu – which allowed me to gobble down several more tuna and risotto bites! — James Casarez

The food really was fantastic, and unlike so many similar such parties, it never ran out! A delicious night overall.

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2. Party post-mortem
3. Exclusive: Oreo cupcake martini at Four Lounge
4. State-Thomas restaurant preview
5. The Black Affair at Central 214

Tags: Bars and Lounges, Parties, Restaurants