Hidden away in a suburban nook of Lake Forest lies a little-known place where many talented bands have found a home away from home. The Gypsy Lounge serves reasonably priced drinks to its music-savvy patrons in an atmosphere best described as hip and trendy. As the room fills with harmony, fans laze in plush chairs and loveseats scattered about the establishment, while others shoot a friendly game of pool with the hustlers in the back. The floor below the stage is often filled with dancers, grooving to their favorite bands. Two of the more popular acts frequent the lounge on a regular basis, drawing huge crowds on their scheduled nights. The quartet of GadFly, with their skilled infusion of rock and hip-hop, draw comparisons to a young Rage Against the Machine with their intense sets and wild stage antics, while the silky smooth Uglier in Person, led by the charismatic Cyndi Fitzgerald on vocals, deliver jazzy tunes long into the night. So discover The Gypsy Lounge for yourself, and see what you’ve been missing.
A common lament in Orange County is the scarcity of a good techno club, as the rave scene is still far from mainstream. However, an excellent venue does exist, drawing some notable talent as well as massive crowds three times a month. Club Rubber, located at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, is known to be one of the largest traveling clubs on the West Coast. There are different themes to each party, such as “Bikini Night” and the infamous “Pimp ‘n Ho Costume Ball”. Inside, the gigantic main room reverbs with today’s hottest Electronica, while exotic dancers, adequately named the “Rubber Dolls”, strut their stuff on stage shows. An upstairs lounge is available for those seeking to relax and enjoy the music away from the crowded dance floor. Resident DJ’s Dave Aude and Dj Beej spin progressive house and techno, driving partygoers into an ecstatic frenzy with their beats. Recently, hard house favorite and LA native DFuse spun for a December party. A word to the wise, however: arrive early and dress to impress, or you may find yourself left outside of Orange County’s most electrifying hotspot.