Atlantic City’s new non-casino nightclub, Club Arzu, harkens back to its roots with a South Jersey AIDS Alliance benefit called Meet Me at the Chez Paree on Sunday, Nov. 13.
The site of the current Club Arzu, formerly club Deja Vu, was once the Chez Paree.
ATLANTIC CITY — Glimmering multi-level dance club Club Arzu may be among the newest additions to Atlantic City’s nightlife scene, but if its walls could talk you’d hear about revelers from Philadelphia, New York City and outposts far and wide who would flock there during the disco era of the ’70s and early ’80s. Stories still circulate of those who danced till dawn at the former Chez Paree, then spent the rest of the day a few steps east on the New York Avenue beach to get ready for the next night of carousing.
This Sunday, Nov. 13, those who pine for those days of yore can quench their thirst for nostalgia at the same exact site, at the all-new Club Arzu, for the third annual Meet Me at the Chez Paree. The event has raised tens of thousands for the South Jersey AIDS Alliance since its origin in 2008.
“Special guest stars this year will be Robert ‘Sandy Beach’ [Hitchen], who recently won the Philadelphia Rainbow Award [for Entertainer of the Year], Mortimer [a past winner of A.C.’s popular drag show Miss’d America Pageant, which has raised several hundred thousand for the SJAA over the years], and Reenie Kane, who’s known as the ‘First Lady of the Turntable’ and one of the original Chez DJs,” says SJAA fundraising chairwoman Jeanne Chiaradio. “These individuals are always ready to step up and out for our community.
“This is not only a GLBT event,” adds Chiaradio. “In fact, there was a special camaraderie back in the days of the Chez, whether lifestyles were similar or miles apart. It warms my heart to know that the unity we had back in those days still lives on and we can still make a difference in the community for so many people still living with HIV and AIDS ... Club Arzu has been beautifully remodeled, but you will get goose bumps when you walk in the door and the memories start pouring out of the walls.”
Hitchen, who hosted Philadelphia’s longest-running cabaret show called The Sandy Beach U.S.O. Show, and for years was the principal director and writer for the Miss’d America Pageant, used to live right next door to the Chez. He would stop in frequently after performing at the nearby Rendezvous with his act the Salt Water Tuffies (and later The Gimmick at the bygone Chester Lounge).
“I would stop at the Chez after our 3am show to see one of my favorite bartenders, Paulette,” says Hitchen. “I’m looking forward to seeing friends I haven’t seen in many, many years.
“I am looking at a big array of music to perform live ... I haven’t really picked out any songs yet except ‘Old Friends,’ and I’ll try to put some older numbers I [otherwise] retired back into my act. Mortimer and I have no rehearsed shtick — it’s always by the seat of our pants. It’s always topical and somewhat politically incorrect … OK very politically incorrect, and working with Reenie will be wonderful. She was the DJ for my show in Philadelphia for eight years, so I know I’m going to have a fabulous time.”
Meet Me at the Chez Paree will take place from 6-11pm and will also include a free “Tribute Wall” for those to post photos and information about their loved ones. Drink specials will include $3 domestic beers and $5 Absolut vodka cocktails.
“That club and the people I’ve met there own a very large piece of my heart,” says DJ Kane. “So many memories, faces smiling from the dance floor, so many friendships made that I still cherish today —what great times we had then! On Sunday I want to recreate the feeling of the days of the Chez … This event is one of my favorites — brings together a group of people who really care, and they love the trip back to a more peaceful and wonderful time.”
Also at Club Arzu, on Nov. 25 (Black Friday), a special party called the Black Carpet Affair will feature popular New York City “The People’s Choice” DJ Envy and Frankie “Who” Sestito, one of the original club DJs in the Philadelphia area. Tickets to the Black Carpet Affair are $25.
Meet Me At The Chez Paree
Where: Club Arzu,
235-247 S. New York Ave., A.C.
When: Sunday, Nov. 13, 6-11pm
Admission: $15 in advance; $20 at the door (supports South Jersey AIDS Alliance)
On the Web: clubarzu.com or sjaids.org.
Phone: 317-4248 or 289-6562.
E-mail: jeannechiaradio@comcast.net
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1. Jeanne Chiaradio said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 06:42PM
“Thanks Atlantic City Weekly!”
2. REENIE KANE said... on Nov 19, 2011 at 10:54AM
“RAY...WHAT A GREAT ARTICLE.....I AM PRINTING IT OUT TO ADD TO MY OTHER CHEZ COLLECTION.....THANKS FOR THE FINE JOB....REENIE”