Off The Radar Returns, Nightdrive Shifts News Lounge Into High Gear

A few years ago, if you asked me what my favorite night of the week to go out was I would have told you Wednesday night without any hesitation. Yes, Wednesday night. South of Fifth bar/lounge The Mark hosted a hump-day party called Damaged, which was the brainchild Revolver creator Joshua Menendez. On average, the party never hosted more than 30 to 40 people, except on the occasional holiday weekend, but that's what was so great about it. After The Mark closed, the party moved to Rokbar, but it was never the same (Rokbar was more about bottle service and looks) and then was laid to rest after an ill-fated Friday night move to Parkwest's Rehab Lounge.

These days, I spend Wednesday nights in front of my TV watching new episodes of Top Chef, but that could change as two parties look to provide new mid-week alternatives.

DJ Ray Milian's former Friday night staple, Off the Radar, makes the Wedensday night to switch as it takes over Lido at The Standard from 8 p.m. to midnight. The party, which has been on an extended hiatus, takes pride in introducing patrons to new music while provide a laid-back setting. Milian, along with Danny Ashe and Tom Wareham, will be the resident DJ, but Milian also promises a regular rotation of guest DJs.

In Miami's Upper Eastside, The News Lounge hosts Nightdrive, which promises indie/electro DJ sets from residents DJs R3K+, Treasures and DJPJ. Tonights line up also included Fridays at Vagabond/Poplife DJ Mike Deuce and Jose El Rey. Like Off the Radar, this party starts and ends early, going from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

-- Jose D. Duran