For eight years, nightlife promoter Mark Lee provided Lizard Lounge as DC’s premier gay Sunday event. The party, first started on 14th Street before growing to MCCXXIII on Connecticut Avenue, offered DC’s gay community an alternative to what had become a static scene.
Lizard Lounge never promoted itself as trendy, but it was. Patrons often encountered opportunities to dance alongside the likes of Elton John and Eartha Kitt. It was a relaxed atmosphere, with a slightly underground feel of being the party of those “in the know.” However, its success was built on Lee’s ability to make anyone who showed up feel welcome and part of his crowd.
Then, DC’s smoking ban went into effect. And Mark Lee went into a tirade.
A smoker himself, Lee organized bar owners against the proposed smoking ban when the legislation was considered before the District Council. Press advisories about upcoming artists featured at Lizard became reams of releases about how horrible the legislation was. The ban became so personal that Lee eventually packed up his profitable party by suddenly closing Lizard Lounge two years ago right before the ban went into effect. He told the press at the time that he wouldn’t be able to successfully operate his party if patrons couldn’t smoke.
The smoking ban is still valid, but Lee is re-opening Lizard Lounge on Sunday, May 4 at Lima Lounge on K Street, NW (at 14th). As with its previous incarnation, the event will be without a cover and will feature DJ Kostas as its resident.
Mark Lee still hasn’t changed his mind about the smoking ban. He refers to it as a “sad prohibition” and dedicates the majority of his news release about the party’s reopening to railing against “junk science” “special interests” and other views on the District’s smoking ban.
Lizard Lounge will be the first gay event along the K Street corridor. Its unclear if its previous crowds will follow the party to its new location (heading down to where you work on a Sunday night hours before you have to show up on K Street on Monday morning may not be too appealing), but Lee has the reputation and contact lists to make it a profitable affair. And as he did for eight years, Lee will be at the door himself to personally - and warmly - greet each patron at Lizard Lounge.
Lizard Lounge @ Lima
1401 K Street, NW
Beginning Sunday, Mary 4
Doors 8:00pm
No Cover. 21+
www.AtlasEvents.com
