Hard Rockers Have Knack for a Bang-Up Good Time
What’s a head-banger to do?
Hard-rock fans have been badly hit by their evil nemesis hip-hop as nightclubs have either changed format or, like the Marquee, closed. Another blow has been the news of KNAC’s pending departure in February, leaving many metalers wondering about the future of their scene.
Fortunately, Orchids’ KNAC Nite on Wednesdays refuses to die, making the Orange venue one of the last in the county to offer a genuine head-bangers’ ball.
Hosted by deejays Dangerous Darren and Eveready Ed of KNAC, the evening features live rock bands and other metal mania. But don’t even try to squeeze past the doorman without an ID proving you’re 21, as so many younger fans try to do--you’ll never get in.
With volume fully cranked, monster riffs resonate throughout. Free KNAC stickers and Jack Bucks are handed to patrons on entry. This play money is used for gambling at the club’s blackjack table, where you can win glasses, hats and T-shirts.
Walls and ceilings stand black in the shadows. Queen-size mirrors in faux antique, gold-leaf frames let patrons check their hair. Small spotlights and metallic-coned ceiling lamps cast hazy white beams over black tables in the 300-capacity room. Each rectangular table seats four comfortably with an unobstructed view from all angles of the three-foot-tall, 30-foot-long stage.
The stage heads a roughly 1,000-square-foot wooden dance floor. A black, pinholed backdrop on the stage is back-illuminated, lending the illusion of a starry sky. Multicolored spotlights flash above.
Peak dance time is late--around 11 p.m. Dress is casual, but don’t be shocked to spot a generous share of scantily clad metal heads on the floor. They’re fully decked in thigh highs, skin tights, crop tops and big hair--traditional rocker threads, shredding clear across the gender board.
Twin short bars are centered along two walls. Complementing the sleek decor, the bars are constructed of black lacquer and illuminated glass blocks that look like stacked ice cubes.
Well drinks range from $2 to $6. Bottled import and domestic beers go $3 to $4. A glass of wine is $4. Sodas are $2.50 and bottled water $2. On “Low Dough Nights,” there’s usually no cover charge for shows by local acts. Performances by well-known bands such as Bang Tango or Gary Hoie, however, will set you back about $8.
* KNAC NITE at Orchids
* 777 S. Main St., Orange.
* (714) 542-9300.
* Wednesdays, 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
* Cover varies.