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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD Michael Barrasso and Steven Stein, the owners of the Hippodrome and Rain nightclubs want to appeal to what they see is a neglected demographic: downtown office workers between the ages of 35 and 55. That's why they closed their Rain nightclub at Stearns Square for re-formatting and renovations. The new club, Skyplex, will have three different themed areas all designed for an older crowd. The club will open earlier than most other establishments in the city's "Club Quarter" in the late afternoon, to accommodate people who want to stay in downtown for after work socializing. Cover charges won't be in effect until later in the evening. Barrasso and Stein revealed their plans at a press conference on Tuesday. With workers busy in the background, the businessmen spoke about the need for a club where older people could gather. Stein noted this is the second re-design of what used to be known as The Hot Club. The pair is investing over $100,000 in the new venture. One part of the club will have a country and western format and will be known as "Buck Wild." That area will occasionally feature live country acts, a large dance floor and will have a mechanical bull for daring patrons to ride. Barrasso and Stein said that according to their research, country and western music has a huge following in western Massachusetts and their club will be unique. Another section of the building is being dubbed "Vivid." Stein said that movie screens dominate the décor of the club. Customers will be able to watch mixed music videos on the screens feature music from the 1980s and '90s. The biggest change, perhaps, is the addition of an open-air lounge area on the roof of the building. This area is the "Skybar," and Stein said it would afford one of the best places from which people can view the Thursday night Stearns Square concerts. Stein said that he and his partner "know there is a population who want to go out and be in a safe, secure location." The by-invitation-only opening of Buck Wild is July 8. To receive an invitation log onto www.buckwild.org. |