John Bain, President of Josephine’s Last Child Productions, today announced the staging of the inaugural BRISTO RELOADED, a reunion party of the members and friends of the Bristo Club and a celebration of the life and achievements of the Club’s founder Vernal Sands. The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Balmoral Club on Sanford Drive, Cable Beach at 7pm.
Considered by some to be the Bahamas' version of New York’s Studio 54 Discotheque of the late ’70s and early ’80s, the Bristo Club was located in the Golden Gates Shopping Center and owned by Vernal Sands, Lifetime Cacique Award Winner and Bahamian Goodwill Ambassador.
“I am thrilled that Josephine’s Last Child and my friend Dr. John Bain and his family have seen fit to bring back memories of the late ’70s and early ’80s in the form of dress and music in the style of the former Bristo Club,” said Mr. Sands. “In 1978, I decided to create a place where Bahamians and visitors alike could dress up and have a marvelous time of dancing and good fun with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. I had no idea that after 36 years, the creation would still be remembered. I am frequently told that the Bristo Club was ahead of its time. This experience is a humbling one, but it is a great time to reunite with friends and family in a relaxed and safe atmosphere.”
According to event organizer, patrons will be in for an evening filled with entertainment, dancing and hors d’oeuvres similar to what they would have previously experienced while honouring a great man and raising funds for a good cause.
“Oftentimes we wait to celebrate a person after they would have transitioned from this life,” said Bain. “We are happy that this is not the case in this instance and we are so excited to honor Vernal Sands, a visionary who created a glamorous atmosphere for Bahamians and tourists alike with a modern state-of-the-art restaurant and dancehall discotheque. Guests can feel good about dancing the night away as part proceeds from the event will be donated to the Ranfurly Homes for Children.”
The theme of the event is “MacArthur Park” as it was the signature song of the Club performed by the late Donna Summer. Throughout the night, guests will have the opportunity to dance to the entire 18-minute version of theme song, along with other hits from the era.
Tickets are $100 and may be purchased from Cash ‘N Go Palmdale, Carmichael and Navy Lion Road locations. Entry includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, with disco music from the late ’70s and ’80s. Dress code is semi-formal.
The Club, in operation between 1978 and 1983, was the playground of the rich and famous and boasted stars including Muhammad Ali, Sean Connery, British Rock Star Keith Emerson, actor Louis Gossett Jr., singer Andy Gibbs, actor Brook Shields and the original prosperity theologian Reverend Ike. The Marguerite Room, named after former Governor-General Dame Marguerite Pindling (who officially opened the club), was a favourite spot for dining. The Victoria Room, named after Mr. Sands’ mother, was the place to relax and unwind.
“Before hundreds of Bahamian croupiers left work in the wee hours of the morning and after Casino on Paradise Island closed at 4 a.m., The Bristo Club was the last spot you’d hit,” recalled Bain. “This was where the late-night party continued. Guests never knew what to expect from Vernal as he frequently changed the look and feel of the Club. We will seek to create that same level of excitement with this upcoming event.”
For more information, please contact John Bain 242.427.3880 or john@johnsbain.com.
John Bain (left), President of Josephine’s Last Child Productions, and Gejonte Miller (right), Event Coordinator, today announced the staging of the inaugural BRISTO RELOADED, a reunion party of the members and friends of the Bristo Club and a celebration of the life and achievements of the Club’s founder, Lifetime Cacique Award Winner and Goodwill Ambassador Vernal Sands. The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Balmoral Club on Sanford Drive, Cable Beach at 7pm.
Lifetime Cacique Award Winner and Bahamian Goodwill Ambassador Vernal Sands will be honoured during BRISTO RELOADED, a reunion party of the members and friends of the Bristo Club which he founded. The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Balmoral Club on Sanford Drive, Cable Beach at 7pm.
Bristo Club guest – Muhammad Ali. The once sought after Club will be see the lights of day with upcoming staging of the inaugural BRISTO RELOADED, a reunion party of the members and friends of the Bristo Club and a celebration of the life and achievements of the Club’s founder, Lifetime Cacique Award Winner and Goodwill Ambassador Vernal Sands. The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Balmoral Club on Sanford Drive, Cable Beach at 7pm.
