Every month except for the holiday
months of November and December, the Velvet Bar at Orlando's Hard
Rock Hotel holds a party called the Velvet Sessions. This party
always takes place on the final Thursday night of the month in
question. This event has a reputation for fine drinks, great music,
superlative company, and exclusivity.
The biggest draw of the Velvet Sessions
is its endless open bar of themed alcoholic drinks. Every monthly
party has its own theme, which determines the kinds of alcoholic
beverages that are served. Food is also served to complement the
drinks, and the theme also determines this. There tend not to be big
plates of food--just elegant starters or chasers designed to go well
with alcohol. Those who just want a beer or other alcohol that does
not go with that month's theme can patronize the party's
supplementary bars, where they can pay for the drink of their choice.
The other big draw of the Velvet
Sessions is the music performances that attend the party. The
entertainment continue well after 8:30, when the open bar closes (the
supplementary bars stay open later). The performers also differ month
to month. They have included famous club favorites such as Cheap
Trick, Berlin, A Flock of Seagulls, and one member of Twisted Sister.
The event's exclusive atmosphere is due
to its invitation-only nature. Fortunately, it isn't too exclusive:
anyone over the legal drinking age can request an invitation from the
Hard Rock Hotel's website. There is a cover charge.
