With little promotion or marketing, The Limelight opened about as smoothly as her predecessor, Thekla shut down.  After more than a decade of being a staple in the capitol city, Thekla closed its doors.  Various sources indicate that the cause was due to an increasingly violent atmosphere where a police presence was necessary each weekend. 

With The Limelight’s opening night, the vibe in downtown Olympia was markedly changed.  The addition of a few new rooms, two open bars, an open grill, a jazz band and DJ Luvva J on the wheels of steel made for an off-the hook day and night.  About 500 people attended the grand-opening and release of Luvva J’s new CD, Live From I-5 with only word of mouth marketing.  “It was great man – we’re looking forward to upcoming events, including shows and theme nights as well as fine cuisine,” says Limelight’s co-owner/manager and former Thekla resident DJ, Joey LaRoque.

An exquisite remodel job has taken place at The Limelight, complete with a tropical/desert hot attitude pouring out of the walls.  A few of the amenities and expectations of the Limelight to avoid reverting into a “Thug” club are: Sexy staff, neo-villa decorations, and a dress- code (naw cat…no rags or tennis shoes!).  The attitude of the staff appeared to be welcoming on open night, in contrast to some club security and staff that act like they own the spot and you should be paying to visit them.

The Limelight is reportedly negotiating events with promoters to host poetry, jazz, Hip-Hop and other diverse events to capitalize on culture and the positive vibes in “The O.”  “We’ve had great shows and with the renovations and standards, we will keep it going,” says La Roque.

You can learn more about The Limelight or contact the spot at (360) 352-1855 or limelightolympia.com

-Jose S. Gutierrez Jr.