A night spot to practice
your dance moves.
Its a cold Saturday night on the Redondo Beach pier.
Any other place on the weekend is marked by outdoor lines of twenty-somethings and loud pulsing music. Not here.
Two large, dark wooden doors are shut and the night is almost too quiet. Only two men stand outside. But don't let that fool you.
To enter Harvelle's I drifted down a carpeted stairway lit by foot level wall sconces, then the music hit me. The deep gut busting voice and explosive guitar coming from the other room is too tempting to pass up and I can't remember the last time I danced to such soulful music. So this $12 better be worth it.
Yow. The place, in a word, was swanky. But had I come to the wrong place? The rectangular black and red checkered floor was empty.
As my eyes adjusted to the dark room I could see her, the lead singer, known as "Roach," almost slithering to the rhythm in the spotlight. Her platinum hair and teal sequined dress were the most dazzling things in there, until she moved.
With moves reminiscent of Tina Turner and a voice so intoxicating it resonated around the room, all eyes were on her.
Groups huddled around red candlelight as they shifted to the bass line. The patrons at the bar smiled as the bartenders poured some satisfying drinks. I was impressed with the service and general pleasure of the atmosphere.
It seemed like everyone was happy to be there, in that booming music box underground. But alas, no one was dancing but my bartender, who twirled and stomped around to his next customer.
I almost finished my drink and left, but I checked the time (11:10) and the band played a slow one. The band, Cafe R&B, had the classy looks of the Blues Brothers, all in suits, minus the glasses.
Finally, couples crept their way to the dance floor and almost everyone left their seats. They swayed to the beat and no man hesitated to let his hand move south on his partner. Couples sitting in the booths against the walls were mere silhouettes, as they clung to the music and kissed.
The song concluded and a powerful swift tune began. The funky song moved the slow dancers to jump around. This time even more people joined the crowd on the floor and two couples began demonstrating their best moves, turning, twirling and dipping. The floor welcomed more than swingers, as groups of three and four had no trouble shaking a leg and some booty to the beat.
Dark, moody lighting with red and black leather booths complimented the intense blues rhythm and left the atmosphere mellow and sexy. Leather stools lined the cherry-wood bar, with hooks beneath for your hanging pleasure, a convenience for ladies who wish to leave their purse and go boogie.
Toe tapping jams are the mark of this venue, but the crowd is definitely not college material. If you are looking for a loud and clubby place to dance don't come here.
But if you're in the mood for a low-key night with a friend or two, it's the perfect spot to ingest some great music and show off your dance moves, no matter how skilled you may be.
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