Hello all!

I've been doing some intense research on an old gay bar here in Tampa, and I was hoping some of you might remember a place called the El Goya Lounge in Ybor City. I would love to talk to the owners of that place and/or the owners of Tracks, the next business to occupy the site. I feel that those entrepreneurs did more than anyone to help bring people back to Ybor City, and the thriving nightlife scene there owes its existence to them.

Please email me of post to this site any info you may have on the owners and how I might contact them. I'm finishing a historical article on the El Goya and could really use some help. Thanks!

andy

I too am doing research--on Las Novedades Restaurant and what became of it: El Goya, Tracks, etc.

If you found out anything you would like to share, please let me know. Likewise, I will do the same.

Thanks.

John Marsh, Editor
The Tampa Record

I was involved with installing the sound and lights in El Goya in around 1975. I met the owners, however I do not remember their names. I do remember going up to the office and pulling an old safe out of a nook in the wall and finding several old dollar bills, mostly silver notes that had slid behind the safe.

I used to live in a nearby City and used to go to Tracks every weekend with my friend dancing in the early 90's! You could call City Hall and they will give you the information!
Vive le El Goya!

I used to work at the El Goya after the remodel in 1984-85. The owner at that time was Larry Montgomery. He was a great guy. I loved working with him. From what I understand, he is still involved in the bar business in St. Pete/Clearwater but I don't know for sure. Hope this helps.

I remember the El Goya back to 1982. It was for both myself, and the group of fifteen or so of my friends who danced and drank there several nights a week, our bar. The El Goya was to Tampa what Studio was to New York -- only it was more underground... and, it was ours! I remember Larry Montgomery; although, at the time, he was nearly an elusive iconic figure. I remember Tony Waddell, the long-time video DJ and sound director, and his lover J.R., of the once-upon-a-time JR's Grill (that served until 2AM, fantastic)!. I remember John Zavosky playing his wicked track mixes on the dance floor, which he made with his equipment at his apartment. He had a penchant for the musically dramatic that was hardly matched during that time. His mixing skills on vinyl were mesmerizing. I miss John.

In 1982, the dance floor was sunken down a level; so, you stepped down two steps onto the dance floor. There was this horrible, carmelized shag rug on the floor around one half of the dance floor, surely made so from the numerous spilled cocktails, and leaking pipes above dripping down on your head. There were beautiful white spindled columns that surrounded most of the dance floor. They supported arches and more decorative architectural work to the second floor. And over the dance floor, the ceiling extended another story taller which was filled full of lights pulsating to the heart-pounding beat.

Jennifer was usually working the door. We were all under age, but there were so many of us coming they let us in. We spent all our money there. I was the only one of age, which was 18 a the time. Chris was marked as our favorite bartender. He made the strongest drinks. I still love running into Chris. We always went to El Goya on Tuesday nights for 'Quarter Drink' night. We would order drinks four at a time! We were there every other night of the week as well; literally, partying high seven nights a week.

The show bar carries what I think to be an unknown treasure; and, I often wonder if anyone has done any history on it. On the walls of the show bar, there are these elegant oil paintings done in the Rococo style on tile, which I understand are linked somehow to an artist named Goya -- hence the bar's name. At the time it was built, I understand that the El Goya was a posh hotel and nightclub in Ybor City - in the heart of Cuban and Italian culture in Tampa. The painted works are near 8' X 10' each (I believe there are six of them on the walls), and each show Spanish aristocrats at leisurely play in a pastoral setting of plenty. They were a metaphor for a wonderful time in my life.

Okay, the absolute beginning for those with teary eyes: My first visit to the El Goya was around 2:30AM on the night of my prom in May, 1982. I finally had enough courage to tell my date we were going inside. There was no one there, it was completely empty. We strolled down the dark entry hallway towards the pounding base of the dance floor; and, when we walked around the entranceway, I heard the DJ playing Donna Summer's Mac Arthur Park Suite (the 17 minute version, girl!). It was heaven! My heaven. That is my theme song, still! We danced and had a drink probably. By the time I got back to my friends the next day, as the leader of my little band of now mostly post-high-school followers, I announced that the El Goya would become our new destination. Yes, Donna Summer. They always say your prom night is a night you'll never forget; and, for me, it was the night that I had found a place where I belonged. I was no longer afraid to explore who I was becoming. Donna Summer, girl!

I remember so many stories, so many scandalous nights. Looking back, over a time with the introduction of MTV videos, New Wave, and the Madonna craze, we were the avant garde crowd - and we dressed the part. We lived our lives inside the walls of the El Goya. Through the years, as the bar kept transforming itself over and over, so did we. Somewhere along the line, the bar lost the columns and the great paintings; and, we lost our innocence. By the early 1990's we had all gone our separate ways and I only occasionally ventured in any more. A new generation had replaced me. Same drag queens, different day.

I keep hearing about an El Goya come back. Surely, myself and those left around will be appreciated with free drink tickets. But it can never really come back; although, I am always one up for a good party! Keep me informed.

YES!!! I remember El Goya, I was a student at USF during the "hey day".

It was either 1977 or '78, I remember some of the "gals"--- Melanie Minyon, for example. I was just a freshman or sophomore at the time, hung out at El Goya on occasion. At that time, it seemed like it was such a hip and "new" experience. Anyway, I never lasted long enough to graduate USF with a 4 year degree, only a 2 year degree. But I still live down in here, in Orlando.

S_ _t, those were they days, ay ? ! ! !

Max (AKA back then--"Marcia"

lol...wow blast from the past and not really sure who even reads these posts but I literally evolved and grew up at Tracks starting with my first fake I.D. and seeing "The Famous Show Girls" and dreaming of that kind of stardom...if anyone reads this post...I was the infamous asian drag performer who loved wearing next to nothing and growing up in a wonderful time period...well I have grown up and left that world along time ago...I am married now and have long since given up that short lived career for a more scholarly life...if anyone is wondering...Life is Good...love you all and Tracks is and always will be some of the best years of my life growing up...

i loved the place, was my first experience in a real gay night club. im 21 it is 1986 and im scared as ever being a cowboy on a farm in new york state. we walk in and there on the dance floor are a couple in their 70s all dressed in white silk ,pants and long accent long sleeve shirts also white silk, dancing back to back with each holding and fanning the dance floor with oriental fans. WoW what a sight., and not to mention the theatre at midnight with some of the best drag shows in the world,. lakisha lucky, and also patsie.i still bump into one drag queen at the good will in land-o-lakes florida.sure do miss the place it was a real ,great club. i would love to find someone who would love to open another one,i would love to run the drag production show, it would be the best rootin and tootin show this side of the mississippi.best wishes tobie!!!!!!

WOW did i ever love the EL GOYA it was such a great place to go and have a good time .I miss it till this day i still think about all the good times i had there .I am from Lakeland FL and we did not have anything like it here so i would drive to Tampa after work (I work at the hospital 3-11pm) just to go to the EL GOYA what good times i had there .I miss the 80's and 90's so much .

bllllast from the past! i was recently trying to dig up some of the old dj sets from the early 90's -- Tracks was always the place to be back then on sunday nights. good house/techno in the red room and fun video/dance pop/techno in the video room. i remember they played a lot of prodigy back then, and that the red room was a lot gayer with classic house. i am DYING to get my hands on a set list. my friends and i remained faithful through our college days (before coming out, and after long live Tracks!

I'm looking for articles on some of the old Tampa Bars like Dino's and the Island's Club - Little older than the Goya - circa 1960-1975
The Goya was real straight friendly. A real melting pot - great drag shows - we used to leave the Columbia's Jazz club the Warehouse and hit the Goya for a nightcap, it was a good time ........ plenty wild.

Wow! I couldn't have said it better myself! What a great place and what agreat time it was. I miss it so much. Nothing will ever compare to those days again. I went there 4-5 nights a week from 82-86 religiously. Hey does anyone remember the girls that preformed there? I know Stephanie Shippe (as it was back then) and Bobbie Lake are performing still. I was wondering about Gilda Golden (she was my favorite) and I read in another post that Tony Rose and Kimm Ross have past. I was sorry to read that. Does anyone know how or when? I was actually pretty good frineds with Tony back in the day.Also didnt Vince Wilson own or run it back then? Has this article come out yet being this was almost 6 yeras ago?

I LOVED the El Goya. I moved to Tampa in 79' from N. Florida and my friends and I used to go to El Goya every once in awhile. Most of us were straight and we always felt welcomed there and enjoyed the shows so much. I remember Gilda Golden and think she has a My Space page but don't know where she performs currently. Those were the days! Best dance floor and entertainment.

Does anyone remember the female/male married couple that did drag? The Queen was overweight and was so funny. This was back in the early 80s.

Yes, I know who you are speaking of that would be Brenda Dee and Tomi Jackson. They are the ones that started me doing shows. Brenda has pasted. I am not sure of Tomi jackson. Tomi Hensley. They were Married and they had moved to LA to work with La Cage when Brenda aka Bud Hensley sufferd a heart attack and past away out there. I was the show Director at the Elgoya Tracks and Pleasuredome form many many years. My stage name is Joey Brooks If you need any info I could help. You can contact me at my e amil address Joeybrooks@aol.com
I am still working in Ybro city to this day. Drag is making a big come back there. hope to here from you all soon.
Love ya Joey

Do I remember the El Goya! It’s our History, Our Lives, Our story!!!!!!!!--- I heard from a very reliable source that the El Goya / Tampa Gay Bars the 70”s and 80”s are hosting a Reunion on July 26, 2008!!! That’s right an El Goya reunion. The details should be posted on prosuzie.com this Tuesday, July 15, 2008… unbelievable I be there just to see some old faces, family, and friends.

Brenda Dee and Tommy Jackson were the wife and husband duo that performed at El Goya and Renes! What a great time I had working as a "Male Dancer" during the early 80's Michael Austin ( stage name ) best time of my life.

I really miss that time in my life also. I used to escape from Lake Placid in high school and drive about 2 hours just to go out and let my guard down. At that time I did not know any other Gay people and thought I was the only one there since I basically knew everyone that lived there since the town limits were only a mile square and still are! Glad today that I am happy to see that the progression of Gay Bars is back. I was very disappointed to see that I missed the Reunion last month, I had no idea about it.

I must admit that over the years we have lost many of the ones that went to El Goya (later Tracks and some of the people that worked there. Some of them were very close and I just wanted to speak up for them It would be nice to have a reunion next year and maybe I can attend that one.

Best wishes in Health and Love,
Ken

PS: Funny tidbit. I just saw someone the other week at G-Bar with an old Tracks t-shirt on. Had to stop and talk and find out if it was truly real, it was. Crap, I know I no longer have the few I had from back then.

Anonymous User Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do I remember the El Goya! It’s our History, Our
> Lives, Our story!!!!!!!!--- I heard from a very
> reliable source that the El Goya / Tampa Gay Bars
> the 70”s and 80”s are hosting a Reunion on
> July 26, 2008!!! That’s right an El Goya
> reunion. The details should be posted on
> prosuzie.com this Tuesday, July 15, 2008…
> unbelievable I be there just to see some old
> faces, family, and friends.

This is so great to see!! What GREAT times I had during college (USF) at EL GOYA!! People...this was such an amazing and FUN club, I totally agree to the person that said .."This was our Studio 54"!!!! And this was a BIG place. There were Theme Rooms ( A cowboy bar, a large Cabaret(Show Bar) , a back bar, a front bar and a great great dance floor. Boy do I remember Tuesday Night "quarter drink" nights!!!! My liver is still recovering. The drag shows were amazing and excuse my bad spelling but I remember ....Gilda Golden (who did this hilarious reading from the bible), Bobby Lakes, Stephanie Shapay, Melanie Minion, Kim Ross (GREAT Diana Ross). I can't think of her name but she did Marilyn Monroe, she was wonderful! I also remember, I don't know why, a male stripper who called himself Mikey Bruster (my friends and I called him the Bionic Dick). I was at El Goya 2 or 3 nights a week from 81-84. I don't recall there was anything else in ybor city at the time?? Maybe one or two straight bars but why bother...El Goys was THE place to be and be seen. Gays and Straights in harmoney. This place was WAY before the Ybor Boom. We also used to go to The Old Plantation which was great for Sunday Tea Dance. Great fun times...I'm miss them. Rene's was also popular but never really went there.
Cheers to El Goya and the good old days!!!!!!!

Quester

I also have fond memories of that same era of the El Goya, Rene's, the OP, etc. All those drag queen superstars at their peaks. Yes, Kim Ross was a dead ringer for Ms. D. Ross. Erica was a name I think I also remember. Gilda's "sister from the house of put it in." Other raunchy readings with a cigarette, pretty far out and good.

Was Melanie Minion the red head that did Bette Midler pretty great? And Dana making appearances from Miami around town. There was nothing like this era before or since. Probably this era lasted through 1984. I moved out of state in 84 so I like to think it ended when I left

But it's great to google up some old names and get this thread.

I know this is an old message, but have you seen the MCFilmfest website, "bars that were"? It's loaded with info you were looking for.
Horst

This is Gilda Golden here. Yes, I am VERY MUCH ALIVE. I have read with delight, the many posts concerning the "El Goya". Many errors concerning this and that, but hey, it WAS the 80's! I truly appreciated reading the references to me. Made my heart warm. I thank each one of you. Out of all of the cities that I have lived in and all of the clubs that I have worked in, the "El Goya" was THE BEST. It was a MAGICAL time that will NEVER be repeated or seen again. NEVER.
Concerning this "so called reunion", I have NEVER heard of one, EVER! I find it VERY strange that anyone would even contemplate ever having one, without contacting the CAST. How could one ever be put together without the girls who entertained the crowds five nights a week? Bobbie Lake was never approached, Melanie Minyon wasn't, Kim Ross has passed away unfortunately, Candy Kiss was never contacted, Tony Rose has passed away, Mickey Brewster (one of our male leads) is in seclusion, never venturing out in public these days and Patti Kakes is also gone. I would suggest that if a true "Reunion" is ever contemplated again, at least contact all of the remaining CAST beforehand.
I would LOVE to participate. Just give me some NOTICE.
AND if anyone wants to contact me, feel free to do so. I love hearing from people from that wonderful, long ago, shining moment!

Erica Andress is the Erica you're speaking of..LOVE HER..
She lived in Boston and is moving back to Virginia Beach"I believe it is"I was more of a Rene's girl..Dont be mad~!!When I worked there as a waitress/'waiter 1978-1881 the girls that worked there on and off were Coquina Chell,Chena Black,Tiffany Arieagus,Lakesha Lucky,Tiffany Middlesex,Heather Fontaine,Eve Starr,Tissy Malone,Chelsea Hazell,Sandy Cher,Dana Douglas,Chena Kelly,Kim Ross,Dawn Dupree,Donna Day,Roxanne Russell,Melissa who moved here with Erica Andress,Gilda Golden,Hot Chocolate.at this time Esme was just running around in full face and boy clothes Looking Lovely as a painted boy with Andy Favata .I remember us sneaking in Rene's at 16 yrs old..... .. Male leads, Peter Fernandez,Frank Catchatore,Bruce,Bob. I'm sure there were more but they escape me at the moment.Remember Lady Charlotte..lol and The big implanted hipless wonder Alexandria Diaz who's favorite number was dance a little bit closer by Charo..These 2 were Bridge club material...I remember lionel and Michael Thompson were go go boys at Goya too.. Carlos Oliveria..OMG so many people..What a time we all had..Rene's bartenders Dennis Dorado, Jerry Powell,Don Paxon..and many more

I am at: www.myspace.com/gildagolden
GILDA

SUBJECT LINE: Plans Have Started for the OFFICIAL "El Goya" REUNION!

Plans have been started for THE "El Goya" Reunion. For those of you who have written on this board wondering if there was ever going to be one, there FINALLY will be!

The original building where the "El Goya" was, has now been firmly booked for that night. ALL of the ORIGINAL cast members in the show, have agreed to entertain together again, after all these years. Some will be traveling many miles to be a part of this wondrous night.
The Entertainers, bartenders, waiters, DJs and even the original Door Person, Jennifer, will all be back under the same roof again, for one night only! AND it will be held on a Tuesday night. So, for you regulars of the club, you know what that means, 25 cents a drink!
This will be the first time in twenty-five years, that ALL of the original entertainers, have worked together since the club's demise. All, that is, except for Kim Ross, who is sadly no longer with us. There will be a special portion of the show, that will feature a moving Tribute to her.
The Reunion Night will be sometime in late February of 2009.

I am announcing this news now, so that all of you who would like to go back in time, see old friends and relive a glorious time in all of our lives, can start making plans to attend.

This will NOT be a shoddy event. Much money is going to be spent. ALL of the stops are being pulled out, to make this night, what we once had every night at the "El Goya"...MAGIC.

Anyone interested can contact me anytime. As new developments unfold, I will be adding new posts on this wonderful board.
There is a web site in the works right now, also.
So, GET READY!!!
THE "EL GOYA" RETURNS!!!
Gilda Golden

Plans have been started for THE "El Goya" Reunion. For those of you who have written on this board wondering if there was ever going to be one, there FINALLY will be!

The original building where the "El Goya" was, has now been firmly booked for that night. ALL of the ORIGINAL cast members in the show, have agreed to entertain together again, after all these years. Some will be traveling many miles to be a part of this wondrous night.
The Entertainers, bartenders, waiters, DJs and even the original Door Person, Jennifer, will all be back under the same roof again, for one night only! AND it will be held on a Tuesday night. So, for you regulars of the club, you know what that means, 25 cents a drink!
This will be the first time in twenty-five years, that ALL of the original entertainers, have worked together since the club's demise. All, that is, except for Kim Ross, who is sadly no longer with us. There will be a special portion of the show, that will feature a moving Tribute to her.
The Reunion Night will be sometime in late February of 2009.

I am announcing this news now, so that all of you who would like to go back in time, see old friends and relive a glorious time in all of our lives, can start making plans to attend.

This will NOT be a shoddy event. Much money is going to be spent. ALL of the stops are being pulled out, to make this night, what we once had every night at the "El Goya"...MAGIC.

Anyone interested can contact me anytime. As new developments unfold, I will be adding new posts on this wonderful board.
There is a web site in the works right now, also.

So, GET READY!!!
THE "EL GOYA" RETURNS!!!
Gilda Golden

Long before El Goya was a nightclub it was the "Las Novedades" restaurant, hence the historic marker out front. As far as I know it it the ONLY nightclub in Ybor with an historic marker, although Cherokee (since closed), may have had one.

Candy Kiss did Marilyn Monroe

Anonymous User Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> bllllast from the past! i was recently trying to
> dig up some of the old dj sets from the early 90's
> -- Tracks was always the place to be back then on
> sunday nights. good house/techno in the red room
> and fun video/dance pop/techno in the video room.
> i remember they played a lot of prodigy back then,
> and that the red room was a lot gayer with classic
> house. i am DYING to get my hands on a set list.
> my friends and i remained faithful through our
> college days (before coming out, and after long
> live Tracks!

The blond who did Marilyn was Heather Fontaine. She lives here in St. Pete now though last I heard she was ill. El Goya was a Wonderland that will never be recreated. Even moving here from NY and having been to all the clubs there I have always loved El Goya the best. Yes, Gilda, those were our Golden Years, and we were the Golend Girls for sure.

xoxo