Honey for the Bears – An event by Jimmie Elias and DJ Alex Gutierrez
On April 6th, 2024, in Coconut Grove, Florida, at the restaurant Berries in the Grove, owned by Rob Snider, a pop-up club occurred for a club known as Honey for the Bears back in the 80’s. This event stirred excitement, as Honey for the Bears was a highly frequented club in the ’80s. It provided a perfect opportunity for old friends to gather, reminisce, and enjoy dinner and dancing. For those who grew up in the ’80s, the allure of Disco and Italo music is undeniable, and Jimmie “E” Disco (Jimmie Elias), and Alex Gutierrez, capitalized on this by organizing the pop-up event, promising regular monthly occurrences in the future.
Honey for the Bears was THE place to be during the late ’70s and early ’80s, boasting a star-studded lineup of DJs who made every night unforgettable. Bo Crane, a true pioneer of the Miami disco scene, was a driving force behind the club’s success. Alongside him, we had the legendary Carlos Nodal (RIP) leading the charge as the Resident DJ, setting the dance floor on fire with his infectious beats. But the magic didn’t stop there! The backup DJs, including Jimmy U, Humberto Fleites, and Jorge “Rattlesnake” Martinez, added their own unique flair, ensuring that every night at Honey for the Bears was a journey into disco paradise.
Together, they curated an experience like no other, where patrons could lose themselves in the music and dance the night away. Let’s pay tribute to these iconic DJs who shaped the club’s identity and created memories that still resonate today.
Notably, Bo Crane’s establishment of South Florida’s record pool from the ’70s to the late ’80s solidified his legacy within the local music scene. Honey for the Bears, which commenced as a small private club in 1974, swiftly gained momentum, eventually becoming one of the hottest spots in town by 1975. In that era, alongside other notable venues like Widow McCoy’s and The Mutiny, Honey for the Bears was a cornerstone of Coconut Grove’s nightlife during the mid-’70s. Later in the early 80’s, Cats – Resident DJ Rick Alonso, Faces – Resident DJ Scott Blackwell, and Susannes – Resident DJ Humberto Fleitas joined the continual legacy of the Grove’s Disco scene.
Honey for the Bears closed its doors in 1980, leaving behind an iconic legacy. In 1999, Rob Snider acquired the establishment, but the club section remained dormant for a long period. The revival came to fruition with the initiative of Jimmie “E” Elias, who collaborated with DJ Alex Gutierrez to bring back the essence of Honey for the Bears. They kicked off the event on Saturday night at 8 PM. DJ Alex Gutierrez started the event, and DJ Jimmie “E” took over the DJ station from 9:30 to 11:30 PM, setting the stage for a night of vibrant music and nostalgia. As the evening progressed, DJ Alex returned at 11:30 PM, delighting the crowd until 1 AM. At the stroke of midnight, DJ Alex Gutierrez transitioned to slower love tunes, filling the dance floor with couples snuggling and dancing. There is something special about slow dance tunes – they seem to initiate new relationships, rekindle old ones, or solidify existing ones. This thoughtful production, not commonly seen from many DJs, deserves recognition. My hat goes off to DJ Alex Gutierrez for that move. With a mix of Disco, Italo, and Spanish tunes reminiscent of the late ’70s and early ’80s, the night continued to captivate guests until the final tunes. Starting to wrap things up by 1 AM with Donna Summer’s “Last Dance,” the true finale belonged to the timeless anthem “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra. The dance floor came alive with synchronized line dancing, showcasing the enthusiasm of attendees. With every table reserved and the venue packed to capacity, Berries in the Grove, under Rob Snider’s management, excelled in both food service and beverages, considering they were overwhelmed with attendance, providing a fitting backdrop for an unforgettable event. In summary, it was a truly remarkable evening that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
On a business note, mixing business with pleasure has never been more fulfilling than at events like the Honey for the Bears revival. Despite the general age group ranging from 50 to 65, the energy was palpable and the connections were electric. While many attendees may be retired, the allure of networking and potential business opportunities is undeniable. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, forging friendships in such settings can lead to unexpected professional collaborations. After all, in a world where relationships drive success, events like these offer the perfect blend of enjoyment and entrepreneurial spirit.
Join us for the next installment of Honey for the Bears at Berries in the Grove and experience the magic of disco firsthand! Let’s dance, reminisce, and create new memories together.
Just as a DJ carefully selects tracks to create an unforgettable dance experience, in life, we have the power to curate moments that resonate deeply with others. Each interaction, like a perfectly chosen song, has the potential to uplift, connect, and inspire. Let’s welcome each other with open arms and hearts, ready to embrace the joy of music and the camaraderie of shared experiences. Together, let’s dance, laugh, and be merry, for in these moments, we find the true essence of life.
“Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.” – Sarah Louise Delany
For MiamiBusiness.com, this was written by Wilson Alvarez – info@wilsonalvarez.com
