Alicia P.
Yelp
Depending on how long you've lived in Orlando, you may remember this venue by several other names. You might have great memories here. You probably saw some great shows.
But the venue currently known as The Vanguard with a bonus outdoor venue known as Lot 54 is, I guarantee, better than anything you've experienced before - not only in this spot but also across all of Central Florida. (I'm looking at you, Jannus Live....)
As someone who's been dancing longer than most people who frequent The Vanguard, let me tell you why this event space is SO amazing after seeing some 15+ shows here post-COVID:
SOUND: This venue is owned and operated by Insomniac, and they take their sound quality seriously. The bass is obviously amazing, as it must be given the quality of the acts they book here, but so are the mids and highs. I bring earplugs but only a few acts have required I wear them. Infinitely better than Jannus Live - though it's hard to compare indoor vs. outdoor, it just IS.
STAFF: From the moment you get in line all the way to bottle or bar service and back to security, the folks here are amazing and NICE. You know the positive PLUR vibes you get at EDC? Well the staff at The Vanguard shows up with those vibes every weekend. I've seen these folks working insane crowds and hustling super hard to get us all in as fast as they can because they know we don't want to miss the music - all with a smile and positive energy. If you get VIP - even standing space - the staff becomes your best friend for the night and the upstairs area is the VIP sections is a place you'll never leave.
SPACE: I absolutely love the amount of space available at The Vanguard, though I do understand why people can feel cramped in the front once the main act goes on. Yes, it gets crowded on the rail, but you can always retreat to outdoor patios (in VIP or main entrance) for some fresh air and the space by the bars is usually easy to navigate. Bathrooms move pretty quickly and even folks lining the stairs to get a good view have plenty of space for folks to pass by.
SAFETY: We're in Orlando and times are weird. The Vanguard has thorough security at the door and in VIP to make sure everyone is where they're supposed to be. Additionally, they installed air filters post-COVID that not only keep the club smelling fresh (seriously, it's wild that my hair doesn't stink when I leave this place after hours of dancing), but also purify air quality. I went to this venue so many times after COVID policies changed and I've never once gotten sick here. Not even the Wook Flu from EDC after parties.
And finally, LOT 54!!! I loved this back lot venue space and truly, this is where Insomniac shines. Super strong festival vibes from this space - the stage, the sound, the nitrous, the lasers, the flames, the glam bus, the VIP section with ear plugs and mints!! I absolutely loved seeing John Summit here and can't wait to see who's next!
Thank you, Vanguard + Lot 54 + Insomniac + all the amazing staff who make events come to life here. Having a resident EDC-like venue in the heart of my city is amazing and gives me excuse after excuse to fly friends in from all over the country!