en years ago this month, Midnight Hour opened with : 'Chris Coles' Noir Perspective' <Iink>
- a piece on up-and-coming expressionist painter Coles. Our article was motivated by the sudden and growing interest in Coles' paintings immediately following his successful showing at Liam's Gallery in Pattaya. Last month we revisited this ongoing success story - Chris Coles, his exhibits and his paintings.
One corner of Chris Coles' showing at the Brainwake Cafe & Gallery this January.
As by coincidence, while we were in the drafting stages of an 'update' story on Chris Coles, we received an invitation from him to attend his 'opening' at the Brainwake Cafe & Gallery at the back of Soi 33 Sukhumvit. ....Made to order - we would definitely be in attendance.
A candid shot of Chris Coles at the Brainwake.
The turnout for Chris Coles' Brainwake exhibition was somewhat greater than anticipated ; a number of reporters representing large and small publications, 'local' expat writers and a 'poet' or two, in addition to several members of the expat population that had purchased a 'Chris Coles' in the past. Last, but not least were the expats and local customers of the Brainwake who were drawn in to the showing like moths-to-the-flame by their own curiosity.
A 'Chris Coles' painting we at Midnight Hour are quite fond of. In fact, we were so 'fond-of' it, we purchased it and placed it front and center in our News Room. We never knew the name for this painting, so we call it 'Predator'.
Over the last ten years, the demand for Chris Coles' paintings has been on the increase. A number of local restaurants and other Nitespots have a 'Chris Coles' hanging somewhere in a prominent position (Check Inn 99, for example). Many in Thailand's expat community also have a Coles painting up at home, and will note conversationally, "Oh, yes, I already have a 'Chris Coles'.
Another pic of the Coles exhibition at the Brainwake.
While Chris pursues other themes from time to time, it is his Nightscene Expressionist canvasses which capture both the the viewer's imagination and the reality on the ground. Often a single Chris Coles canvas will capture the neon / black-light / chrome-pole frosting on the cake - and the darker grunge of the cake itself. Chris Coles... "the painter who sees in the dark". Chris' works are original, unique, and have carved a permanent niche in Bangkok's Nightlife Scene.
The Check Inn 99 has three 'Chris Coles' paintings hanging within. This one, Crazy Hour, partially obscured by a customer, is located at the end of the bar.
Not that Chris Coles' paintings have taken off like Bligh Dolls or Luke Thep Dolls or Krispy Kreme donuts - Chris will just have to wait for that 'intangible', that unknowable element that causes something to 'go viral'. Those of us who know Chris have told him in jest that he would have to fake his own demise before his paintings would be sought by the rich-and-famous, the renown galleries, the famous auction houses....
A rendition of a young lady many imagine they once knew....
An out-take from the Bangkok Post heralding the Chris Coles outing at the Brainwake.
I am an Australian woman, and was living in Tokyo before returning to Australia recently. I have a job in Bangkok and I will be coming in April. I am an artist, I like meeting people and going out. I really like what I do, but the problem is that after work and on weekends I need to hang, have a few bits of communication and kick back a bit. I just want some single guy who doesn't mind hanging with a foreign girl and talking and going out. By 'going out', I mean the temples and galleries and stuff, but also restaurants, just where people can hang for fun. I am not looking for 'the one', but that's not to say its not what I want, it's just the city life can get lonely and better to share the experience than hang in my room at night.
What do you think??
B.
Greetings, B.,
Assuming this is a legitimate request, (we receive so many scam emails), it would be all too easy for a foreign lady to find someone to escort her around Bangkok (as would be any other big city). Although Bangkok is much safer than virtually all other big cities, it would still be risky for you to take short-cuts finding someone to 'show you around'.
Recently, I have heard of 'services' which offer to take new visitors around on a 1-on-1 basis, but I do not know of their reliability or their price structure. And therefore I do not recommend them. Also, it would be better, read: 'safer', if you were 'out on the town' with a girlfriend at least until you know the territory.
As Bangkok Eyes is a 'Night Entertainment" website, I could list for you some legitimate Night Entertainment Venues that do not take advantage of customers - if you are interested. However, as a public forum, Bangkok Eyes (me), I have gotten myself in hot water before on making specific personal 'recommendations', as occasionally the people to whom I have made those recommendations were dissatisfied with their experience. -It seems they harbored unrealistic expectations, and they saw this as my fault.
Probably the best, and safest, is the Bangkok pub scene. The pub scene has grown over the last decade, and there are a number of them in the Silom Road area and the Sukhumvit Road area. Of course some of them are better than others, but for the most part, they have a higher ratio of 'nice guys' to predators. Another way to say the same thing, pubs are tamer than the discos and the late night clubs, and you can take your time getting to know what's what and to meet people. A fun place to start off at would be Bangkok Betty's at the Holiday Inn on the top of Soi 22, Sukhumvit Road. It is indoor - outdoor, and has a good band on the weekends.
We can answer virtually any (reasonable) question on
the Expat Night Entertainment Scene in Bangkok - be it Historical or
very recent. Send us an e-mail and we will do our best to answer you soonest.
Part-time A Go-Go ...NOT-SO-PRIVATE DANCERS WANTED
The Thigh Bar, having completed renovations within and without last month, are looking for more dancers. And they have gone the way many bars in Bangkok and Pattaya have gone : offering a daily rate of 500 baht. -By the way, the new interior is much more spacious and customer-friendly - let the good times roll.
The "Bar-On-The-Bridge" - the Black Pagoda - now has their extension at the rear in full operation - pool tables, alcoves for private conversations, and a private 'room with a view'...
PATPONG II
The Bua Luang Snooker (PP Snooker) has been in lock-down the last couple of times we passed by. Guess it is really closed after all (it would close temporarily in the past, only to reopen) - it doesn't look like it will come back to life this time. Co-located with the Black Pagoda on the 3rd level in the Cosmos stairwell.
Closed most of last month, the Dollhouse has now reopened with it's same old flare. The closure, originally due to management-staff discord, was exacerbated when partner/ manager Darel Davenport tragically fell to his death while trying to access his locked highrise condo from a next-door balcony (his photo below). Rest In Peace, Darel.
Extract from Internet source considered 'Fair Use' under Copyright Law
SOI COWBOY
Last month we noted in this column that Club Rio was closed, but that it quite likely would reopen soon. This month, while on our survey, we were pleased to note that it had reopened. As we were annotating our survey sheet to that effect, the lights went out (21:50 hrs), and the few girls that did show up for work began to trickle out into the Soi in their bikinis and high platforms, slowly making their way to one of Rio's sister bars. WTF?
A quick-pic For-the-Archives of Casanova Bar and their new signage. Casanova is Nana Plaza's first katoey bar.
NANA PLAZA
While Bangkok Bunnies and Bangkok MILFS try to make up their mind, we try to follow along. (Yes, they did make up their mind.) Originally Bangkok MILFS was a separate bar, then it became part of the larger, extended Bangkok Bunnies, and now it is a separate bar once again. (It does, however, have a narrow passageway amidships where you can walk between the two bars.) We wish them constancy.
The katoey disco Equality Club, located in the Nana Hotel, lasted approximately two months - and a little bit, before it plummeted headlong into the Abyss. No one was particularly surprised, by the way - there were a lot of "I-told-you-so's" down in the streets. This month we noted that the Equality had been replaced by the EQ Late Night Club, so we went in for a quick chat with the staff. I proceeded to ask a lovely young lady about the new Venue in my very best Thai language. She eventually told me she doesn't speak Thai, that she was from the Philippines. At any rate, in answer to my specific question, no, the EQ Club is not another katoey venue. Their sign at the entrance indicates a cover charge of 200 baht. Two hundred baht just to get in?... Hmm, one wonders how judiciously they went over their business plan.... ...And why do I get that same old sense of impending doom? Nevertheless, wish them well as they wade into the sharkpool.
A For-the-Archives snapshot of the Spanish On 4. A long-standing and successful Nitespot on Soi Katoey (...since September 2009, having taken over the reins from Luminous).
A brand new massage parlor, the Malaiseeda Massage has moved into the old Fee Far / Fah Massage digs. Wish them well on that slippery slope. Located at the top of Soi Lemongrass, just past the old Queen's Park Hotel.
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
A month ago, the Wild Orchid Massage put up some new neon - much more visible. All else status quo ante. Located next to the old Queen's Park Hotel on the main Soi.
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
The Happy Pub Bar was never much more than a hole-in-the-wall at the top of Soi Starlight, but at least it was happy. This month, after a 14 month run, we note it is in lockdown mode - the steel roller-shutter firmly in place...
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
Last month Miss Neko was a small restaurant located a couple of doors deeper in the Soi. This month, she moved in between Baan Sabai Massage and Yuuka Snack Bar, and is now a massage parlor instead of a restaurant. Welcome the Miss Neko Massage to the neon jungle.
SOI 22 - (Sukhumvit)
What was the 'Massage' Massage is closed down, and in it's place, come March 8, will be the Quickie Massage . Photos next issue.
What was originally the Top Up 33 Lounge & Bar, then the Baan Isarn Muong Yoke 2 is now the Captain 33 Seafood & Lounge Bar. (See our note last month.) We welcome them to Sisyphus' mountain, and good luck with that boulder.....
SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33
Originally the Yumeji Club, these digs are now home to the brand new 7-Heaven Fantasy Massage. A specialty massage aimed primarily at Japanese clientele. Located in Soi Pan Pan. Welcome them as they continue to slip 'n slide.
SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33
Joy, located up one flight of stairs at the S 33 Compact Hotel, is closed again. No telling when it will open again, or how long it will stay open, should it open at all....
SOI DEAD ARTISTS - SOI 33
The unusually named [H] Massage, located in Sub-Soi 4, has battened down the hatches and posted a 'For Rent' sign in the window. That's all she wrote, then.
What used to be the Elite Music Theater became, briefly, the Escape Club. Last month we noted that the 'Vegas Exclusive Club' was under renovation at that location, very nearly ready to open. And open they did, but with one small minor change in the wording : it is now the Vegas Entertainment Club. Located near the now-defunct Q Bar. Let's get ready to rock 'n roll....
Door Art Of The Month
Award
The Vegas Entertainment Club, with the exception of the sign atop the structure, changes color in a most dynamic fashion - as is now possible with the new LED lighting systems. The combo of tasteful architecture and the lighting make the Vegas our sure-fire selection for this month's award.
SOI AMBASSADOR - (Sukhumvit Soi 11)
Flow (located in the same building as the Nest - across from the old Q Bar) has been open for a couple of months already, but until last week we did not see any activity there. Last weekend, however, was another story - the place was jumping, replete with party balloons, projection video, etc. Welcome them to the vicissitudes.
SOI AMBASSADOR - (Sukhumvit Soi 11)
The Night Friends Bar is no more. Not much more than a temporary 'sidewalk bar', it wasn't destined to last. Ashes to ashes - the story of old....
A For-The-Archives photo of Hangout - this new bit of neon includes the words, 'Queen's Park Plaza', which, on reflection, is quite unnecesary, in that the sign has been located in a place that can't be seen from outside.
The Crazy Hot has put the last checkbin in the last plastic cup... It was bought over by the BJ Group of bars (it's lease had expired), but the reincarnation won't be coming on line for a while yet - the Crazy Hot chattel is still inside under lock-and-key. The BJ Group hasn't yet decided what the new name will be. We will, of course, be checking it out next round.....
Bangkok Eyes goes back in time to
see
Who was new - And who was through
in the Expat Night Entertainment world.
How many of these old 'oases'
do you remember ?
Patpong I
* No changes that month / year.
Patpong 2
* Up on The Ramp, Club Abaniko reopened. It was located where King Corner Net now holds court.
* The Princess Castle reopened after almost two months' down-time. It was located next door to the Pink Panther - that lot is now home to Screw Boy.
Soi Cowboy
* No changes that month / year.
Nana Plaza
* No changes that month / year.
Soi Katoey(Silom Soi 4)
*Tapas Cafe reopened. They are still at that location today.
*Hyper The Un Pub combined with The Hype Restaurant & Bar. Hyper / Hype was located next door to the Telephone Pub, now the Connections. The Hype / Hyper no longer exist.
*Helene's Place reopened. It is still there today, primarily as a Vietnamese restaurant.
*Milk Bar reopened. It was located between Telephone Pub and the (now defunct) Rome Club.
*Divine, the upstairs half of Sphinx reopened. Today that real estate is occupied by Fork & Cork (a Sphinx outlet).
*Deeper became the DP 2000 ( a name-change only ). It was located in what is now the Bearbie Bar.
Buckskin Joe Village(~ October 1988 to
October 2006)
(Also known -originally- as Tobacco Road or Soi Rot Fai or,
'The Tracks', and later as Machim [Thai] and Soi Zero)
Pouring Oil on the Graffiti Fire MELBOURNE's DOUBLE-WHAMMY
This graphic excerpt from Internet is, under current legal precedents and prevailing interpretations considered 'Fair Use' under copyright law.
Melbourne, Australia has a graffiti problem. What city doesn’t? However this one is unique. The City Council has designated 22 separate areas within the city where street art is legal, and where 5 to 10 thousand tourists per day come to visit and take their selfies. So what could possibly go wrong? It seems that the local graf artists, at least a great number of them, see the entire city as their canvas.
This graphic excerpt from Internet is, under current legal precedents and prevailing interpretations considered 'Fair Use' under copyright law.
Additionally, as might well be expected, a local Melbourne graffiti website, MelbourneGraffiti.com (link), documents the entire scene, legal and illegal. However they go a little farther than that (actually, a whole lot farther) - much to the ire of the Victoria State Government and the Melbourne City Council. Their website includes such ‘attractions’ as online videos of graffers ‘bombing’ the local trains with spraypaint, oftentimes while the trains are under way. And just to pour a little oil on the fire, they also publish such helpful items as plans of train cars so that graffiti artists can lay-out their assaults in advance.
This graphic excerpt from Internet is, under current legal precedents and prevailing interpretations considered 'Fair Use' under copyright law.
And if that weren’t outrageous enough in it’s own right, it was recently revealed that the Australian National Library is archiving the website – purely to record the ongoing ‘social history’, of course.
Melbourne’s Police Minister was asked his thoughts on the activities of the website and on the National Library archiving these illegal proceedings. He says the State spends 13 million dollars a year on graffiti removal, 1 million of that in Melbourne, and he is outraged that this website is doing nothing but encouraging illegal behavior. Further, says he, “They (the National Library) can just come and clean off the graffiti”. The issue has not been resolved to anyone’s satisfaction and MelbourneGraffiti.com is still, unrepentantly, up on line.
PATPONG I 
TOP
March's Nightlife News 
en years ago this month, Midnight Hour opened with : 
Iink>
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