Groups of 30-something bachelorettes and LA hipsters mingled with regulars and Palm Springs locals at Melvyn’s Casablanca Lounge at Ingleside Inn on a recent Friday night.
The mystique of cutting loose in the same room Frank Sinatra once did is what initially brings the crowd, but the entertainment is what keeps them.
“In 39 years of owning Melvyn’s and The Ingleside Inn, I have never had as young a crowd as I’m seeing today," shares long time Ingleside Inn owner, Mel Haber.
“Not only does the new demographic of Palm Springs enjoy our piano lounge, but they dance all night to the music ranging from ballads to disco; it’s a great people watching scene!" he adds. "As the nights have gone later and the music gets hotter, we actually had to put up new lighting effects to go with the atmosphere! It’s wonderful!”
Set off to one side of the popular Melvyn’s Restaurant, Casablanca Lounge feels intimate and charming. Photos of Haber and celebrity visitors hang on the walls, begging for a look as you pass by. A small dance floor is surrounded by a few tables and of course, a piano sits proudly in the middle of it all.
Haber made the decision to offer entertainment nightly, which sets his Old Hollywood hotspot apart. For locals and visitors hoping to enjoy a “Mel-tini” (the house specialty, according to the bartenders) in the same space as the "Rat Pack", a regular entertainment schedule is available:
- Sunday afternoon “Jam Sessions” 3:30-7:30p.m.
- Sunday thru Wednesday enjoy the music of Mike Healey, 8p.m. until 1 a.m.
- Thursday thru Saturday, Ron Greenip will serenade you 8 p.m. until 1 a.m.
A pianist and vocalist, Greenip keeps the crowds entertained with his renditions of Piano Man and Sweet Caroline. He’s so popular some regulars often book him for private parties and events.
Healey recently launched the Wednesday “Open Mic” night, and he has seen a strong turnout each week of customers ready to show off their singing chops!
If a lazy Sunday of Bloody Marys and music is more your scene, be sure to check out the “Jam Session” every weekend.
Visit the Ingleside Inn’s website, http://inglesideinn.com, for more information.
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