Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Hot Spot: Diesel Club Lounge

The South Side is known for its array of cool hangouts- from the classy S Bar and The Dolce Lounge to the laid-back Mario’s South Side Saloon and The Town Tavern. One slightly new place offers something different for patrons. Diesel Club Lounge at 1601 E. Carson St. offers a cryogenics system to quickly cool the dance floor and a custom LED light system to energize the venue.

The cryogenics system is the only one of its kind in the eastern portion of the United States, according to co-owner Adam DeSimone, 30. The system, which he describes as looking and sounding like “a jet engine taking off,” is a cool effect in both a figurative and literal sense. Carbon dioxide jets out from 600-pound tanks at designated times to cool the dance floor to 30 degrees. It creates the look of fog but the feel of cool air.

“People pretty much go nuts on the dance floor,” DeSimone said, explaining the cool effects of the system, which he said cost about $25,000.

The science of cryogenics can also be put to use in the entertainment industry as Diesel owners have realized.

Adam’s brother and co-owner Mike DeSimone, 28, said they discovered the system at a Las Vegas nightclub and decided to research it for use in Diesel. Although the system was put in primarily for the effect, it also helps cool off the dancers.

“In the summertime it definitely helps,” Mike said.

The DeSimone brothers, who co-own the club with their father, Patrick, said they both enjoy owning the club, which opened in June 2006. Both of them grew up in South Park and attended Duquesne University.

In addition to the cryogenics system, the club also has a custom-designed LED light system. The system, created by iDesign Productions based in Miami, Fla., consists of a huge wall by the dance floor and also panels behind the bar, illuminating the bottles and captivating customers. The light system is actually synchronized to the beat of the music. A light technician who sits by the DJ in the balcony overlooking the dance floor controls the system through computer-controlled touch screens.

“It adds a ton of energy,” Adam said. “We can make the room any color that we want or need.”

The same light technician who controls the LED system also controls the cryogenics system. Diesel DJ Chad Kesich explained in an e-mail interview that he and the light technician discuss a good song to play during which they will turn on the cryogenics. They will pick a popular song with strong bass, and once everyone is singing the lyrics, the technician turns on the system and it escalates the excitement.

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