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While bands at the Gypsy's Den play classic rock, patrons can surf the 'Net.
By JORGE SANCHEZ
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 25, 2001
The night spot that started out a few years ago as a laid-back Internet cafe has now evolved into the home of classic rock 'n' roll for Crystal River.
The Gypsy's Den, 155 U.S. 19 S, recently completed a make-over. The interior now features a new bar, and the business has a full liquor license.
The Gypsy's Den (formerly known as The Cybersurf Cafe) still has its room with personal computers that allows patrons to surf the Internet, check their e-mail or chat. It's an unusual feature in a nightclub.
On weekends, the new Gypsy's Den features a band playing great classic rock songs by the Stones, Pink Floyd or Deep Purple, while in the next room, computer users can still point and click their way through cyberspace.
The blend of high-tech and hard rock is the brainchild of owner Mark Davis. He owned the site as a pet store before changing it into a night spot. Davis juggles his roles as owner/manager of the bar with his other job, playing bass and singing with Emerald Gypsy, the house band.
"This is great for me as a musician, because we only play here," Davis said. "That means no more moving heavy speakers around from club to club. This is our home base."
Emerald Gypsy usually plays two weekends a month, alternating with other area bands such as Heirborne or Mad Hatter. The blues band the Accelerators also plays from time to time.
Because it can rehearse and perform in the same club, Emerald Gypsy has developed a healthy fan base. Other band members are Jim Hathaway on drums, Randy Ayres on guitar and Jack Ruggerio on guitar.
The Gypsy's Den has morphed into an eclectic night spot. Aquariums in the wall display large eels and other exotic fish, a hold-over from the pet store days. A faux stone cavern graces an entry into the restrooms. The dance room is accented by wooden beams on the ceilings and plenty of rock memorabilia. A print on the wall is autographed by Pink Floyd bass player Roger Waters.
"That's my favorite," Davis said.
The Gypsy's Den offers entertainment most nights of the week.
Wednesday nights are becoming more popular with the open mike/jam session. Area acoustic musicians show up to play on the stage, using the Den's mammoth sound system. Many times, members of Emerald Gypsy show up to jam along.
"Folkies are definitely welcome here for the open mike," Davis said.
Other events include Mark's Mondays, when Davis plays all kinds of music, followed by a rock 'n' roll disc jockey show on Tuesdays and a dance party on Thursdays.
This weekend's band is Emerald Gypsy; admission is $3.