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ManRay first opened in 1985 on Brookline Street in Cambridge, operating as a nightclub and gathering place for Boston's alternative crowd until it closed in 2005, according to the website for a book about the historic club. The club soft launched its reopening on Saturday, Jan. 14, and is set to open fully on Wednesday, Jan. 18.
"We're going to try and bring back the original vibe the best we can," DJ Chris Ewen told Vanyaland. "The people who used to go to ManRay can expect that same vibe. We're gonna try to show people what we're all about."
The new edition of ManRay is housed on 40 Prospect Street, close to the club's original location, in a building that formerly housed ImprovBoston comedy club. The nightclub's facade features blacked-out windows and two-way mirrors on the doors, which are adorned with the phrase "The Art of Nightlife."
Themed nights that were a trademark of the original club are already on deck. Wednesday's "Crypt" nights feature goth and industrial music, Thursdays are gay nights, a "Chrome" theme on Friday, Jan. 20 highlights industrial music, and Saturday, Jan. 21 will be a tribute night to David Bowie.
"Through the varied dance nights and events, those who felt they were outside, were in," said the site for the book about the club's previous incarnation. "Those who were told that they were different were with others that were told the same. And through that difference, many found acceptance from a community and potentially themselves."
"Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our soft opening this past Saturday," said a post on the club's Facebook page. "The outpouring of love, excitement, and support was overwhelming in the best way! And I must say that it was beautiful to see so many of you. It was truly a homecoming."
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