Just two years after they purchased the property on Blackstock Avenue and announced it would become an entertainment district of its own, Scott and Bernadette West open The Asylum at LunaVerse Knoxville this week. Last night they opened to a small crowd for an advance peek.
Still recognizable to patrons of the International (or earlier iterations), the space has been given the magical Bernadette treatment. Projected images cover three of the four walls and the sound system is crystal clear (and as loud as you could hope). Disco balls and streamers cover the ceiling and color is ever-abundant. The mandala you see projected behind the DJ in one of the photographs is a [photo of an actual art installation by artist Gulya Elhan who, with her family (pictured here) moved to Knoxville two years ago from Florida. Originally from Azerbaijan, the artist completed the massive piece on dot at a time. It will be displayed at the club.
The bar and dance club will first open its doors this Friday night when Smooth Sailor brings their fun show to the venue. Going forward, The Asylum will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Doors will open at 7:00 pm and a band will take the stage at 8:00 pm. From 11:30 pm to 2:30 am, DJs and light shows will rock the house.
Each week going forward will feature a rotation of the same three DJs, with Huglife (formerly DJ Slink) anchoring Thursday nights. Friday nights will feature DJ Sterl the Pearl, former quarterback for UT and now official DJ of both the football and basketball teams. Saturday will be International night with DJ Andres Tapia featuring international dance music.
West expects the growing entertainment district to attract dancers from both UT and downtown. The Asylum is only the first step and is housed in the old International, the smaller of the two larger buildings (there is a third to the rear).
The full-service bar will also serve food. Aaron Hunt, who some may remember for cooking late night barbecue under the James White Parkway in the Old City, will be smoking the meats and bringing the barbecue to the venue. “Simple” hotdogs will be available from a cart. Pub pizzas will also be available. The entire set up may not be ready this weekend, but if not, it will be soon.
The bar will also have a VIP section at the mezzanine level. While the main floor will be open, there will be four-tops which are available for a fee. The VIP section on the mezzanine has luxurious couches. Anyone can be a VIP for $30 a person on any given night. Tableside bar service will be provided, with cocktails made at your table. Tables will be reserved. The couches are arranged for seating for ten in each section and cost $300 for the evening.
Check it out on Friday night and welcome Knoxville’s newest entertainment district.