Friday night was an El Goya Reunion Party and brought back great memories of days past. Bradley’s on 7th was the host to the 30 year old kindling. Hosted by Joey Brooks and a cast of performing entertainers that haven’t performed in years. Attending and performing were some of the Ybor City’s Golden Days Drag stars. The numbers and outrageous outfits were spectacular. Bobbie Lake, Melanie Minyon, Gilda Golden and Joey Brooks. The place was packed with memory hounds, well wishers and renewed friendship seekers. Also was longtime area favorite Drag Star, “Hey Everybody” Stephanie Shippae.

    Memories of the 1980’s days of the very popular gay bar were portrayed by the smiles, talents and friendships that people developed. This was a very visual exciting youthful gay bar that many found out and acted upon their true inner feelings and found a comfort zone.

    “Straight or gay, El Goya was a very popular place to take visiting dignitaries to.” said former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. ” Most people had never even seen a real drag show and it was a very interesting place to take our city’s VIP visiting guests. I loved it. And so did the guests.”

    “Mayor Dick Greco had a reserved table in the front of the stage whenever he wanted it.” commented reunion host Joey Brooks.

    Ybor City’s famous El Goya closed in late 1980’s changed to Tracks and then Pleasure Dome and now Czar.

“It was so unique back then in Ybor City that it was one of 2 businesses that stayed open after dark, the Columbian Restaurant and El Goya. “ said Horst Glamsh, a lifelong Tampa Bay resident, bartender and El Goya Bar frequenter.