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1. Out with the old, in with the newThe crowd...

1. Out with the old, in with the new

The crowd and lights at Aura Sound & Light Suite in East Meadow – a club that was formerly home to The Savannah, gone after seven busy years (2004-2011). Another major venue that disappeared was The Crazy Donkey of Farmingdale, closing down after almost 10 years (2002-2011). Live band fans were concerned with The Donkey's departure in September – as it was one of Long Island’s top spaces for live music. But just as it checked out, the Paramount concert hall opened in Huntington the same month. Huntington also saw the arrival of Huntington Social (in the second-story space that once held Chesterfields), while the large, upscale eatery and lounge Insignia opened in Smithtown at the end of November 2011. And remember the Malibu nightclub in Lido Beach? The Maliblue Oyster Bar opened behind the long-dormant Malibu building in Lido Beach during the summer – and as for Malibu itself? There are rumors the monstrous club will reopen after a 15-year slumber, but Long Island will just have to wait until sometime in 2012 to see …

Read the latest bars and clubs news from Long Island Credit: Ian J. Stark, 2011

Those looking for a night of flash, loud dance beats and big nightclub ambience can point their dancing shoes toward East Meadow where Wednesday, Sept. 28, saw the grand opening of the Aura Light & Sound Suite.

Located in the space that long-held The Savannah Club – a room that resembled a cross between a Manhattan cigar lounge and a sports bar – has been transformed into a 21st century techno experience.

The room is swathed in cool blue light with a dance floor and two levels, each featuring a bar. The show is above and around, however, as a look up reveals rows and rows of metallic cylinders, placed next to and on top of each other to create a futuristic landscape unlike virtually any other room on Long Island.

The space-age ceiling has a purpose: It is a flexible LED video display screen ceiling. Sounds complicated, but in reality it's just a way to manipulate club lights. It can be bent and shaped, much like a curtain, and programmed in various patterns -- even simple shapes and images. (Aura advertises this to be the only one in New York, and we can’t think of any others out there, either.)

Meanwhile the sound system is also cutting edge, propelled by the German d&b audiotechnik speaker and amplifier manufacturers. It’s all the creation of the Bluarch Architecture and Interior, which is responsible for hip, ultra-trendy displays and layouts found in major nightspots around the country.

Expect a late-night scene, as the opening-night party was still going strong past 3:30 a.m. The nightclub is open nights Friday and Saturday starting after 9 p.m., with a cover charge of $10 for women, $15 for men (also open on Wednesdays for no cover). Dress to impress; VIP tables are available for a 21-and-over crowd.

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