Rain Ultra Lounge

An aerial performer at Rain's grand-opening party. (Credit: Heather Byrd)

Byrd's Eye View - Rain

A new nightclub for downtown Nashville

The latest hotspot to join the growing list of Music City nightclubs opened its doors last weekend and kicked off the festivities with several attractions. Rain Ultra Lounge on Fourth Avenue North, just a few steps up from The Rutledge, beckoned guests with circling spotlights in the sky, a red carpet entrance and a fire twirler, all to give partygoers a Vegas-style welcome.

Inside the newly renovated space, where the music was just beginning to build, casino tables invited folks to try their luck, while an aerial artist contorted herself into all sorts of positions while dangling from silk ropes attached to the ceiling. In another corner, two massive pythons were contorting themselves into even more extreme shapes, while a confident handler encouraged visitors to get up close and personal with the slithering beasts.

Owners Kobie "The World Famous DJ K Luv" Randolph and Dennis Woods are hoping to make Rain "Nashville's premier nightlife destination catering to a discerning audience with higher sensibilities."

The vibe: A large open space dotted with just a few tables ensures plenty of room to work the dance floor. The VIP balcony with tables tucked under cabanas offers something a little more private.

Drinks: Drink prices are reasonable, and the large bar offers speedy service along with all the usual suspects - beer, wine, liquor and Champagne. Bottle service is available on Saturday nights for the VIP area and tables, but it comes with a premium price tag depending upon the flavor.

When to go: You can expect to hear house music on Wednesdays and hip-hop on Thursdays. There's a daily happy hour from 6 to 10 p.m. with two-for-one well drinks, wine and beer on Fridays. Bimonthly celebrity-hosted events are in the works.

The bottom line: Rain is a brand-new dot on Nashville's nightclub map, and it's still finding its audience. Cover charges at $20 on weekends and valet parking at $20 a pop are likely to keep the financially challenged folks out. Time will tell if this nightclub will become a permanent fixture.

Rain
504 Fourth Ave. S.
1-901-301-8717