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Copacabana Reopens in New York

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The Copacabana / Photo from www.copacabanany.com

After a four-year hiatus, “The hottest spot north of Havana,” the famous Copacabana nightclub reopens in Times Square.

Tuesday, July 12, The Copa opened its doors once again, this time in Times Square– 268 West 47th St– with a performance by world famous salsa musician, Willie Colon.

It’s been over 70 years, since the famed Copacabana nightclub first opened its doors in 1940 at 10 E. 60th St.. The club became one of the most famous, bringing heavy weights like Ol’ Blue Eyes and Dean Martin, to its stage. It also introduced a few acts to the world like The Supremes. The Copa inspired songs like Barry Manilow’s 1978 “Copacabana” and it provided the set for such famous films as “Goodfellas.”

Over the years, The Copa even became notable for it’s naughty nights. In the late ’50s, New York Yankees players got into a tiff with guests who had grown enraged with performer, Sammy Davis, Jr. and were reportedly heckling him and making racist remarks. Billy Martin, who was celebrating his birthday, along with his teammates weren’t having it. The result– one man ended up with a concussion and reported broken jaw and the Yankees eventually lost Martin, who was traded to Kansas City.

Throughout the course of The Copa’s history, it’s hopped around Manhattan, with its most recent location being 34th St. and 11th Ave. This Copa location closed its doors in 2007, when the city reportedly took it over.

The newly opened Copacabana suggests patrons be 25 and over and dress to the nines– which is nothing new. The nightclub welcomes back the beloved Copa Dancers with live Latin entertainment.

“At The Copa, Copacabana, music and passion were always the fashion,” sings Manilow– And it’s true.