[From Vaba Eestlane issue no. 45 (June 14th, 1984)]
The fun side of ESTO-84: “Ankur” Nightclub
Organizers Jaak Järve and Allan Liik talk about the venue, performers, and activities
Providing the entertainment side of ESTO-84 is the nightclub known as “Ankur” (“The Anchor”). It’s the namesake of the “secret taverns” that have become especially popular during previous Global Estonian Cultural Days. The main organizer is Jaak Järve and the organizer of the performances is Allan Liik, both of whom introduced the work they have done and everything on offer.
The “Ankur” nightclub is located in the Palais Royale ballroom at 1601 Lakeshore Blvd. West. The building is located on Lake Ontario, where the tram runs 24 hours a day from the meeting point of King Street W. and Queen Street W. As the Roncesvalle bus takes you right there, you only need to walk across the bridge built over the road. The hall can accommodate 900 people. Palais Royale is located a short distance away from the main events of ESTO-84, but good connections, as well as the use of ESTOLIFT, make it easily accessible. There is also a parking lot for a couple hundred cars near the building.
J. Järve explains the organizational structure of the nightclub, where the main organizer is assisted by K. Otsa from Buffalo, the treasurer is P. Agur, and the financial manager is T. Saar from Hamilton. Linda Järve is in charge of catering. The latter's task is to provide meals to visitors from 8 pm to 4 am.
Estonian-style dishes will be served: sauerkraut, pirukad, Kuressaare turkey, and of course “Rolling Estonian” drinks; in addition there will be “Petseri Päike” and Esto Beer.
J. Järve hopes that for at least two or three times, Estonians will come to the lake after events and the place could be a gathering place.
Allan Liik introduces the program and performers. A different Estonian dance orchestra will perform every night, starting with V. Gustavson's large orchestra, followed by Tarkus, Orpheus, Kaja II, The Puus Brothers from the USA, and the youngest Toronto group Bombay Cricket-Club, formed by U. Kärner. The party will last from Monday to Saturday.
Next to the performance area will be a video screen, where modern rock music tapes are shown; also video tapes of the same day's events. There are also video games, the election of Mister ESTO-84, and all sorts of surprise events that will take place every night at 1 am.
The group “Helin”, consisting of performers from England, is scheduled to perform twice on Monday, along with “Positiivsed mehed”, the Baltimore ensemble “Kuma”, the “Meloodika” singing trio from Toronto (Laikved and Valge), A. Raudsepp, “Verevennad” from the USA, and Tõnu and Lisa Sepp from the west coast. Some additional performers are yet to be announced, and more offerings are coming in every day.
One of the comedic performers will be Rein Ruus from Chicago, who has acted in films and will also be performing at ESTORAMA on the opening day. He has a humorous take on Kalevipoeg in his repertoire.
Since the building is located right by the lake, there is a possibility to cool off by the lake at night.
If you want to capture yourself during this spirited celebration, then artist Ants Vomm will be there as a caricaturist.
J. Järve says that the nightclub will be similar to the Tallinn Festival. There will be a high-quality sound system, good lighting, good food, and tables covered with clean linens. Since the building is located right by the lake, there is a possibility to cool off by the lake at night. The plan also allows for singing songs together under the leadership of a capable choir director. Long story short, Jaak and Allan say that this will be a cabaret event of the best quality.
Admission to the “Ankrus” nightclub costs $6.00 per evening. 300 weekly passes are also being printed, the price of which is $25, which gives a good opportunity to save money. The announcers for the evenings are R. Ruus, P. Aruvald, A. Liik. Ü. Isberg, and U. Kärner.
*****
Relive the magic with the 2025 Canadian edition of salakõrts at Estonian Music Week in Toronto on Thursday May 23rd at 11:00 p.m. Be entertained by the charming Now in Service, who you might remember from the ‘84 salakõrts as Tarkus. The secret location will be revealed in the week leading up to the festival. The tickets are now on sale for $16 (plus HST and fees) at: estonianmusicweek.ca
Stay tuned for more information on the Estonian edition of salakõrts at the ESTO 2025 in Tallinn and Narva.
