Change is coming to Stallions in Harrisburg, as new owners bring a new name to the long-standing LGBTQ+ bar and club.
The venue, founded in 1985, has been renamed Karma, adding, “As the name suggests, Karma is rebirth,” according to its official website.
“When Karma opens its doors as the newest LGBTQ+ and ally entertainment complex in downtown Harrisburg, it will bring a new addition to a local landmark that has established itself as a place of goodwill, love, and self-expression for all. It will bring it to life,” the website says. .
Nelson Mena, one of the new owners along with her husband George Fernandez, vowed that Stallions’ loyal customers have nothing to worry about when it comes to their favorite venue.
“On the contrary, they should be very excited,” Mena said, adding that Karma intends to “build even better” to build on the Stallions’ tradition with “great entertainment, great drinks, great service.” added.
“We want people who walk Karma to feel special the moment they walk through the door,” Mena said. “And it’s more than a clean, well-decorated place with a great sound system and great lighting design. By the way, we’re going to have it!
Mena said all these elements will be combined with excellent service, drinks and music to provide patrons with an “elevated” experience.
“I really appreciate a place that offers an elevated experience,” Mena says. “Every time I step foot in a place like that, whether it’s Europe or the Caribbean or here in the United States, New York, Los Angeles, South Beach. I always say the same thing to George: ‘How can we do something like this in Harrisburg? Is it?”
Mena said safety is a top priority at Karma and staff will be trained to ensure a “zero-tolerance policy towards harassment or bias of any kind.”
“We want Karma to be an example of a safe and secure public space where unique self-expression is welcomed, celebrated and, most importantly, protected.”
In preparing to reopen, Mena said the team is looking to hire not only servers but also local talent and entertainment, from dancers, singers and musicians to comedians and, of course, drag artists.
“We want to be a platform to showcase their talent,” Mena said. “From my perspective, drag queens will be front row to the entertainment we plan to have at Karma.”
The website promises that the four-storey building will undergo a “major transformation throughout 2024”, with reopening plans currently scheduled for July.
“Plans are still being finalized, but our goals are clear: We will take a community-first approach to everything we do, and continue to make Karma a top-notch arts and entertainment, nightlife and dance, and creative community. Our goal is to be the region’s most famous destination for self-expression. “As our name suggests, karma is where each person’s unique light and energy is reflected and amplified.”