What It Was Like Working for Avant Gardner and the Brooklyn Mirage Before the Transformation

I still remember stepping foot into Avant Gardner for the first time as part of the media team—it wasn’t easy getting in, even though I was guest-listed to cover one of the artists on the lineup, Soundspider. The moment I finally made it inside, I was in awe. My first thought was simply, “Wow, this venue is massive.”

Before the doors opened to the public, I had the opportunity to explore the space. I wandered through multiple VIP levels and discovered a sleek, vintage-meets-modern bar on the top floor. The aesthetic was incredible—blue skies and white clouds framed the open space on a perfectly sunny day, adding a surreal touch to the moment.

The stage itself was enormous. I was immediately drawn to the massive LED walls and the futuristic, almost laser-tag-inspired design of the backstage area, complete with gray camouflage décor. Despite its industrial feel, the architecture was sharp and modern—full of rectangular structures and clean lines. At the center of the main stage was an elevated platform leading to the DJ booth, surrounded by an impressive array of lights and two water cannons on each side. The entire setup gave off a cyber-futuristic vibe unlike anything I’d seen and experienced before.

The VIP sections on both sides of the stage were framed with sleek silver vip rope poles sectioning off the stage, and minimalist concrete floors, while staff offered VIP guests drinks and S20-branded towels for hospitality. When the lights finally dimmed, the venue truly came to life—the LED wall stretched across the entire stage, wrapping from one end to the other with stunning, high-resolution visuals showcasing each DJ’s personal graphics and the signature S20 visuals.

As I explored further, I discovered that Avant Gardner was connected directly to the Brooklyn Mirage, effectively doubling the size of the complex. Walking from one side to the other was an experience in itself: one side featured a lush, nature-inspired dining area, while the other transformed into a high-tech, cyber-themed space. Despite their contrasting aesthetics, the transition felt seamless and cohesive—like two halves of one creative vision.

Learning that this venue is now closing still feels surreal. When I worked there in July, I never would’ve guessed that Avant Gardner would soon be filing permits to demolish the Brooklyn Mirage. The company’s CEO, Josh Wyatt, was later removed from his position amid ongoing delays in reopening its flagship venue. In his place, Gary Richards—better known as Destructo, a well-known DJ and event producer—has stepped in to take over.

Avant Gardner’s financial struggles became public when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing debts estimated at up to $100 million against assets valued below $50 million. Despite this, The Great Hall and Kings Hall are expected to continue hosting events throughout the restructuring process.

It’s wild to think how quickly things can change. One moment, a venue can be thriving—alive with sound, light, and energy—and the next, it’s facing closure. It’s a reminder that even the most ambitious projects can falter with a few wrong moves. Avant Gardner and the Brooklyn Mirage built an empire that defined New York nightlife for years, and watching that legacy come to an end after working inside of it in areas many people never get to see and seeing the general admission areas feels like witnessing the closing of a major chapter in electronic music history.