Omaha bids adieu to many local nightclubs.

In the last few years, Omaha had built up a pretty happening party scene, complete with bars and nightclubs scattered across the area. The numerous options made it extremely easy to find a place that tickled everyone's fancy, whether it was a massive, multi-room dance club or a smaller, more intimate bar that offered live music.

To many Omaha partygoers' dismay, however, four local clubs have already closed their doors and more are speculated to follow. 

Citrus Lounge in West Omaha closed its doors Jan. 3. Mick's Music & Bar in Benson marked its last day on Jan. 24 after five years in business. Other venues, like the Goofy Foot Lodge, located at 1012 S. 10th St., issued a statement saying the bar is currently closed without any knowledge of re-opening in the near future. 

This past weekend, Club Nico, a popular West Omaha nightclub, shut its doors for good on Feb. 13. However, unlike the other clubs, Nico was financially stable, said Nico Event Coordinator Deanna Janicek. She said that even with economic problems, the club's attendance remained, but its owner Ralph Marasco planned to close the doors after five years of business. 

Marasco opened the club as a real estate investment in 2004, but realized the club was not the best use of the land since the building wasn't open all day, every day, Janicek said. 

Despite the heaps of snow that fell over Omaha last Friday, Nico partied on and went out with a bang. Nico's RIP Wake Reception and Memorial Dance Service party on Friday had the feel of an old-school Italian funeral; black attire was required. The theme was made complete with a hearse and coffin filled with Nico memorabilia. 

"We're not going out without one big party," Janicek said. 

Omaha disc jockey and former Gateway columnist Brent Crampton attended Nico's final bash and said while the recession means people are spending less, the interest in dancing has risen in the last six months. 

"Because of this, I've seen many dance parties at houses and think this will only continue, perhaps being a catalyst in putting more places out of business," Crampton said. 

UNO senior and local DJ Chris Massara said he's disappointed in the recent decline of clubs around town. 

"Although I did not frequent Nico or Citrus often, I do support the work of DJs and clubs and feel the more variety Omaha has, the better it is for the clubbing culture," Massara said. 

Despite the recession, others are confident the club scene will boom again in Omaha. Crampton said that after a break, Nico owner Marasco plans to open a new, smaller club in West Omaha. Also, Club Irie recently opened its doors in the Old Market about a month ago. 

At this point though, it seems these venues will keep downsizing, Crampton said. 

"People will find ways to spend less, dance more and always opt for house parties over cover charges."