Hundreds of green helium balloons hung from the ceiling above the patrons, some of whom were sipping on the new martini, complete with "green glow cubes" floating in it.

The impressive turnout for the launch of the "Poison Apple" proved that The Loft, which opened in South Norwalk in 1997, has still got it. While other nightspots have come and gone up and down Washington Street, The Loft has adjusted to the times, all the while maintaining a chic appearance.

But don't let the slick look intimidate you. In addition to its offering of specialty martinis, the Loft now gives customers five nights of live music during the summer. And the eclectic group of performers has been selected to reach a diverse group of people who want to kick back and have fun, from professionals and couples to swingin' singles.

Briefly, during The Loft's early days, the music of Frank Sinatra, Eartha Kitt and Dean Martin dominated the venue. Those sounds quickly evolved into more upbeat music and eventually to today's bands that play there regularly.

For example, throughout August, Tuesday nights feature Mac and Jamie, known for classic favorites, reggae and alternative rock and their ability to bring the crowd to its feet. When the duo is rocking out, Tuesdays become the new Fridays. The group has endeared itself to the audience, which is usually filled with lots of familiar faces. So you feel like you are at a bar where "everybody knows your name," except The Loft is much more hip than "Cheers," of course.

Tangled Vine performs Wednesday nights. If you like rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll and soul, check them out. When lead singers Christine Tambakis and Kevin Totoian belt out songs, you'll want to get your groove on. And you might wish you could sing like them, which is what I always find myself trying to do.

There is usually a rotating schedule of live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Among the regulars are versatile bands like Jive Bone, Fake ID and Sugarbelly. (Check the calendar at theloftsono.com)
Contributing to The Loft as a main attraction on Washington Street is its synergy with Match, the restaurant that opened in 1999 across the street that shares the same owner. The 2005 Connecticut Magazine Readers' Choice Poll selected Match as the Best Overall Restaurant in Fairfield County.

During the summer there is outdoor seating at The Loft, so music from the open façade of The Loft spills out onto the street, tempting diners to walk over and enjoy after-dinner drinks.

Among the drinks you might want to sample is the Chocolate Martini, which won the Food Network's "Best Chocolate Indulgence in the USA." The ingredients: Smirnoff Vodka with a splash of Godiva Chocolate Liquor, White Crème de Cacao in a cocoa-rimmed glass and a Hershey Kiss. Among my favorites is the Tropical Martini, which features Stoli O, Malibu and splashes of orange juice and pineapple juice.
Sound refreshing? Go see for yourself, and experience why The Loft was once dubbed the engine that drives South Norwalk ... and still does.