The Juice Box

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 bottles of water

by Jim Hauck

Let me start by saying I was unable to hold out for the full Alegria experience for the night because my stomach got very upset, so I am going to review the party for the portion I was able to attend and let you know from what I have heard it was a great night well beyond when I left.

Setting the stage for Alegria, it has been forced into a new location, at the Nokia Theater in Time Square. The former club has been shut down for liquor license suspension and there is no word when it will be back. However since the last Alegria at Memorial Weekend, this Nokia has been the new home. Now, my first thoughts when heading to a “theater” for a dance party where some cross between the Mayan in LA and any other Broadway theater. In fact the last time I was at the Nokia was to see Wicked. So my mind was a blaze with thoughts about how this would work. And all I can say is that I loved the space.

Arriving around 12:30AM we quickly got through the line and passed the simple security check and into the space. A long escalator ride down a blue lighted tunnel drew you in towards the thumping music ahead. In my mind I was already realizing this was not going to be a theater, but some special celebration space within this complex. I was right. A multi-level dance floor and large stage area with stadium seating at the back, and VIP balconies surrounding gave the dance a spacious and open feel.

The lighting was just enough, with the classic Alegria sign spinning over the center of the floor. The DJ both was on the stage and raised above with an LED video wall below for projecting images all night. LED lighting columns flanked the DJ booth giving a variety of lighting burst that were at times blinding, but perfect in many ways.

When we arrived DJ Pagano was pumping out a great dark soulful house sound and it was the Pagano sound I really love. We met up with some of our SF friends, chatted with some of the locals and then staked out a spot on the dance floor. The musical journey was deep and intense, a trademark of Alegria. I did not make it long enough to hear Chus and Ceballos (something always gets in the way of me hearing these guys) but I hear the musical journey maintained for the evening.

The crowd was full of sexy, friendly and gorgeous men. Lots of smiles and not much attitude, which was a pleasant relief. Sadly, as my stomach started to get a bit worked up I chose to sit and listen to the music and watch the crowd, but as time drew on and it would not subside I had to make a decision to leave. Had there been an in and out option, I would have simply gone to the drug store, but alas, no such chance. So, for what I got, it was a great party and I continue to hold Alegria in a very high place.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

Tags: Alegria, Chus & Ceballos, DJ Pagano