The Juice Box

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Bottles of Water

by Steven Satyricon

I’m relatively easy to please when it comes to a night out; I admit it. Nevertheless, it’s always a treat when a party hits the sweet spot. After enjoying a gorgeous day of grilling and sipping in the Oakland Hills, our Posse convened at 715 Harrison to dance off some of those extra calories at IndepenDance

It had been a good while since we’d visited this space, and it was nice to see that they’ve stuck with a formula that works well. Security and coat check was fast and efficient, and only minutes after parking Suzan and I were ensconced on the dance floor. The main dance floor was decorated with inflatable, light-up American flags and tri-color peace (or victory) signs which lent a whimsical patriot flavor, as well as some rather all-American “speedway” flags crisscrossing the dance floor (some of these were hung a little too low and got torn down, creating a slight hazard if they got caught underfoot, but I believe that’s somewhat to be expected when you mix booze, big boys, and party decorations – occupational hazard, if you will). The upstairs area was closed off, but the stage was lit with black light and the flaggers were taking full advantage. The bar area continued the somewhat silly theme, with red, white & blue garland and giant stars hanging all around – a nifty complement to the light-up disco dance-floor out there, which I somehow always manage to forget this club has until I’m standing in front of it. Overall there was a definite air of celebration and lightheartedness.

The event was well-attended but not uncomfortably packed, which was nice; everyone had enough room to dance. Many familiar faces were smiling in the crowd, we had a few surprise appearances by folks we don’t see out often enough, and a healthy dose of friendly visitors mingling as well. Everyone seemed to be in a really good mood, coming from their barbecues and picnics well-fed and liquored up, ready to have fun – and Jamie J Sanchez delivered. He was totally dishing out the party music; happy vocals and infectious beats had us moving right away and kept us going through to the end. Highlights for me personally included the old favorite “Every Day” by Kim English and a remix of Lady Gaga’s “Telephone,” which managed to whip the crowd into a frenzy as only Gaga can. Our Posse knows we can always count on Jamie to deliver the divas and thumping bass that makes for perfect tea time frolic. We were so euphoric that most of us stayed til the last track, and we clapped until the lights came up.

That having been said, it was very much appreciated that the coat check moved so quickly and easily upon the en mass exit of all the sweaty stragglers; too often a laborious wait in line after the music ends has brought down the mood, but the staff was on top of things 100% and we were all clothed and corralled outside with great efficiency. Many people who didn’t have to work Monday headed off for Thick, hungry for more; our Posse said its goodbyes and went off our separate ways, each of us smiling and satisfied.

This event was a perfect end to a blissfully indolent Independence Day weekend. My only complaint (the reason this is a 4.5 and not a 5) is that the club was, well, pretty hot. I know that we all like a little warmth to get the shirts off, but the main dance floor was rather stifling most of the night. i wanted to stay put and throw down with my friends, but at least four or five times over the course of the evening I simply had to go outside or into the front area to lower my temperature or risk heat exhaustion. I don’t mind sweating by any means, but even just an industrial fan could have mitigated the overly steamy conditions. (Though I did have some fun dancing a “cool down” set on the light-up floor with a few other folks.)

Here in San Francisco we always have a way of putting our own twists on American tradition, and in gay life I can think of no better conclusion to a day of celebration than exercising our freedom to groove! IndepenDance fit the bill perfectly and gave us what we were looking for.