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Posted on January 2nd, 2009 by Jim.
Categories: Event Reviews.
We rang in 2009 across the pond in London this year, and boy was it a great time.
New Year’s Eve started with a visit to the RVT (Royal Vauxhall Tavern) to ring in the New Year with the Dame Edna Experience and music by DJ’s Simon Le Vans and Andy Almighty. A large group of us, 14 in all, representing San Francisco, New York and London, gathered and walked over to the RVT. The party was a great success, with a lot of typical tavern silly fun, a great show for the S.L.A.G.S (South London Action Girls Society), and the sing along audience participation you can only find at the RVT. We stayed at the RVT until about 1:30AM, at which point we gathered forces, and the group split for the next destination. With the energy, friends, fun and crowd, I give this event a 4.5 out of 5 bottles of water, simply because no club can deliver what the RVT has.
Our next stop on the New Year bus schedule was Love Muscle at the Fridge, an amazing club space in Brixton. The music was loud and pumping when we arrived and the party was in full swing already. The club space is an old theater and had that old theater smell to it, but the light show, pyrotechnics and flame throwers were quite a visual diversion. I had flash backs at times of being at an Opulent Temple party at Burning Man or at being at the Pleasure Dome of years gone by. The crowd was mixed and eclectic, which added to the variety of night. A live stage show at around 3AM with porn stars strutting around in bikini style swim suits turned into a full frontal nudity show and was a rather interesting twist to the “Love Muscle” theme. Overall, the party was a blast, the music about average, the crowd, visuals, toys, and energy were worth the attendance. I give this event 3.5 out of 5 bottles of water.
The next day we had to pry ourselves out of bed and catch the Eurostar to Brussels, Belgium. We arrived and met friends, grabbed some food and prepared ourselves for the next big event, La Demence. WOW is where I start. First off, I really had no idea what to expect. La Demence is called out as one of Europe’s largest circuit parties and it certainly lived up the expectations. About 4000 people attend this event catching planes, trains and buses from all over the continent to arrive in Brussels. The venue is a multi-level space with a main dance floor with a large bar and lots of space to dance (until the crowd really piles in). The second floor is a black room with black light and a moderate sized dance floor with seating and dancing on riser levels as well. There is a smaller space for a dark room that seemed pretty busy as well. All of these spaces were tied together with lots of stairwells that took you from level to level. I jumped on the main dance floor and loved the music being provided by a range of DJs from all over Europe, with that beautiful, trance like, driving sound, that makes you want to move your body and really get a little dirty on the floor. The crowd was HOT – HOT – HOT. This is clearly the place where all of the hot men in Europe go, and amazingly, this crowd is friendly, fun and likes to be silly on the dance floor. Guys were dressed in everything from designer jeans and t-shirts, full leather, underwear, kilts, and all combinations. Everywhere you turned you were greeted by smiles and warmth and it was hard not to find yourself engaged by some hunk just for a little dirty dancing time. I finally had to peel myself out of the party at 7AM in order to get a little rest, shower and hop back on the Eurostar to return to London, but it was hard to leave. There was not a time where I wanted to get off the dance floor as the music continually pulled you along for a great party. One thing to note, water is served in glass bottles (as are soda drinks) and that means you get a bottle with no cap, which is hard if you want to hang on to a bottle and drink it slowly. However, the bar staff was friendly and fast to serve you so it was easy to grab a bottle, drink and go. The one thing I did notice is that through the night many of these bottles break on the floor and it becomes a bit hard to walk after a while and if you are not wearing thick soled shoes you could find yourself with some glass to deal with. This party gets 4.5 out of 5 bottles of water easily for the music, the crowd, the space. If you find yourself in Europe, check out one of the monthly La Demence parties or better yet plan your New Year’s Day to be at this party.
All New Year’s parties can be fun, but more than anything, it was the opportunity to be with my friends and have the time to party together during this celebration. I certainly can see a call to come back to London and Brussels to ring in 2010.
Posted on December 15th, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Reviews.
The Holiday Season is here and before you know it we rush in the New Year, and it has been a busy season. Hopefully you and yours are getting time to share, reflect and be with each other during this hectic time, and also to think about the future and maybe the little glints of hope that can be seen and cherished. Take some time to grab someone you care about, tell them you care about them, and make sure you let them know they are never alone; they always have you to count on.
Ok, mushy stuff aside; here are a couple review from the past two weekends, for the parties I was able to attend. And with that, if welcome guest reviews of parties I could not attend, so please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to do a review and publish it.
Temple Catacombs with DJ Luke Johnston and DJ Tony Moran
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Bottles of Water
The party took a little bit of time to get crowded, but by 8PM the guys were there and they were having fun. It was a bit of a grand send off to the final Matinee party. Temple night club had remodeled the stairway entrance into the Catacombs and I felt like I was entering some type of Disney attraction, with appropriate theme music, and would need an “E Ticket” for entry. The music was already bumping and Luke was playing one of his best sets – I found it hard to leave the dance floor. Luke kept turning up the energy and the air filled with that special electricity that a party has just once in a while. Tony Moran took the decks later in the evening and continued to pump up the party with some great dance groves, old and new, and the crowd was drawn into a sweaty frenzy. I loved it and was all too sad to leave when the evening had to come to an end. It was like a reunion of faces with lots of old friends showing up as well as many of the regulars (including me) all there to wish Matinee off on a great retirement. Sorry I did not have the energy to head over to Thick and hear Frank Wild lay down some of his hardcore sexy beat, but I had to work on Monday. Congratulations on a great run for this party, and I am very excited to see what is in store for the new event coming in 2009.
Club 1015 with DJ Abel, DJ Jaime J Sanchez and DJ Wayne G
Rating - 3.5 out of 5 Bottles of Water
Saturday was a crazy day with too many things happening, so it was great to have the evening end with plans of a fun dance event. Black XXXMas is one of those annual parties in San Francisco that I tend to really look forward to because of the music, the setting, and the ability to blow off a little holiday steam. This year the event moved to Club 1015 and it was the first time I had been back there since Real Bad XX. I was a bit disappointed to find that we had only a portion of the club for the party, but I was able to get over that pretty fast. We arrived early and the crowd was light, but DJ Jaime J Sanchez was kicking some fun music in place and I was able to spin some poi for a little while before it got too crowded. DJ Abel took over later in the evening and I have to say I have heard better sets from Abel and that this was not his best game face. The music was foot shuffling and less dark and meaty than usual and I found myself heading off the main dance floor more than I wanted. I did however really enjoy going to upstairs dance floor and hearing a great set by DJ Wayne G, and I have to say that he can always provide me a special place to dance, and did just that. The lighting was disappointing, and after knowing that Club 1015 had spent so much money on new lighting in the main room, I was very disappointed to see that the guy running the lighting was not William Brown, but the club lighting guy. The main room lights seemed to be set on auto-pilot all night. Even a mediocre DJ set can be elevated and punctuated by great lighting, so why when you have these great lights would you not want to use them to move the crowd and energize the party. Certainly a lesson to be learned there, but overall not a bad event, but certainly room to make this even better, in my humble opinion, and it appeared that many of my friends, old and new, were having a good time.
Cat Club with DJ David Harness and DJ Ted Eiel
Rating – 4.0 out of 5 Bottles of Water
Leif and I dashed out of the Black XXXMas party for a quick run to our respective homes, a shower to wash off the first party and freshen up for the next one. I find if you really want to make these dance marathons work, fresh clothes, socks and shoes are a necessity, and for a morning party, do not forget the sun glasses. We arrived while David Harness was playing and his music was fun and danceable, and it was a great way to transition into this party. After a lot of socializing with other friends, promoters, go-go dancers, etc., I was able to get some great dance time in with folks and that was what counted. DJ Ted Eiel took the decks after 6 and did not let us down as he pumped out some great dance music, with even enough grove to get yours truly up on the box with Marcus for some go-go bear box dancing. One of my favorite moments, which brought a grin came as Ted played a mix of the Flash Gordon Theme song and it brought back many fun memories, and thing I loved was later on Sunday morning when I was home Flash Gordon was on the movie channel. Overall, this was a fun after party and a great effort by the Twisted team in keeping the energy going into the morning hours.
Posted on December 1st, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Reviews.
I thought I would give one consolidated review to the events of November. Rather easy for me, as I was sidelined from a weekend of festivities right in the middle. However, I was able to pick up and grab a few of them to make the most of the month.
3.7 out of 5 Bottles of Water
Wayne really never lets me down when it comes to a T-Dance, and what a better way to kick off the Thanksgiving Week than a T-Dance with one of my favorite London DJs. The music was filled with good energy and even seemed to get almost to a bubble gum flavor by the end, something I think Wayne is known for. It was fun to have the last couple hours of this party be hands in the air anthems that brought the house down. The crowd was friendly, and many regulars, but the bear corner seems to have slowly eroded away, and that is just sad to see. I miss my bear corner with the other furry guys and their admirers. None the less, many of us found each other on parts of the floor and got some good dancing time in. So, not the best Fresh, but a great set by Wayne, and lots of birthdays celebrated. It was also nice to see a few flaggers enjoying themselves on the stage and also a different set of go-go dancers than I have seen before.
3.7 out of 5 Bottles of Water
I have promised Luke I would get to one of the Thick parties at Club Eight, and I held true to my promise this time. Club Eight is a little space on Folsom Street that has a decent dance area, outdoor smoking and enough room to get around. Funny enough, this was the first club I heard Wayne G live, for a party called Encore a few years ago and was also a club space with many other firsts for me. The flow of the club can be challenging but if you use the outdoor smoking corridor as a passage through to get up to coat check that works. The crowd was less my scene than Fresh, but I held in for a while, getting time to be with a few more friends and celebrate a few more birthdays. The music that Luke laid down at this party was certainly a darker, sexier, more soulful side of his music styles, and I do have to say something I like about his musical diversity. However, being an after-hours going from 11PM to 3AM, it is a different vibe and crowd. I lasted as long as I could and then quietly snuck out and headed home. The laser effects in Club Eight were very cool, and I applaud the owners for putting those in and bringing lasers to the dance scene in San Francisco. I would love to see more bears and such come to this party as well, but Sunday night at these hours is hard for a school night.
3.6 out of 5 Bottles of Water
This was the second installment of BlowOff for San Francisco and certainly by this party the word got out on the event. The party was very well attended and it was a very handsome and friendly crowd to boot. This party was a Slim’s again, which proves to be a different dance space, and I would classify the overall event as a tavern dance – drink, socialize, dance. The music is also a very different feel than a circuit style dance, and this event proved to be just that, with the musical highs and lows jumping around a bit more and the energy of the party being changed frequently. Overall, the music was good, and had some really amazing moments as Rich was spinning the classic BlowOff sound. I think the only things that could make this party better would be clear times and understanding if the party is ending at 2AM, 3AM or 4AM, as this was very confusing right up to and through the event. I also think figuring out how to not overlap other events or partner better with other events would be a great idea. The next BlowOff will be in February, on the 14th (bring your Valentine) during the IBR weekend events.
3.6 out of 5 Bottles of Water
It was late by the time I made this party, making it hard to get into the grove of the music. Industry has a specific sound that I have come to expect and I am not sure I heard that as much this time. The crowd was strong as the event was also a fundraising opportunity for a local charity. An acquaintance said that he thought this party was about as close to what he could remember o f the old Universe days and the type of crowd and energy, and I would say, from the little experience I had, that I agree. Overall, the improvements here would be on my side, as it is always hard to get on board the party train by arriving well into the event. Overall, the party is still a great mainstay for San Francisco, and certainly something I love when it comes up each month.
So, how do I use the water bottle scale, you may ask? It is a very subjective, and somewhat fun way to rate a party. I suppose there are many means that could be used, but I am stealing this one from a few friends who use it and defining it by the following way. I rate an event from my perspective, and maybe some influence from friends and how they felt about the event as well. I look at the execution of the event, the communication and marketing materials, the venue selection and how it is used, the DJ selection and placement/order, the date and time of the event and how it relates to other events, the process of getting into an event, the coat check, cleanliness and functionality of the venue, the staff, the feeling of welcome and warmth to want you at their event, the production value elements like decorations and lighting. Basically an overall picture of the entire soup to nuts event and what I can see, what I know and what I hear or have been told, what my friends say and feel about the event, and what the general buzz is that I hear on an event. This is a very multi-faceted, very personal rating system, but I thought the least I could do was let you know how I get there!
Alright, we are moving head strong into the last month of 2008. I will be posting soon about December events. As many of you know I will be heading out of country for my New Year’s Eve experiences this year, and anyone is welcome to join my circle of friends as we descend upon London and Brussels for our New Year’s experiences. Stay tuned, lots of fun events coming up.
Posted on November 3rd, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Reviews.
Ok, so I have to admit, I was not able to make it to all the events this weekend, but I was able to get to a few. Overall, I think there was something out there for everyone in San Francisco this weekend, from the 18 and up crowd, the burning man crowd, and the gay crowd. If you did not find a party to fit your needs, then I am just not sure what else San Francisco could throw your way. Our Halloween evening started by meeting up with the guys (Jake, Justin, Nathan, Aaron, James, Sonny and I), and heading out the local South of Market (SOMA) bar scene. We stopped at Hole in the Wall, and then Chaps II, almost into Powerhouse (avoided the cover charge) and then back to Hole in the Wall. We then ventured out into the night to start out party hop.
Sadly, I hate to admit it, but I missed Ghost Ship (fell asleep on the couch and never got up), which from a report by Eric G. was an amazing, totally tricked out, something for everyone, party (I knew we should have made this one).Additionally, Asylum did not happen at the planned warehouse space and word on the street said the party moved to The End Up, which may explain the increased crowd at Adonis. I have also heard second hand that Colossus was fun, even with the entire club not being opened for the Gus event, and I hear the new lights are making a big difference in the main room.
Reviews of the events I attended this weekend are listed below.
This event was held at SOMA Art Center, a cute little arts warehouse space, located just between 8th and 9th on Brannan. The group was only using a small portion of the available space inside, plus a large outside tented area, which worked well for the rainy night. The crowd was very young (as one would expect with 18 and up) and my group was feeling our age just a bit. The music was actually good, as provided by Digital Paradigm and Lord Kook, but we were off to bloodier pastures for the evening, so our stay was not long lived at Blood Pact. Great party space, good execution, decent sound system, and a young happy costume clad crown. It could have used some improved lighting and for the usual Tantra SF events, I look for black light and reactive artwork, which just seemed to be missing. Overall, I give these folks 3 out of 5 bottles of water.
This was our second and my final stop on the Halloween haunting tour. DJ Rob Kaftan had a great grove going that James and I could hear from the outdoor speaker. We asked how the party was going so we could relay the message back to the boys who still had to cab it over to the party, to let them know to come (we did not want them stuck with a high cab fare if the party was not good). We got into the party to see that it was rather full of hot party goers in and out of costume, with everyone seeming to be in great spirits. The atmosphere was full of fun and frolic, and the boys soon joined us on the dance floor. The music notched up a bit as Brett Henrichsen took the helm for the remainder of the night. A fun night, lots to look at, and great music, the only drag about this space is how far it is from downtown – meaning you either drive or cab and getting a cab home is the real challenge (thankfully I drove that night). I give this event 4 out of 5 water bottles.
This was a new party on the Sunday T-Dance docket and a new space for me – MIST. The space is small, but has a rather cool layout and a very nice aesthetic. The second floor, clear dance floor that looks down on the main room, was not opened for the night, until the flaggers went up there, and then it was pretty colorful. The club staff seemed very nice and attentive, and the space was clean and maybe a bit cold for the night. The crowd was slow to start, which initially allowed the flaggers to work out their magic on the main floor. The music of Luke Johnstone and John LePage was perfect high energy music for a Sunday party. I think this is another great entry in the books for a starter for this party, and the potential looks good. Overall, great space, great sound, beautiful bar, however it could use more moving dance floor lights and maybe get the disco balls to spin (I hate stationary disco balls). I give this party 4 out of 5 bottles of water and look forward to seeing more of this one.
In closing, this was a rather fun Halloween weekend. I got to party with my friends a bit, spend a great deal of time with my honey catching up on LOST, and actually got enough rest to not feel dead on this post event weekend.
See you under the magical dance floor lights soon.
Posted on October 27th, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Reviews.
What an amazing weekend in San Francisco again. The party season continues to roll along through the next weekend and in typical San Francisco style. It seems that everywhere you turn there is some event to celebrate the haunts of the season, raise money for the No on Proposition 8 Campaign or help to elect a new President. Crazy! Hopefully in a few short weeks we can all be celebrating the hope of the future on many levels.
Here are my latest reviews of events that I attended.
This review is a little off my typical party scene reviews. I had the pleasure of joining my friends the Scott’s, Sara, Paul and my hubby for a journey to the East Bay to UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, for an evening of musical experience with visual artist, poet, composer, vocalist and instrumentalist, Laurie Anderson. The concert entitled “Homeland” was a musical journey of spoken and sung word with some very classical to very funky styles of music, all with a satirical twist. I have to say, first time seeing Ms. Anderson live in concert, that I was totally impressed. The music was thought provoking and very deep and with many messages to be delivered. If you have never seen Laura, try to do it next time she is in town.
Another installment of one of my favorite parties at a great space, and the music was spot on for me. The crowd was a bit light, but that was expected as the hard core partiers were still on the Atlantis Mexico Cruise and not due back until Sunday. The opening DJ, who played his first big room experience, DJ Russ Rich, did a great job of warming up the crowd with some high energy pumping greatest hits. He seemed to be having a lot of fun and was all smiles all night. The headliner, DJ Escape (from New York) was also amazing, and it was clear to tell when he stepped in and took over the turn tables (do we still say this with CD players in place today?). The music, while remaining full and energetic, had a sudden pounding, deeper, driving beat, and the sound system seemed to pop to life filling the small Mighty dance space. The people at the event all appeared to be having fun, as the crowd was flirty, smiley and in a very good mood. Congratulations to Luke on another wonderful dance party. Certainly a 4 out of 5 bottles of water again from me!
Ruby Skye was not decked out in the traditional over the top Halloween decorations you come to expect from that club, but because this Fresh was a week ahead of the event, I am guessing the will not decorate until later this week. None-the-less, DJ Phil B certainly hit one out of the park for the party. The music was good from the very start, and had that Sunday T-Dance energy that is often only found at Fresh. The crowd showed up early, and was ready to go. Shortly after I got through the door at 7PM I looked back out the door and the line stretched down the block. The evening was electric and Phil hit one way out of the park with his selections of new, classic and some new twists on classics, often smiling from ear to ear in his own satisfaction of what he had done. The crowd was eating it all up, and when the first round of go-go dancers took the stage it was ramping up a fun event. My favorite moments were watching Travis up in the catwalk in his Abba-esque white outfit dancing across the walk, and at the same time having some horny devil go-go dancers down on the stage. The crowd was good and the main floor filled up early and later through the evening a number of those crazy Atlantis Mexico cruisers even showed up to dance the night away (talk about energy – coming off a 7 days party cruise). Overall, I give this Fresh a 3.8 out of 5 bottles of water (deducted points for lacking Halloween décor – although I did snag a gay.com devil duck!).
See you again under the dance floor lights.
Happy Halloween!