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With the club scene so trend-heavy, who can blame me for having my own wish list? In 2006 I hope…
WE DON’T LOSE ANY MORE LATE-NIGHT OPTIONS
It was a year of endings as well as new beginnings. System Soundbar closed its doors on NYE, and Roxy Blu shut down after a long run bringing in big-name DJ talent. Newcomer Boa-Redux split in two this year, its name and sound system going into the space last known as Turbo , and the original space reopening as Sonic with some of the former staff and partners, featuring a sound system built by the man behind legendary Montreal after-hours club Stereo. House music may have moved, but it still has a few homes.
In the indie dance scene, 56 Kensington made a comeback as Syp but went under after a short run. Around the corner, a ship-themed seafood restaurant and karaoke joint called the Boat was appropriated by hipsters, much in the same way a certain Rolling Stones tribute bar was appreciated for its absurdity in years past.
99 Sudbury ‘s long history as a rental venue that worked well for parties has ended, but some of its behind-the-scenes people went on to open Footwork , which filled a gap in the boutique club market. Genuine warehouse spaces have continued to become rarer, though, as the condo boom continues in areas where noise complaints never used to be an issue.
PEOPLE STOP BRINGING GUNS TO CLUBS
Considering the number of shootings inside and in front of nightclubs this year, it’s a miracle more bystanders haven’t been hit. In a crowded room, the chance of a bullet hitting a body is pretty high, and as previous club tragedies have shown, panic in a crowded bar can be just as deadly.
Next time you get annoyed with the bouncer’s pat-down at the door, remember what they’re worried they might find — or even worse, miss.
THE BOTTLE SERVICE BUBBLE BURSTS
The bottle service fad has been an economic boon to many club owners, but the practice of using the prestige of a VIP booth to sell outrageously marked up bottles of vodka feels icky when you base your whole club on it. How does being forced to commit to spending a few hundred dollars for the privilege of sitting down at a club feel good?
Of course, some clubs will always cater to people who like to flaunt their money, but there can’t be enough of those people to justify this many chi-chi dance lounges.
Someone has to realize this and put together a down-to-earth, affordable and reasonably cool joint for the rest of us.
