SD venues, my opinion on Sept. 4, 2001.
Mondays:
Neimanns - have not been, no comment.
The Flame: slightly biased - my event, no comment.
Tuesdays:
The Rocket:
Floor: too slick w/ too much powder, otherwise sticky if none.
Architecture: Nicest building out of all SD venues.
Sound: With either a band or DJ the sound echoes too much. It is very difficult too pick up each note as played by the musicians or via CD.
Atmosphere: Mostly beginners. Lowest energy level of any SD venue. Very unconducive to socializing - too spacious not intimate.
Music: Mostly slow music - around 150bpm and lower. The type of music played, the times I have been there, is mostly groovy 60's big band. Very rarely does a 40's BG Sextet, Krupa, Hines, Webb, song pop in. Never hear a rockabilly or rock n roll song - Haley, Cochran,etc.
Overall, it has potential to be better, but it lacks diversity in music. It also lacks the support from the majority of the more veteran dancers. THe space is really nice, but the crowd is ususally really small, therefore the large space looks empty. The large space and the lack of people to fill it is proabably the cause for the low energy.
Wednesday:
no venues
Thursday:
The firehouse
Floor: slants towards the entrance, and after a while of dancing my back starts to hurt. Not too slick, not to sticky, not perfect either.
Architecture: low lights, and seating against the wall with large pillows allows for some intimacy. Average art is hung from the walls which helps to fill the space.
Sound: The sound fills the room better than other SD venues. Very audible.
Atmosphere: Usually very social b/c people either stand around the edges of the floor and chat, or they are outside cooling off. It is usually hot inside and is now a bit cooler due to the AC that was put in. It is more intimate than the Rocket, and seems to be a more comfortable place to dance due to it's large floor yet intimate atmosphere.
Music: Mostly very slow in tempo - 140bpm and lower. I have even seen the DJ's turn down the pitch on good songs - in my opinion ruins them. Groovy 50 & 60's big band is the king at this venue. You will hear one up tempo 40's swing number every 90mins or so. The songs usually last 9mins on the groovier Bop tunes they play, which gets boring after 4mins. You can expect the same type of music 60mins straight all night long. It has the least diversified music of any SD venue. Usually, very uninspiring music for myself and my wife.
Overall, it is the most widely attended venue in SD. Mostly UCSD students from Tan and Val's classes. I, personally, only go once or twice a month to this venue and stay only about an hour, the music is just not diversified enough for me.
Friday:
Claytons - Cafe Savoy
Floor: Good in some areas, very uneven with planks sticking our in others.
Architecture: Small and intimate very conducive to socializing. Below average art is hung up for more character. Columns in the dance floor and lights hanging from above limit movement through the space. Very confining in certain areas.
Sound: The worst in SD. If you're not by the speakers you will miss so many notes in the music. You might not even hear the bass.
Atmosphere: the most social of any SD venue, when people are there. It usually carries the highest energy out of the SD venues. Probably because it is small and seems crowded most of the time. You can even purchase food here with non-alcoholic drinks, which seems like you're "out" for the evening. It is one of the more exciting places in SD to dance.
Music: It has, hands down, the most diversified music of any venue in SD. The DJ's usually work in pairs and the range of tempoes varies. It ranges from 100 bpm to 260bpm. The ranges are played throughout the night so you can never get bored. The best music in town!!
Overall, It is my favorite place in SD. The best dancers go here usually, and the music is usually high energy! The range of types of music is the largest in SD by far. You can hear 30's swing to 50's rock n roll. A lot of diversity here!
Saturday:
Lindy by the Bay
Floor: concrete.
Architecture: outside
Sound: great sound - Jeff's equip. Outside so the sound carries well.
Atmosphere: Great to just hang out admire the bay and enjoy some light dancing.
Music: Usually pretty diverse. It is open DJ for anyone who wants to, thus creating a diverse music environment. The tempoes vary, but you can't get too fast due to the concrete. Ususally a fun place, but feels really weird dancing to groove music while non-dancers are passing by. The non-dancers almost always stopped and watch during a more recognizable swing song or rock n roll.
Champion Ballroom (every third Sat)
Floor - slick but ususally very good.
Architecture: promotes dance and is very inviting. The space is crowded by the tables and the dance floor is big to accomodate dacners and a band.
Sound: Very good. Easily fills the space both with a band and with a DJ.
Atmosphere: Usually very social and good energy. Just only occurs once a month. Has the most diverse dancers - it's a ballroom and pulls west coast dancers, ballroom dancers, and lindy hopper.
Music: Usually a band and varies. Go on a night where they hire a big band or jump band. The DJ'd music is ok, not very diverse.
Overall, it could be a better venue if it occured more. On the nights they do have it and the band is good - it's a great time! Though it does conflict with other out of town venues that many people travel too, so not all of the best dancers are out. It is usually, when we've gone, been great fun and great energy.
Sunday:
Tio Leos
I've only taught here and there hasn't been dancing afterwards, though it has potential.
So these are my thoughts on our venues, I tried to be as honest as possible.
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By Ron (Ron) on Wednesday, August 29, 2001 - 03:58 pm: Edit