SwingOrama Forum

SwingOrama Forum: Swing Venues: Gold's Gym on Friday!

By Shaolin Monkey (Yedancer) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 01:29 pm: Edit

Well, it looks like we might have a chance at getting Gold's Gym on Friday nights after all. All the people I talked to at the exchange seemed to like the floor and the atmosphere in general, so I'm wondering what everyone thinks about having a new dance venue there.

Whether you are a dance veteran or a complete newcomer, this is your chance to speak out and affect what happens to lindy hop in San Diego.

Help us make this the place YOU want to dance at!

By Melissa Varriano (Mel) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 01:59 pm: Edit

claytons was one of our favorite venues and it was on a friday night. we barely filled that small floor with people on most of the fridays. gold's gym is a very large place. do we think we can come close to getting enough people to make the place feel comfortably sized? let alone talking about making enough money to pay the bills.

By Nat (Hepnat) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 02:02 pm: Edit

There were two smaller studios, one with squidgy chairs in the corner. Maybe that would be a more workable size. I personally prefer a place that's slightly too full than one that feels totally empty.
Nat

By Carli (Lvmycardiff) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 02:54 pm: Edit

I would love to have a big venue like that on fridays. The floor there is awesome and it's not too far from everyone. If you decide to take this on let me know and i'll let people know up here in north county!

By Tertia (Lindyslayer) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 02:54 pm: Edit

We have the Rhythm Room already on Fridays, which is a perfect no-loss situation...but no bodies to fill it. Do you think that Gold's could really work? Especially when there is more to risk at Gold's...a lot to risk...

By julius (Julius5) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 04:00 pm: Edit

one possible factor in clayton's attendance
might have been the massive parking fees and/or
the heat, neither of which seem to apply at Gold's.

it is a pretty huge venue to fill though.
plaster UCSD with flyers, hehe. i really like
that space. plus (i hate to say it) having
mirrors really helps your dancing a LOT. not
that i ever recommend you look in the mirror
while dancing socially.

on the other hand if you schedule something
on the same night as another already-occuring
event, then that wouldn't be so good.

By Ron (Ron) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 04:52 pm: Edit

Gold's Gym was a great place, but I doubt you can fill it regularly. San Diego just isn't able to turn out large numbers for swing nights anymore. If someone could find a small venue in a Cafe again, that would be ideal... Hell, hardly anyone showed up Saturday for Lindy by the Bay, and that's a beautiful "venue".

By Carli (Lvmycardiff) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 08:36 pm: Edit

why dont we try to advertise is LA and OC also...put something up on JJ and have a big opening night. people are looking for a new place to dance. everyone that used to go to the old memories needs another place like that. i used to drive up there once a week so i'm sure people would do it if they had fun.

By Shaolin Monkey (Yedancer) on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 09:37 pm: Edit

Based on the calculations Meeshi and I have made over the past months, I don't think attendance would be a problem. I'm more interested in what everyone thinks of the venue itself; i.e. the atmosphere, the dance floor, the facilities, etc.

Meeshi and I have talked a lot about what we want this venue to be. If our plans reach fruition, I think the new venue could easily become the kind of place Memories used to be.

By Nat (Hepnat) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 05:23 am: Edit

"not that i ever recommend you look in the mirror while dancing socially. "
What, no danceturbation?

By Tertia (Lindyslayer) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 07:39 am: Edit

I think it's a great place and it provides a great atmosphere, but here are some things to consider:

1) there is already something on Fridays (where, for whatever reason, attendance is low)
2) you can't expect the atmosphere to be the same as the exchange (that's the only comparison we have for now)
3) it does not catch the public's eye like Clayton's (no public window to peek into)
4) did you talk to the Rhythm Room coordinators? (you could cause some division in our already diminishing scene)
5) is this limited to Fridays only? (this is selfish me thinking that Fridays are hard for me to make it out)

By Jeff (Jeff) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 09:03 am: Edit

For sure, we can't support two Friday night venues. And for the exchange,
Gold's was awesome. But as a regular venue it may be too large of a room.
But I love the mirrors, and even that "composite" floor, so I personally don't
care if the room isn't full. I also think the sound system that comes with it is
great. No windows for exposure, but the venue info can be posted on the sign
on Sports Arena Blvd by the parking structure. And, of course, parking is great,
and the location is very central with easy access. So, its feasibility as a regular
venue really just depends on the cost of the room and its availability.

I also like "The Rhythm Room". The feedback I've gotten from those that have
attended there wasn't about the room but the music. Everyone seems to love
the floor, but several have mentioned in passing that the music isn't what they
prefer.

We need a Friday or Saturday night venue. And I think whoever plays a "Jesse
Miner/Paul Overton" mix of music will be successful. (The closest San Diego
equivalent may be a "Meeshi/Jeremy/Ron" mix). Hopefully, Gold's and Rhythm
Room won't be on the same night.

By Tertia (Lindyslayer) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 09:15 am: Edit

Does that mean that people don't prefer Jeremy's DJing? The only night that I made it out to the Rhythm Room, Jeremy was the only DJ...I don't get it.

By Amy (Blueangel) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 09:38 am: Edit

I've never heard anything bad about his DJ'ing... in fact we were chatting last night how since he's spinning - we wanted to go dance.

[Jeff... email me at admin@janisbrown.com please]

By Amy (Blueangel) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 09:42 am: Edit

and... he's cool enough that when I ask him to dance, he sets everything up and jumps on the floor - while he's "working"...

also...the floor is awesome AND there are mirrors there

` "the bathrooms are clean!" was overheard last time I made it down

free parking and comfy couches

By Jeff (Jeff) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 10:05 am: Edit

Jeremy wasn't the DJ...Jeremy is one of the DJ's currently seeming to please
everyone.

The feedback I got was a few weeks back. I've only been there once, and that
from about 10:45 to midnight. And, like I said, I like the Rhythm Room. I just hope
we don't end up with two competing venues on a Friday night.

By julius (Julius5) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 10:06 am: Edit

"What, no danceturbation?"

Only if everybody's looking.

By Spawn of Satan (Melbamoose) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 10:06 am: Edit

It can't be another Memories. It's a gym, and there is no bar.

By Nat (Hepnat) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 10:15 am: Edit

There an espresso cart and huge couches, which is two up on your average dance studio setting.
I don't drink and drive so no bar isn't a loss to me personally, as it's not within walking distance of where I live and public transport in SD sucks ass big time.

By halospotts (Carismiles) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 12:22 pm: Edit

I loved dancing at Gold's. The floor was great, and the mirrors are fun too. Parking is easy to find, plenty of space... I don't have a problem with Gold's at all.

However....

We already have a GREAT venue that we can support at the Rhythm Room on Friday nights. The floor is great, plenty of seating room, plenty of room to dance, parking is good, and there is a huge front wall of window open to public view. The only thing we are missing are the bodies to fill the place. I've been there 3 or 4 times. Each time I go I don't see many people in attendance. The music can tend to leave the dancers sitting around chatting instead of dancing. Last Firday I was there... the music was great to listen to, but it really wasn't easy to dance to for the majority of the crowd that was there. Instead of dancing we ended up sitting around chatting, which was still fun. But, I'm worried that if the owners continue to see us standing around chatting instead of dancing we may wear out our welcome due to low business.

Concerned Lindy Hopper

By Jeff (Jeff) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 12:49 pm: Edit

Does the new Memories have a bar? I remember seeing one downstairs,
but it wasn't operating for the exchange. They were only serving beer off a cart
upstairs. (I haven't been drinking so having no bar is not a negative to me. I was
just curious about Memories).

By Amy (Blueangel) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 01:08 pm: Edit

Memories technically has a bar - but I didn't attempt to get any drinks from it, and I heard some complaints on it closing "early" Las friday, I danced with some guys who put down their beer before dancing w/ me... so you can make your own deductions

Jeff...please email me regarding tonight

By Ian Campbell (Ian) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 01:24 pm: Edit

I know that rob and Jeremy have no interest in catering to the masses, so of course they aren't going to take constructive criticisms or requests or evolve their playlists as more and more people show up... d'uh.

By the way, I heard a rumor that Gold's floor was good because it was powdered prior to people showing up. Normally it is more like a basketball court. Is this true?

By I want to dance more (Chris) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 01:48 pm: Edit

I would really hate to see conflicting venues go up on Friday. But, it is inevitable with our scene. It seems that people don't want to work together, and for whatever reasons, would rather start their own event in lieu of working together. The Rhythm Room's intent was to be a collaboration between people. Rob, Meeshi, and myself. For reasons I shouldn't share on this forum, Meeshi bailed (it wasn't because Rob or myself). Rob and myself have been running the venue as of late - mostly Rob Duncan. I have been out of town, and just last Friday DJ'd the earlier set (9-10). Other than that, I haven't DJ'd there in a month or so. I do know that Jeremy DJ'd there several times as did Rob Duncan. Meeshi DJ'd there the first night, and there was hardly anyone there.

Gold's is a great place, I like it. I know it is expensive to rent, and the Rhythm Room doesn't cost a thing. We don't run it for profit, but to have a place to dance. Perhaps, the low attendance is b/c the people running it aren't Meeshi or MArgaret. I would like to be proved wrong on that assumption.

I would also like to add that another group might be taking over the Rythm Room in the future. Nothing in stone yet.

One final thought, Shana and I are leaving the city in late July. I was just trying to give back to the dancers something to say "thanks." I have always been really active in this Lindy scene, trying to start new events, and bring new ideas to the table. You guys can do whatever you want on Fridays, it won't bother me in the least. If the Rhythm Room fails and the Gold's Gym thing works, then I will know that I have tried. Tried to do something know one else would try, by doing something on my own.

By TheloniousMonkey (Alreet) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 03:32 pm: Edit

My name is RØb and I lik de Swinging muzik!!

By Jeff (Jeff) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 03:55 pm: Edit

Chris is home sick today, and obviously feeling a bit "frumpy".

Rob is that you? Looks like Dennis.

By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 03:57 pm: Edit

Chris, you really have an interesting way of skewing public opinion...Meeshi bailed?

I would like to state my side of the story for the Swingorama jury. Ahhhheeemmm. When the Gold's Gym fell through a couple month's ago, I was very disheartened. I am very picky about what would make a cool, new venue, and I had no luck in finding another place that I could get as excited about.

When Rob approached me about opening the Rhythm Room, he was very respectful in including me in the decision making process and to make sure that he wasn't stepping on my toes by starting a new venue on Fridays. Thanks, Rob.

Anyway, when he told me that it was going to be at Absolutely Dancesport, I was very wary and hesitant about joining him in this venture. The owner of that studio and I had a confrontation several months earlier, where he roundhouse-kicked me in the jaw, and I didn't feel comfortable being near him nor doing anything that would benefit him financially. But Rob had such good intentions that I told him to "give it a go" and I would be there to support him.

But from the moment I walked in that door that opening night, I felt extremely uncomfortable being there. The owner talked to me condescendingly as if I were "the hired help" and not one of the organizers, and it just didn't feel like a good place for me to be. In order to get excited about supporting a venue, I have to feel like I'm welcome and appreciated there, and I felt neither of things in this studio. So I wrote Rob an email and "bailed" on him, letting him know that if Gold's Gym were ever to become available again, I would probably consider opening a venue there...

And so here we are today with a good possibility of having Gold's as another swing venue. Yes, our venues have been sparsely attended lately, and everyone seems to have moved on to new and better things, but I still have a dream of once again having a San Diego swing venue where dancers dress up and look forward all week long to being at the big Friday night dance.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

By Jeff (Jeff) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 05:33 pm: Edit

Well, (ahhheeemmmmm)...since the Rhythm Room, as Chris mentioned, is "not
run for profit, but to have a place to dance", WHO CARES if we dance at Gold Rush
instead of The Rhythm Room on Fridays? Hmmm? Chris is leaving. This isn't Rob's
source of income. Let Meeshi have his Friday nights back at a place where the owner
hasn't kicked him in the face. Let Meeshi work it, promote it, knowing that if he does,
he may make some money. He's a dance instructor and promoter and needs this
Friday night venue.

And...(ahhhemmm)...I believe the Rhythm Room IS run for profit, i.e. the owner's.
I think he gets most of the door, but with the low numbers, we wouldn't be able to
keep it anyway. It will be MUCH better for our dance scene to just rent the space,
and KNOW we have it, than wonder every week if the owner is happy with his share
of the take. Chris already mentioned that it's possibly being "taken over" by another
group anyway!!! So Chris what was the point of your extremely derogatory post? If
you're loosing it anyway, and you weren't making any money, AND leaving San Diego,
why even bring up the "competing venues" thing and "not working together" stuff?

Sheesh!!

By TheloniousMonkey (Alreet) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 05:49 pm: Edit

Whya nØt justa gib eÅch other Å hoog? YÅ?

By julius (Julius5) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 09:18 pm: Edit

i think a good rule of business is: don't
do business with someone who kicks other people
in the head!

the peanut gallery has spoken.

By I want to dance more (Chris) on Thursday, May 30, 2002 - 10:22 pm: Edit

Jeff . . . not worth a response.

Meeshi,
Bailed out, dropped out, whatever. It's all the same thing. I didn't mean it negatively. Though, I can see how you might have blended in the first few sentences with the point of you dropping out. I think you have a little too much Jeff in you, reading between the lines.

I wish you could have worked with us more, I think it would have been a great venture. Oh well. I never knew of your relationship with the owner until Tertia enlightened me. I wish you could have emailed or called me about the whole thing. Instead I heard everything through Tertia, second hand.

Thanks for sharing your side of the story. However, I didn't think you had to say I was "Skewing public opinion." I think you took it out of context. But hey, that's life.

For the record, I think GOld's will be a fine venue. Never thought it wouldn't be.

By I want to dance more (Chris) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 12:11 pm: Edit

From the above post from Jeff, I think there is a lot I need to clear up.

First off, I was being sarcastic and facetious regarding my comment on "working together" and "it being inevitable."

Second, Meeshi bailing was not in a negative tone or thought. He just bailed for reasons I knew about and felt wasn't my place to share on this forum. No big deal. I never knew "bailed" was negative.

Third,I think Gold's would be a great place!

Fourth, I do think people tend to follow Meeeshi and Margaret. I also feel people are extremely protective of these two people. I don't know why, and I know I'm not the only one that notices this. Plus, during a conversation with another dancer from out of town during the exchange, he made a comment about the "Meeshi followers." He said that this exchange doesn't seem to be run by Meeshi, because the music isn't Meeshi's style. He also said that he thought everyone in SD was trained by Meeshi and followed him. I had to explain to him that there are other instructors in SD and that there are other groups that promote lindy in SD. So that kinda confirmed that Meeshi has a strong following. Which is, seriously, wonderful!!!

fifth, Yes I'm leaving this city, and no I'm NOT telling people to F-off. I really do not care if the Rhythm Room is replaced with Gold's. It won't bother me in the least. That doesn't mean that I don't care about what happens after I leave. I feel if Gold's is going to be a better venue than The Rhythm Room, then Gold's should be the place to go on Friday nights. Why settle for anything less than the best. I'm totally behind whatever happens.

sixth, I also feel that I have tried something not many people try to do in a place where other things are more popular. I don't think that my music tastes are the most popular, and I don't think my techniques on lindy are the most popular. So, to do something that isn't popular is a big step for anyone. If I failed at it, at least I know I tried. No hard feelings toward anyone.

Lastly, I hope this resolves some misunderstandings from my previous post. If not, please ask for some clarification, I will be more than happy to try and explain my thoughts.

By My dissertation deserves a Hugo (Dennis) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 12:54 pm: Edit

I never knew "bailed" was negative.

Hell, "bailed" is pretty freaking positive if you've been sitting in a jail for the past 5 hours, trying to ignore the big burly man sitting across from you with biker boots and a ZZ Top beard, who's been giving you the eye and sneaking glances at your crotch....

By Ron (Ron) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 12:56 pm: Edit

Well, good luck on your new endevours, Chris. Altho we don't always agree, I appreciate that you've tried to grow the scene in San Diego. Remember that meeting so long ago at Pizzaria Uno where we all met with Meeshi to discuss the upcoming opening of the La Jolla Marriott venue? You've always been interested in growing the scene.

Where are you guys moving to, anyway?

By I want to dance more (Chris) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 01:19 pm: Edit

We are moving to Florence, Italy. In two months, no less! It has snapped up faster than a rattle snake on the attack. I will be getting my Master's in Urban Design/Architectural History and Theory while I'm there. After that, the only plans are to get out of debt, and fast!

I know we don't always agree, be that's the way life is sometimes. I have to admit, out of all the DJ's here in SD you are the only one that has made it their second life to have the largest swing music collection. On top of that, have it organized and reviewed. You take great pride in your DJ abilities and collection, which is very honorable.

By Andy (Hitman) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 02:43 pm: Edit

we're gonna miss you guys!!
what a killer adventure, though.
i know alot of folks haven't alway agreed with you on this forum, Chris, but I gotta say that actions speak louder than words! You have, in my opinion, really shown that you care about the scene and have tried to bring diversity and new ideas.. from breakaway, to DJ'ing, to taking the Flame, to Tio Lio's, to workshops, to Rhythym room, and all those that I forgot.

Alot of us do whine, wanting the world to change, but you were on that went out and tried to make it change.. sounds sappy, i know

RE: rhythym room versus Gold's...
i echo julius's post.. do not do business with folks that kick other people in the head. words to live by! Meeshi, as well, has put alot of blood, sweat, and tears into this scene (sure it's his job, but we all know he loves the scene) and I certainly can't support a venue where the owner did something like what he did. We should switch to Gold's, knowing that Chris, Rob, Jeremy, Meeshi all have tried to bring Friday nite swing back to SD (ie in their name) and let that f**ker with the big feet know why we don't dance at his establishment.. and that if he ever shows up where we are.. he's gonna have alot of Bleyer's, Converse's, Nike's, deck shoes, etc.. and maybe even a few knuckles (and knuckleheads) to deal with.

By I want to dance more (Chris) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 03:32 pm: Edit

Thanks Andy, that was really nice.

By Ron (Ron) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 04:55 pm: Edit

Since we are getting all sappy, remember that Andy and Emmy are leaving soon, too. I wonder what touching things I can say...

Andy, its been real, its been fun, but it hasn't been real fun.

You've done so much for the scene, like, uhm, hmmm, like when you left it!

You've been an obnoxious whiner on the forum, occasionally, but you've been OUR obnoxious whiner. We're going to miss you. Maybe. hee-hee!

By Andy (Hitman) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 05:31 pm: Edit

that was so sweet Ron!
I'd come up with some fantastic retort, but I refuse to have a battle of the wits with an unarmed person ~8^)

By Play something slow? How aout 220? (Tim) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 07:04 pm: Edit

Chris, you guys are leaving?!?!
Well I know we will all miss you, I know I will.
Good luck, have fun, but dont' get too fat on the good food and wine..

By Jeff (Jeff) on Friday, May 31, 2002 - 10:25 pm: Edit

Ditto! I'm sure there will soon be a new swing venue in Florence!

By Ron (Ron) on Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 01:49 pm: Edit

Yeah, but Chance sent to Italy a couple of swing compilations I made for his Italian swing dancer friends, so even there you may not be able to escape DJ Ron... (evil laugh)

By gary newvine (Newvy) on Saturday, June 01, 2002 - 09:27 pm: Edit

Its too bad that the Rythem room will (more than likely) go away, It has an awesome floor, okay sound, and no bodies there to fill it!

Golds is a nice venue, and since the west coast crowd dances there on sunday evnings I have danced there when there hasnt been an overflowing floor! it is a great place!

I just want a nice place to go dance on fridays!

By I want to dance more (Chris) on Sunday, June 02, 2002 - 12:39 pm: Edit

Gary, i understand your plea. SD needs a Friday night venue with good atmosphere and a great floor.

By braid my hair plz (Rich) on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 11:22 pm: Edit

Hey Gary what's your current email address? (email me plz)

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