Night Shift Seattle 1/27 @ The Crocodile

One of my favorite Seattle dance parties is Night Shift SEA. They typically feature a rotating line-up of dope DJs and during their summer events (Day Shift) always have a bomb photo background. Good music and perfect selfies? What more could you ask for!

Well, this summer they moved their location from the easy-to-get-to Cap Hill, to the less poppin' Ciudad in Georgetown. While I'm not privy to what caused the change in scenery, it was a huge deterrence to going to their events. I know everyone isn't as OCD about location as I am, but Seattle traffic is gnarly, the public transit is still growing, and the further South you move your events, the less likely they are to have people attend. Again, this perspective is based on having most of my friends live close to Downtown (Belltown/Queen Anne/Cap Hill) or further North in Ballard or Fremont. Basically the opposite of out South lol.

When I saw the email go out saying Night Shift was launching again in Belltown it made me smile. They'll be at The Crocodile, which is a music venue I like in an accessible location, cheap Uber range, and surrounded by late night eateries (Rocco's for the win).



If you've never been to a Night Shift event, they feature a rotating line-up of DJs that range in sound from trap to house, but mainly having that hipster/hip-hop/alternative rap vibe that dominates the radio. The crowd is a mix of mostly 20- and early 30-somethings, artsy "cool kids" who usually post dope pics on Instagram and are mainstream, but in a rebel type of way. I've found the environment to be mainly inclusive, but there's definitely a strong "vibe" to the folks who regularly attend.

Advance tickets are currently $10 (not sure of the door price), but I'd suggest snagging a ticket if you wanna go. Their events tend to be very popular and with the move back to Belltown it's safe to assume they may sell out.

What: Night Shift
When: Friday, January 27th
Time: 9p - 2a
Where: The Crocodile / 2200 2nd Ave (Belltown)
Tickets: $10 Advance

Room 1 DJs (Showroom): Tony Snark, Emecks, HANSM JUSTIN, Stas THEE Boss, Young Strong.
Room 2 DJs (Back Bar): T.Wan B2B Hojo, Epaulets, DJ SJ, Max Taylor, Ratha

Stories from the Bottom of the Glass

What do you get when you bring together "six of the best damn live lit performers" in Chicago? Stories from the Bottom of the Glass! Come out and listen to stories of "drunken mistakes" while enjoying complimentary Wild Onion Brewery beer. The event takes place this Friday, May 18th @ 7p in Bridgeport at The SMALL Showroom (aka Co-Prosperity Sphere Gallery). Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10. Performers include:

Samantha Irby of Bitches Gotta Eat

Samantha Irby, Writer of Bitches Gotta Eat (one of my favorite blogs!!!)
Keith Ecker, Host/Producer of Essay Fiesta
Ian Belknap, Overlord of Write Club
JH Palmer, Contributor to Gaper's Block
Shannon Cason, Winner of the Moth Chicago GrandSlam
Dana Norris, Host/Producer of Story Club and writer of Bad with Men

To join the event via Facebook click here

When: Friday, May 18th @ 7p
Where: The SMALL Showroom (3219 S. Morgan St. Chicago, IL 60608)
Cost: Free (suggested donation of $10)

@tgiFRESHchicago presents "Ciroc de Mayo"

May is officially here and the city is starting to buzz with hot events! Kicking off the month in an exclusive way, @tgiFRESHchicago is hosting their "Ciroc de Mayo" celebration on May 4th. The party goes from 10p - 4a, but you must RSVP in order to have the location revealed. Sounds will be provided by DJs Jay-Illa, E Seals, and Boi Jeanius. Click here to RSVP.

Tip: Early birds can enjoy the Ciroc hosted bar! Don't snooze on this opportunity to throw back some drinks on THEIR dime lol. Don't be ashamed to party on a budget.

Low Calories, Big Fun

If you're looking for something to do this Friday night, Bravo TV's Real Housewives of NY star Bethenny Frankel will be hosting her "Skinny Girl Cocktail Party" at Enclave. It's being billed as the "Ultimate Girl's Night Out"and will feature fashion, luxury services, hors d'oeuvres, and Bethenny's signature "skinny girl" cocktails.

Tickets are $30 and include an open bar from 8p - 11p as well as complimentary services (manicures, make-up application, eyebrow waxing and threading, etc.). Tickets can be purchased until 5p the day of the event by clicking here.

Tonight...

If you're ready to get your weekend started here are a few options for tonight:



Al B Sure will be hosting his album preview party at Griffin Lounge (formerly Climax) from 9p-2a. I wasn't aware that he was still making music but the event is free and sponsored by Uptown Magazine, Hidden Beach Recording and the Chicago Defender Newspaper. It is sure to be a great networking opportunity at the least.

Griffin Lounge
324 w. Chicago Ave.
9p-2a
No Cover
RSVP to rsvp@richmondgrouponline.com





The same people that bring you Chicago's First Friday events are hosting their usual Thursday night "ButtaSoftSol" at Butterfly Social Club. It's hosted by DJ Mark Fulla Flava and features everything from Afro-Beat to Neo-Soul and Disco.

Butterfly Social Club
722 W. Grand
9p-2a
No Cover


For any fans of "Rock of Love Bus" on VH1, be sure to come out to Enclave tonight and see Mindy (one of the "finalists") from the show. She'll be hosting the night along with rock guitarist Joy Basu. The event is sponsored by Enclave, Surreal Global Adrenaline. There will be complimentary Rock 'n Roses t-shirts, tattoos, and giveaways - - as well as a private cocktail reception from 10p-11p. Be sure to rsvp for free cover before 12a. Click here.

Enclave
220 W. Chicago Ave.
free cover before 12a with rsvp (must rsvp before 8p)

Next Day Air

Today is BEAUTIFUL and really too nice to be writing about on a pc... you need to be out living and enjoying this weather before Mother Nature swagger jacks it back.

For all of you looking for something a little different to do tonight, the red carpet premiere for Next Day Air will be going down at Excalibur. Click here to RSVP ( $5 cover before 1130p) for the event.

After Happy Hour...

After we're done downing drinks at Devon Seafood Grill we're going to continue things at Sortie. You can RSVP for free cover before 9p and know that you'll need to have the confirmation email with you (on your iPhone/Blackberry) because they'll ask to see it.. and keep in mind that at 9:01p they will be charging $20 cover for both men and women. I'll save you a "shit face" and let you know that if you don't want to pay $20 get there around 8:30/8:45 because they aren't going to make any exceptions... and believe me, I got played at 9:30 last weekend thinking it'd be a $10 cover and it was $20 so we left. lol...




Other options for tomorrow night include:

HD Fridays at Libertine 1615 N. Clybourne (Clybourne/North Ave.)
Free before 12 with RSVP to collectiveqwest@yahoo.com



Flaunt Fridays at Vain
2354 N. Clybourne (Clybourne/Fullerton Ave.)
Ladies free before 1130p
Men free before 11p

Tonight...

Thursday is the new Friday and most people are ready to get their weekend started. 312DD always posts the latest happenings around the city so here are her picks for this weekend:

THURSDAY

Long-time party-thrower Lincoln Park Young Professionals hosts its infamous Billionaire bash, this time at the Blackstone Hotel (636 S. Michigan Ave.). Event includes tours of the hotel's $139 mil renovation, appetizers from the highly regarded Mercat a la Planxa, $1 million diamond fashion show, high-end cocktails and more. You get all these golden goodies for $25 if you buy your ticket here. 6-8pm.

Speaking of luxe livin', Barneys New York officially debuts today in its new home, and to celebrate the grand occasion they're doing an open house. Enjoy comp bubbly and donuts 10am-7pm as you check out the multi-level venue. Also, try to get over to Fred's at Barneys New York for a luscious lunch of artisan pizzas, pastas or sandwiches.

We can never get enough of good ole 1980s music, so we're all about Landmark's free wine-tasting party pairing the best of the best. Hope they pull out some Tears for Fears, Thompson Twins and Thomas Dolby! 6:30-8pm.

Don't sleep on the deals going down at Crimson Lounge. Every Thursday you get $3 sparkling wine, draft beers and house wine. And if you're hungry, you'll also get 50 percent off a small plate gourmet menu by Bin 36. Deejays Funky Couture, Mwelwa and Lego spin. 9pm-2am. No cover.

If you're craving some late-night fixins, head over to 44th Ward Dinner Party for Photo Club. Here, you'll get complimentary gourmet grilled cheese (after midnight) and A:M vodka (10-11pm). New Wave party starts at 10pm. Free.

Steam up the dance floor at Coco Restaurant & Lounge, as Planeta Azul performs live. Luciano Antonio leads a dynamic group of musicians accompanied by samba dancers. 10pm-2am. No cover and free parking.


For more information feel free to check out here site by clicking here.

Music & Martinis - 4/16

Music & Martinis will be hosted on 4/16 by BYPOC (Black Young Professionals of Chicago) at Exposure Tapas Restaurant in the South Loop. The event will last from 5p-2a and is free, no RSVP needed.

For $20 you can enjoy the following:

~ Chef's selection buffet
~Unlimited martinis from 5p-8p

Live music will be provided by the Alpha Clef Project (never heard of them... maybe that's why they need people to down all those unlimited martinis)

Exposure Tapas Restaurant is a decent place, overpriced for dinner so I wouldn't recommend going unless there's a special event. Since it's free you really can't go wrong and if you're looking for something to do after work, $20 isn't bad for food and unlimited drinks for 3 hrs.




Exposure Tapas Restaurant
1315 S. Wabash (Just south of 13th/Wabash on the East side of the street)
Chicago, IL

Good Friday - Good Party

Most people didn't have to work today (I'm not one of them) and everyone will be looking for something to get into tonight. I was just told about this party going on tonight and wanted to pass this info along. I hope everyone is able to make it out and have some good times, good drinks, and good convo on this Good Friday!

Where: Sortie (formerly Bella) 1212 N. State Pkwy

When: Tonight (4/10/09) 6p-2a

Cost: Free before 9p with RSVP (click here to RSVP)

First Fridays Chicago - November Event

It's almost that time again for the sexy, swank and upscale urban professionals to get together, throw back some drinks and enjoy First Fridays Chicago!

The November event is set to be held on Friday, November 7th at the Hard Rock Cafe 63 W. Ontario (downtown Chicago). In addition to being the 16th anniversary celebration for First Fridays Chicago, the theme is all black attire with a special musical performance by Slick Rick "the ruler".

The event is sure to be better than the October event which I previously blogged about (due to the venue being an actual restaurant)...and I'm thrilled to go to a real bar that accepts real credit cards and NO carbon copy receipts!

On the 1s and 2s will be DJs 33 1/3, Tim Buck2, and Mark Fulla Flava...with special guest Slick Rick! For those who aren't familiar with any of his music (though it's hard to believe anyone hasn't heard of him...) here's a flashback to one of my FAVORITE songs growing up!




If you're looking for something nice to do and want to see the best of the best in Chicago's urban nightlife scene, I recommend putting this event high on your list! Due to the struggling economy, the promoters are giving the First 100 people to RSVP complimentary entry to the event! Go to the site www.firstfridayschicago.com and complete the form!

First Fridays Chicago - October Event

As I approach my mid-20s (technically I'm 8 months away...lol) it's a challenge to find a club/lounge atmosphere that fits me. I want a young, professional, urban, sexy and sophisticated feel. Unfortunately, places are either crawling with those suffering from the "snap craze", people whose only focus is to bottle pop and stunt, those trying to get chose, or folks a bit too old. In my search to find something new, I decided to attend First Fridays October event. I'd never been to a First Fridays event but heard wonderful things so I was quite optimistic.

The event was held at Flirty Girl Fitness (1325 W. Randolph) and featured various rooms, 3 DJs and even had 1 of the staff from Flirty Girl Fitness showcasing her pole routines....and before you start having images of the Player's Club flash into your mind, it was tastefully done. In actuality, watching her ab muscles being so engaged almost convinced me to cough up the $110 - $150 / month for the membership.

In terms of the actual venue, I wasn't expecting too much because I reminded myself that this was a fitness club...not a lounge, restaurant or club...but the use of space was poor. There were rooms that were unused and I believe that with a better use of space, things would have flowed better.

The biggest disappoinment was the bar situation. There were 4 bars, 2 cash only, and using a credit card was a nightmare. (picture getting a carbon copy receipt...lol...not the business) After paying the cover ($20 for women, $30 for men) I was excited to quench my thirst with a drink. I asked for a long island...hoping to get the most bang for my buck...but was told by the bartender that she "didn't have those ingredients." Hoping to simplify things a bit I asked for a vodka/lemonade...but was once again told "we don't have lemonade". At that point I have to admit that I became quite frustrated because if you're going to host a club night at your venue, you need to have a FULLY stocked bar...all in all the staff remained upbeat and accommodating as their venue nearly bust at the seems with people...most of whom were also irritated with the poorly stocked bar and treacherous wait for using their credit card.

On a brighter note, the crowd was wonderful...one of the most aesthetically pleasing I've seen in Chicago. The women were dressed nicely and for the most part cute (the wackness levels were at an all time low) . As for the men, I have to admit that they were for the most part all attractive...and their attire was the much needed icing on the cake. I'd recommend visiting the website and sending in an RSVP to cut down on the cost at the door...however, it's definitely worth the price (given the event is held at an actual club/restaurant/lounge...therefore allowing for a real bar).

The next First Fridays Chicago event is scheduled for Friday, November 7th. Check out the website for details as the date approaches.

Citizen Bar Review

Citizen Bar
364 W. Erie St.
Chicago, IL 60610
312-640-1156
http://www.citizenbar.com/


I went this past Sunday afternoon with friends to have drinks and food. Upon entering I was optimistic because of their outdoor patio. However, that quickly changed. The seating upstairs was lackluster and rickety. The table wobbled and the chairs did as well. The menus were water and sun damaged and only 1 of 4 was laminated. The drink menu, on the other hand, was put together nicely in a bound book...but they apparently only had 1 because when another party entered the bus boy asked if he could take it from us to give to them. That was the first problem. If you're a restaurant/bar you should have enough menus to handle your number of guests. Secondly, it was like we were asking too much to have our table wiped down (which had crusted hair...yes, hair from someone's head) stuck on the table. Next, the bartender kept staring at our table, as if he was nervous or irritated or "fill in the blank" but it was not appreciated. Our server was nice and the only thing that was pleasant about the experience but then again, servers work for tips so I didn't expect anything less. After staring at the menu, or lack thereof, for a few minutes...and being disappointed at the food options (definitely DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU'RE HUNGRY...FOR REAL FOOD) we decided to leave. The crowd was pretentious...a mix of Hollywood wanna-bes that seemed to remind me of being stuck in "The Hills" or some other show. There were dogs on the patio, young 20 somethings with attitudes and irrelevant conversation and the sun was going down so it started to get cold. I would not recommend this place to anyone...ever! The service is bad, the menu sucks, and you'd feel better spending your money somewhere else!

Sidenote: I don't like to throw out the race card...but unless you're white washed, can handle the "Scottsdale/LA" type of crowd or like being stared at because you're the only black person in the place, I would not recommend going here!

Tabu Ultra Lounge Review

Tabu
738 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60610
312-787-9900

http://www.tabuultralounge.com/

One word to describe this club would be Overpriced! I went this past Saturday night with a few friends and it was ridiculous. $20 for valet. $20 for women, $30 for men! 2 drinks - 1 Hennessey on the rocks and 1 Margarita were $30! The crowd consisted of 20-somethings (all under 25) looking to get their itch for a club scratched. Thank God we were in VIP (just a velvet rope with a few tables and seating bordering the dance floor (our section of the rope was flanked by fat chicks...not the best source for eye candy). There was 1 Go-Go dance that did a good job of dancing all night...but her pink, wook leg warmers were a bit humorous. (the 80s called....they want their style back!) I can say that the door guys were really nice...and nicely told my friend that he could not wear his long sleeve shirt in the club. I later found this to be interesting since a girl in the club was wearing gymshoes, jeans and a hoodie...another reason to not go. When a club doesn't set a certain standard for the women they want in there...how can they come down on men? The dj played a pretty nice mix of music and though the drinks are pricey, the bartenders are nice. I personally didn't care for the club, had a decent time, but would never go back!

On a side note: The narrow, steep stairwell leading up to the 2nd floor club is a definite fire hazard waiting to happen. If something were to go wrong it'd be a death trap!