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Sonic Review
As we’re all inexperienced clubbers , we got to Sonic shortly before 1am, and experienced the lineup from hell. First off, we had to figure out which line; presales in one, VIP/non ticket holders in the other. My other friends waited in line while I went to go check out the people, looking for some other Stereoheads. There were none there yet, but a friendly, happy vibe (at the beginning). No snobbiness (I was expecting it, it is TO). Back in line, and then another walkabout, this time with Kara.
Still no heads, but when we got back towards the front door, we saw DJ Max Julien. I went off to have a smoke, and started talking to the outdoor security, then went back, and luckily…in we went. Max, a big, huge THANK YOU! (Our other friends, sadly, didn’t get in until 4:30AM).
Another line up inside, along the staircase, then searched, I had emptied all my pockets (forgetting my jacket cause I was gonna check it), security girl got pissed at me! No biggie, then onto coat check…then through the curtain…and we’re in!
A lobby type entrance, a little water bar, little chill area, and a painted picture of Mr. Morales (the ad for the AIDS campaign).
Another curtain…more stairs…and we’re really in…I would describe the room almost like an hour glass, but rectangular, two large staircases which opened up towards the back, top of one of the staircases (there were lots, trust me) there’s an alcove where (I think) the visuals were being done, beautiful disco ball center floor, another staircase on the other side of this, and instead of an alcove, a built in corridor with a few single bathrooms (long lineups there most of the night).
Behind this 2 stacks speakers with a platform in the middle. Turned around, wow, facing the booth, with stairs to either side, and more chill/dance space, and water bar behind it, then more stairs, again with more dance/chill areas, and another longer water bar. The stairs to go down to the patio were right beside this bar. It got really crowded there with all us smokers going back & forth! I think there was a VIP on the other side, but I didn’t go check. All the chill spots had low couches on three sides, lots of places to sit. No sitting on any of the stairs though, wide enough to dance on, but not high enough apart to sit. Great lighting, beautiful new floors from front to back.
Nevio was great, had me dancing while I was back in the first line up. It wasn’t packed yet, people were still getting in slowly, but it looked like almost everyone who was there was dancing. Then Frankie Knuckles, wow! I’ve heard him spin a couple of times, and for me this was the best yet, funky and a little slower and darker at times, and then he’d pick it right back up again. I went out during his set for a smoke break, and came back in to a packed solid club. Didn’t want to stay off the floor, but the heat had me going out for smoke breaks more than usual.
Then David Morales got on the decks. You could see he was enjoying himself, and really working the system. The volume got much louder, you can hear where the sound needs to be improved. But man, can he spin! This was my first time experiencing him in a venue other than Stereo, and he didn’t disappoint! Kudos!
I was thrilled when I started seeing my fellow stereoheads, the ones from Montreal, and the ones from TO. When I met up with some of the staff, (Pierre was the first one I saw), it felt just like home. I had already met a few people outside during my walkabouts, and then just more & more people were just coming up and introducing themselves, and dancing with me, it was wicked! Actually, for me, the friendliest crowd ever. I met new people from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Winnipeg, Aurora, Ajax, and Italy! Friendliest vibe ever (for me), and that’s saying a lot.
It looked like everyone was out to have a good time, everyone was dancing to Morales. One of my favorite parts, dancing right in front of the booth with Niko and Jung (HOT!), felt just like being home. And Marco, it was great dancing with you in your home town. Surprisingly, considering how packed it got, I didn’t get pushed around as often as I do at Stereo, and everyone apologized. And…no sketch…none…no stalkers, no strangeness at all. Amazing!
All the staff was courteous, polite, and friendly. Big thanks also to 2 of the security, Ray & Shane, you guys helped big time.
I got dragged off the dance floor at 12:10, party was still going strong, but we had to head back home. I didn’t get to say goodbye…
So, to all involved, congratulations! I think it was one hell of a great opening, and I was glad to be there. I look forward to a return visit.
And to all those people complaing about no shirts, sweaty bodies…get over it! It’s an afterhours! Those sweaty bodies are there to dance..and that’s what they were doing!
xxxooo
Loretta
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