A Question re: Chicago - Please advise [Archive]

Discogoddess

10-24-2003, 04:44 PM

My experience at Harry's has been decent. Cover is $10-$20 in my experience. The floors are wood in the back room (where there's plenty of room to dance; the front room is mainly bar/table space). They have couches and chairs in the back room, which sometimes are arranged in a way that constricts dancing.

The sound isn't gorgeous, IMHO, but, except for one occasion (when it kinda sucked bcuz speakers kept going in and out), it's alright. However, I am not an audiophile, so perhaps I'm missing something.

The staff is okay...not particularly outgoing or nice, but not stank or condescending, either. I think the drink prices are standard for downtown clubs. They sell that water in the cool, sleek bottle (forget the name) for $5 a pop. :eek: One annoying thing: Bathrooms! Always a wait, both in the front and back rooms.

The crowd: Lots of young hurbans (my little term for those trying to be hip and urban...but that's another thread) dressed up, and a contingent of housey types.

My overall rating: don't love it, but will continue to go there. Harry's is one of the few larger spots in Chicago that seems to offer a consistent menu of great house DJs.

[ October 24, 2003, 05:50 PM: Message edited by: Discogoddess ]

mhd

10-24-2003, 04:50 PM

funny, i would go to harry's everytime i came to chicago before dhp, like what was mentioned, somewhat upscale, not bad, but not spectacular, i would not describe it as large though, but david mancuso in the chi would make it spectacular

Discogoddess

10-24-2003, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by mhd:
funny, i would go to harry's everytime i came to chicago before dhp, like what was mentioned, somewhat upscale, not bad, but not spectacular, i would not describe it as large though, but david mancuso in the chi would make it spectacular @MHD: I think Harry's is large in that the spot at least HAS an actual dance floor/room (and, depending on how the furniture is arranged, can be spacious). So many house events get squeezed into venues that weren't designed for dancing. Like Superlame, er, I mean, Superlounge (owned by the same cats that operate Harry's).

mhd

10-24-2003, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by Discogoddess:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by mhd:
funny, i would go to harry's everytime i came to chicago before dhp, like what was mentioned, somewhat upscale, not bad, but not spectacular, i would not describe it as large though, but david mancuso in the chi would make it spectacular @MHD: I think Harry's is large in that the spot at least HAS an actual dance floor/room (and, depending on how the furniture is arranged, can be spacious). So many house events get squeezed into venues that weren't designed for dancing. Like Superlame, er, I mean, Superlounge (owned by the same cats that operate Harry's). [/QUOTE]gotcha, what do you think of david at sonotheque?

mdpm99

10-24-2003, 04:59 PM

Thank you so far for the responses......gotta go check out some musicians......back later to check out the thread.

Thank you for your help as it will help me decide on this. I don't believe in just jumping into anything but rather I like to build a party from scratch i.e. . . Decorations/sound system, and etc. The fact this is a pre-fab so to speak I want to make sure of some of the basics.

d

[ October 24, 2003, 06:03 PM: Message edited by: david mancuso ]

Discogoddess

10-25-2003, 01:05 AM

Originally posted by mhd:
gotcha, what do you think of david at sonotheque? Sonically, it would be divine. Space-wise, it could be quite a hot mess bcuz I'm assuming everyone and their mother (including my mom and me smile.gif ) would want to come out and experience him!

@ David: Please let us know what you decide. We'd LOVE to have you here. ;)

[ October 25, 2003, 02:05 AM: Message edited by: Discogoddess ]

Cordell

10-25-2003, 08:27 AM

That place needs a sound system badly!!
I dislike management!
The room is nice to say the least.

däp

10-25-2003, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by Cordell:
That place needs a sound system badly!!
I dislike management!
The room is nice to say the least. agreed

mdpm99

10-25-2003, 09:53 AM

Greetings and thank you for getting back to me. It is appreciated to say the least.

Ok, I am starting to get the picture.

Ummmmmmmm........

Gonna have 2 digest some of this.....right now I am on the fence.

My very first and most important reason to visit your fair town would be to meet you all ....and that would be a blessing. So that is my main motivation right now.

Sleepless in Manhattan,

d

mdpm99

10-25-2003, 10:39 AM

Here's a location in London that we will l@@k at for possible rental. It is my understanding that it is available for dance parties.

I don't think room acoustics will be a prob with this one!

http://www.unionchapel.org.uk./

Would be interesting to know what possibilities are in Chicago as far as "spaces" that are private (no cabaret lic. required + no liquor lic either) that can have dancing. Such locations can be more expressive ..... combined with more social freedoms.

d

[ October 25, 2003, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: david mancuso ]

Cedric Woo

10-25-2003, 10:48 AM

Originally posted by david mancuso:
Here's a location in London that we will l@@k at for possible rental. It is my understanding that it is available for parties.

I don't think room acoustics will be a prob!

http://www.unionchapel.org.uk./

d I've been there for a fado concert ( Mariza ) and that was grandiose!
The acoustic sounded really good to me.

A Loft party would sound nothing but majestic in this Chapel!

See you David next sunday.

C.

mdpm99

10-25-2003, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by Cedric Woo:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
Here's a location in London that we will l@@k at for possible rental. It is my understanding that it is available for parties.

I don't think room acoustics will be a prob!

http://www.unionchapel.org.uk./

d I've been there for a fado concert ( Mariza ) and that was grandiose!
The acoustic sounded really good to me.

A Loft party would sound nothing but majestic in this Chapel!

See you David next sunday.

C. [/QUOTE]Thank you Cedric.....see you in a few.

smile.gif

d

Jolyon

10-25-2003, 11:00 AM

Like Cedric said...Union Chapel is great! I've been to a couple of parties there that were excellent.

mdpm99

10-25-2003, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by Jolyon:
Like Cedric said...Union Chapel is great! I've been to a couple of parties there that were excellent. This starting to "sound" like a h-OM-e run!

d

Light Skinted Wif Good Hur

10-25-2003, 01:03 PM

David--you need to clean out some of your private messages--i tried to send you one but your box is full!

mdpm99

10-25-2003, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by whyteout:
David--you need to clean out some of your private messages--i tried to send you one but your box is full! Ok.....

d

Moksha

10-25-2003, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by Jolyon:
Like Cedric said...Union Chapel is great! I've been to a couple of parties there that were excellent. My brother saw Björk there. Just her and 4 string players. No mics were needed for the sound to be, as he describes it: "perfect."

mdpm99

10-25-2003, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by whyteout:
David--you need to clean out some of your private messages--i tried to send you one but your box is full! done.......

d

mdpm99

10-25-2003, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by Orion : Konbit:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Jolyon:
Like Cedric said...Union Chapel is great! I've been to a couple of parties there that were excellent. My brother saw Björk there. Just her and 4 string players. No mics were needed for the sound to be, as he describes it: "perfect." [/QUOTE]Ummmmmm....this gets me off the fence!

smile.gif

d

AgentDoubleA

10-25-2003, 02:38 PM

That place needs a sound system badly!!
I dislike management!
The room is nice to say the least I.M.H.O. When Whyteout & Timmy played there last I was only able to tolerate the sound and vibe for an hour. As mentioned before the sound comes in and out. I did'nt feel any bass at all. The crowd gets pushed from the restaurant side over to the dancefloor room. Which meens a bunch of people standing on the dancefloor and/or ridiculing the dancers.

Sonotheque has nice sound, but no dancefloor.

mdpm99

10-25-2003, 07:08 PM

etaphor/Legacy - "all"/miquifaye vocal mix

Africa/Brasil - Vega Records - side B

Easy Street - Mental Instrum -- "Bott-ee Rider"

Exodus/Bob Marley -- 12" Promo mix by Bill Laswell for Axiom Records

smile.gif

d

Erika R.

10-25-2003, 08:33 PM

Originally posted by david mancuso:
Here's a location in London that we will l@@k at for possible rental. It is my understanding that it is available for dance parties.

I don't think room acoustics will be a prob with this one!

http://www.unionchapel.org.uk./

Would be interesting to know what possibilities are in Chicago as far as "spaces" that are private (no cabaret lic. required + no liquor lic either) that can have dancing. Such locations can be more expressive ..... combined with more social freedoms.

d You should get in contact with Mike Munni, it's been a while but I think he can hook up something at 500 west Cermack, if still available. You want something simple and elegant (sp?) or plain and simply nice, you might have to rent a banquet hall. Usually those places will let you stay open until 3-4 a.m.

Another nice place you might consider would be the South Shore Cultural Center. Of coarse It won't have the same look like that church you displayed, but the rooms they have are just as nice and big (it has a Victorian look). The South Shore Cultural Center is owned by the Chicago park district. Again, since it is city run, the hours may be a problem.

Peace V-ROD

V-ROD

10-25-2003, 08:50 PM

Originally posted by Intimate Illusions:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
Here's a location in London that we will l@@k at for possible rental. It is my understanding that it is available for dance parties.

I don't think room acoustics will be a prob with this one!

http://www.unionchapel.org.uk./

Would be interesting to know what possibilities are in Chicago as far as "spaces" that are private (no cabaret lic. required + no liquor lic either) that can have dancing. Such locations can be more expressive ..... combined with more social freedoms.

d You should get in contact with Mike Munni, it's been a while but I think he can hook up something at 500 west Cermack, if still available. You want something simple and elegant (sp?) or plain and simply nice, you might have to rent a banquet hall. Usually those places will let you stay open until 3-4 a.m.

Another nice place you might consider would be the South Shore Cultural Center. Of coarse It won't have the same look like that church you displayed, but the rooms they have are just as nice and big (it has a Victorian look). The South Shore Cultural Center is owned by the Chicago park district. Again, since it is city run, the hours may be a problem.

Peace V-ROD [/QUOTE]Click on the building to get a view of the ballroom (http://www.chicagosouthshore.com/sscc.html) This the best I can do for a visual, but that isn't the only room there. They have two other big rooms, one is a theater the other is a smaller room that can fit at least 3-400 people i believe.

Peace V-ROD

HOPE THAT HELPED

TimL

10-26-2003, 07:49 AM

Originally posted by david mancuso:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Orion : Konbit:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Jolyon:
Like Cedric said...Union Chapel is great! I've been to a couple of parties there that were excellent. My brother saw Björk there. Just her and 4 string players. No mics were needed for the sound to be, as he describes it: "perfect." [/QUOTE]Ummmmmm....this gets me off the fence!

smile.gif

d [/QUOTE]it looks quite promising and we'll go and check it out, david. however i spoke to adrian, who runs the space, and, as usual, there are problems -- limited capacity, plus lino (albeit on a sprung floor) in the room where we'd probably have to put the dancing javascript:void(0)

if anyone else has any other suggestions for spaces we can check out while david is over please please please tell -- tlawrence1@mac.com

Shannon

10-26-2003, 10:29 AM

David, check your PM's please....

I also agree with V-rod on the South Shore Cultural Center.. We hold our annual family reunions there and I've been to wedding receptions there. Your system will sound nice with the acoustics there David..

[ October 26, 2003, 10:40 AM: Message edited by: Shannon ]

mdpm99

10-26-2003, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by V-ROD:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Intimate Illusions:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
Here's a location in London that we will l@@k at for possible rental. It is my understanding that it is available for dance parties.

I don't think room acoustics will be a prob with this one!

http://www.unionchapel.org.uk./

Would be interesting to know what possibilities are in Chicago as far as "spaces" that are private (no cabaret lic. required + no liquor lic either) that can have dancing. Such locations can be more expressive ..... combined with more social freedoms.

d You should get in contact with Mike Munni, it's been a while but I think he can hook up something at 500 west Cermack, if still available. You want something simple and elegant (sp?) or plain and simply nice, you might have to rent a banquet hall. Usually those places will let you stay open until 3-4 a.m.

Another nice place you might consider would be the South Shore Cultural Center. Of coarse It won't have the same look like that church you displayed, but the rooms they have are just as nice and big (it has a Victorian look). The South Shore Cultural Center is owned by the Chicago park district. Again, since it is city run, the hours may be a problem.

Peace V-ROD [/QUOTE]Click on the building to get a view of the ballroom (http://www.chicagosouthshore.com/sscc.html) This the best I can do for a visual, but that isn't the only room there. They have two other big rooms, one is a theater the other is a smaller room that can fit at least 3-400 people i believe.

Peace V-ROD

HOPE THAT HELPED [/QUOTE]Greetings:

Thank you!

smile.gif

d

Ps Please check your pm's

mdpm99

10-26-2003, 12:48 PM

Greetings Folks:

First of all thank you. This "pool" of information generated by one and all has been extremely helpful not only to myself but it will be for others too.

On a scale of 1 - 10 I am down to a two. I have asked that the sound issues be addressed and am waiting for further word regarding this. I know that sometimes it is best to leave things alone as "too many changes" too soon can sometimes work in reverse. But at least if the sound system can be made to perform "within reason" i.e. honest, clean and musical then perhaps this can move forward. It will depend on their commitment to doing "the right thing."

I am waiting for their answer(s) to the above. As much as I need the green energy, it is also more noble to walk away from something that is not noble.

Thank you for your help and concern.

With respect and gratitude,

d

[ October 26, 2003, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: david mancuso ]

V-ROD

10-31-2003, 03:45 AM

David, you have a PM

mdpm99

10-31-2003, 12:59 PM

Greetings.............

Been in transit the last few days and presently on the other side of the pond..........so I am just getting these messages (fri eve)

Thank you

d

karma

11-02-2003, 02:49 PM

David i can think of one place in chicago for you to spin at Smartbar it,s the oldest club in chicago 20 years nice sound system ,no dress code its in the basement of the metro Brad owen does the booking for smartbar he post on the dhp contact him i,am sure he would help you out.hope to see yu soon in Chicago.

JMNYC

11-02-2003, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by david mancuso:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by V-ROD:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Intimate Illusions:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
Here's a location in London that we will l@@k at for possible rental. It is my understanding that it is available for dance parties.

I don't think room acoustics will be a prob with this one!

http://www.unionchapel.org.uk./

Would be interesting to know what possibilities are in Chicago as far as "spaces" that are private (no cabaret lic. required + no liquor lic either) that can have dancing. Such locations can be more expressive ..... combined with more social freedoms.

d You should get in contact with Mike Munni, it's been a while but I think he can hook up something at 500 west Cermack, if still available. You want something simple and elegant (sp?) or plain and simply nice, you might have to rent a banquet hall. Usually those places will let you stay open until 3-4 a.m.

Another nice place you might consider would be the South Shore Cultural Center. Of coarse It won't have the same look like that church you displayed, but the rooms they have are just as nice and big (it has a Victorian look). The South Shore Cultural Center is owned by the Chicago park district. Again, since it is city run, the hours may be a problem.

Peace V-ROD [/QUOTE]Click on the building to get a view of the ballroom (http://www.chicagosouthshore.com/sscc.html) This the best I can do for a visual, but that isn't the only room there. They have two other big rooms, one is a theater the other is a smaller room that can fit at least 3-400 people i believe.

Peace V-ROD

HOPE THAT HELPED [/QUOTE]Greetings:

Thank you!

smile.gif

d

Ps Please check your pm's [/QUOTE]David, in checking V-Rod's Country Club link, I found the following picture as well... it looks like it could be quite suitable, although the floor coverings will need to be addressed.

http://www.chicagosouthshore.com/SSCCdiningroom.jpg

[ November 02, 2003, 08:19 PM: Message edited by: JMNYC ]

older&wiser

11-03-2003, 12:30 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by karma:
David i can think of one place in chicago for you to spin at Smartbar it,s the oldest club in chicago 20 years nice sound system ,no dress code its in the basement of the metro Brad owen does the booking for smartbar he post on the dhp contact him i,am sure he would help you out.hope to see yu soon in Chicago. [/QUOTE

nice soundsystem @ smartbar, when did that happen?

peace ;)

JMJ

11-03-2003, 07:09 AM

Originally posted by older&wiser:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by karma:
David i can think of one place in chicago for you to spin at Smartbar it,s the oldest club in chicago 20 years nice sound system ,no dress code its in the basement of the metro Brad owen does the booking for smartbar he post on the dhp contact him i,am sure he would help you out.hope to see yu soon in Chicago. [/QUOTE

nice soundsystem @ smartbar, when did that happen?

peace ;) I was thinking the same thing. Unless they completely replaced it, the system blows......JMJ

Huey P. Freeman

11-03-2003, 08:54 AM

Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by older&wiser:

Originally posted by karma:
David i can think of one place in chicago for you to spin at Smartbar it,s the oldest club in chicago 20 years nice sound system ,no dress code its in the basement of the metro Brad owen does the booking for smartbar he post on the dhp contact him i,am sure he would help you out.hope to see yu soon in Chicago. [/QUOTE

nice soundsystem @ smartbar, when did that happen?

peace ;) I was thinking the same thing. Unless they completely replaced it, the system blows......JMJ Last time I was there was about 2 years ago and I remember it having a really nice sound system.

LEONARD REMIX RROY

11-03-2003, 10:43 AM

Ask / pm Sean Smith, he worked there some years back and he could give you info from the inside - out.

If they have not changed anything since then, don't waste your time.

When I met Sean there, the DJ's set up by the bar & worked via candle / flashlight.

The house system is good for background dinner music but that was about it.

As for the size of the front room dance floor, it's like 10' X 14' give or take.

As for bringing in a system, 2 self powered Mackie 2 way speakers on tripods will do the trick - no sub required.

That's my take on it.

alex zen

11-03-2003, 02:48 PM

smartbar revamped everthing about a year ago.

Jamie 3:26

11-03-2003, 03:06 PM

Smartbar is cool,but honestly the best place soundwise would be Sonotheque.I heard that the new revamped Crobar has a awesome sound system,but I'm not sure if the other elements would be to David's standings.

Huey P. Freeman

11-03-2003, 03:16 PM

Originally posted by Big Sexy:
Smartbar is cool,but honestly the best place soundwise would be Sonotheque.I heard that the new revamped Crobar has a awesome sound system,but I'm not sure if the other elements would be to David's standings. I've heard Sonotheque is kind of small(haven't been there yet). I've heard great things about that spot though.

Jamie 3:26

11-03-2003, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by Eargasm:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Big Sexy:
Smartbar is cool,but honestly the best place soundwise would be Sonotheque.I heard that the new revamped Crobar has a awesome sound system,but I'm not sure if the other elements would be to David's standings. I've heard Sonotheque is kind of small(haven't been there yet). I've heard great things about that spot though. [/QUOTE]Dude,you HAVE to go.Yeah,it's not a dance party type spot,but to get blessed with some good music...you need to go.Anthony puts it down right!!!

VEESTER

11-03-2003, 03:51 PM

Originally posted by Big Sexy:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Eargasm:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Big Sexy:
Smartbar is cool,but honestly the best place soundwise would be Sonotheque.I heard that the new revamped Crobar has a awesome sound system,but I'm not sure if the other elements would be to David's standings. I've heard Sonotheque is kind of small(haven't been there yet). I've heard great things about that spot though. [/QUOTE]Dude,you HAVE to go.Yeah,it's not a dance party type spot,but to get blessed with some good music...you need to go.Anthony puts it down right!!! [/QUOTE]Ditto

Ish

11-03-2003, 05:57 PM

Sonoteque has great sound, and how can you complain with the quality music they have.

But honestly, I barely ever want to go there, mainly cause when I go out I am not trying to schmooz and buy 7 drinks. I want to sweat and loosen up. I have danced every time I went there to hear Anthony, but each time it was a struggle (steps, people, chairs, people, steps, ect...)

I wish they had maybe one little 10' X 10' dancefloor, then it would be my best option day in day out.

No offense to the people doing that night though, it's a quality function.

Light Skinted Wif Good Hur

11-03-2003, 09:45 PM

Originally posted by alex zen:
smartbar revamped everthing about a year ago. More like 2 years ago and the old system sounded better. Only time it sounds pretty nice in there is when Ron Trent plays there. He makes them bring in a Rane mixer, Rane 30 band EQ, and Vestax isolator. He comes in early and tweeks it himself! I still say they need to move a couple of subs to the other side of the room. I know bass is omni and travels all directions at once but if you have all the subs on the right side of the room(from the DJs perspective), it's going to affect the sound on the floor. With the old system they at least had the subs in the dead center of the room(around the main column)so the bass radiated from the center outwards!

mdpm99

11-05-2003, 09:08 AM

Greetings:

Thank you for helping me sort some of this out.

Hopefully a good first step can be made into the right direction.

graemlins/cool_shades.gif

d

aid to the soulless

11-05-2003, 10:54 PM

In my opinion, I would go for Transit. It's a nice room with a nice sound system. I think it's my favorite room in the city. I used to have a residency there. If there needs to be any sound upgrade, it would be minimal. The room is not too small, and not too big, sophisticated, but not pretentious.

Julius "the Mad Thinker"
3degrees Global

julius@3degreesglobal.com

Elbert Phillips

11-06-2003, 12:03 AM

Unfortunately, certain chicago promoters play a game of churning (and ultimately burning) respected djs, hoping to capitalize on their names but, they don't understand that these individuals have built their reputations on great sound systems and people who come out to dance; they demand what should be a fundamental vehicle to display their gifts, a prestine sound system, or somehwere near-perfect. The "sound systems" at Superlounge, or Harry's Velvet Room don't do a dj who has built a respectable name any justice. I doubt if the patrons of these places know who people like David Mancuso are, all they need is hype on a flyer/email and a bar stocked to the gills and it's partytime. Sorry for the rant.

In my opinion, Stereo in Montreal is a perfect example of a room conducive for a musical experience for the dancer and music enthusiast. Chicago clubowners should take a trip and take notes. Shelter in chicago had a Richard Long system but, without proper maintenence it went to shit. Sonotheque is a monumental start but, chicago clubowners should raise the bar.

[ November 06, 2003, 12:08 AM: Message edited by: EL ]

manfred

11-06-2003, 01:44 AM

here's my two cents:

harry's: sound system sucks. but you can have them move the couches out for increased dancefloor space (a la last resource party). otherwise there are some wierd speed bumps in the wood right by the dj booth.

sonoteque: great sound, but limited dancefloor. smooth, but limited.

smartbar: sound is just loud. dancefloor is not smooth at all. i'm going to blowout a knee there one day.

but needless to say, regardless of where david spins, i will bee there!