kara
11-10-2003, 09:33 AM
http://www.ontaponline.com/articles/index.php?id=185
Sanctuary, Found
By Mai Trinh
Music and Art Fuse Well After Dark at H Street's Newest Hangout: DC Sanctuary.
http://www.ontaponline.com/media/article_graphics/2003/11/StudioFeature.gif
Thumping to house grooves, my foot doesn't skip a beat while I stare intently on the painter adding strokes of fiery reds to his canvas in the corner. Melding the visual and performing arts together on Friday and Saturday nights, D.C. Sanctuary (1355 H St., NE. 202-399-4033) is where music, dance and painting collude. Pulsating rhythms, shimmering strobe lights and a multitude of dancers fuse together in a soulful blend that truly comes awake only after 1:30 a.m. If you have the stamina to creep into this underground world of late night DJs, mysterious smiles, and an open-minded haven, the Sanctuary welcomes you.
Founders Dorian Smith and Shadrach Gill are intent on keeping this party low-key. The late night bustle helps ensure a cult following dedicated to quality house music, visual stimulation, and a welcoming atmosphere of acceptance and free form dance. There is not a hint of pretension to these parties so put away your posh suits and Rolodex. The laid-back ambience seems otherworldly when contrasted to the staunch conservatism of Capitol Hill, the mammoth structures of which overlook H Street.
"This is not a place where you have to be dressed to the nines to fit in. There's no real dress code, just a vibe that we want to promote. We attract dancers, musicians, all type of ethnicities, straight and gay folks, and people that are just open and appreciate creativity," says Gill.
The name, "Sanctuary," seems fitting as I pass through walls of brightly colored art work, scented candles and incense; there is no denying that there is a soothing element to this space. Despite the loud beats blaring from the dance floor, owners Gill and Smith provide a quiet upstairs area for guests to unwind from the daily stresses of life and admire the artwork of their resident artists. D.C. Sanctuary is known as OpenStudio, which serves as a gallery for those looking to buy contemporary art. The collection encompasses a wide range of styles. Paintings of jazz players are juxtaposed with trippy, abstract street art. Gallery viewings are by appointment only.
"We're creating something new here. Cutting edge and pure," says Smith.
While admiring the visuals, one can even drink fruit smoothies and eat freshly cooked pasta in one of the Sanctuary's inner sanctions. On the upper level, every nook has a theme. There's the visual room where local artists exhibit their wares. It is a feast for the eyes, depending on your mood. Down the hall, the red hued Chill Out Room serves as a nice break for those needing a time-out from the intense techno beats. Lastly, there's my favorite area, which I have nicknamed the Munchie Room, where you can hang out and enjoy smoothies, pasta, or whatever Morris (The Munchie Man) decides to serve for the evening to satiate your gastronomical rumblings. This is also where you chat it up with fellow guests while slurping your fruit smoothie. There is something decidedly wholesome—much like loitering at a 1950s soda fountain—about sitting behind the counter on elevated stools, drinking a shake and chomping on penne.
"Oh no, you're not a reporter are you? We can't have the mainstream coming in here. This is such a cool little dig and we don't want it ruined," frets one concerned patron.
Again, D.C. Sanctuary does not pick up until 1:30 a.m., so I assure him that I don't foresee the masses of suburbanites flocking to Northeast to dampen any sort of party at this late hour. Speaking of the location, founders Smith and Gill were very conscious about relocating to the H Street neighborhood. Despite the raw surroundings, this area has a budding artistic scene, and it is part of the D.C. government-sponsored revitalization program. The H Street Playhouse is down the street, and another art deco Atlas Theatre is scheduled for reopening in late 2004.
"There is life in this area. This is where an art scene starts to become an art district, before it becomes gentrified," says Gill.
It wasn't until June of this year that Gill and Shadrach put their heads together to create a permanent space for their D.C. Sanctuary parties. Smith, who was also part of the underground disco scene in the early ‘70s, created the Sanctuary back in 2000. Being a regular at the infamous Shelter nightclub in Manhattan, Gill was well seasoned to the club world, and was inspired to start his own local project.
"Traveling to NYC got exhausting. It made more sense to start something here," says Smith.
Teaming up with DJ Oji and Shadrach Smith (also known as DJ Shadrach), Smith started the Sanctuary parties over at Vicki's on 11th and U streets, NW (now closed). Their parties, music and ambience built a steady flow of regular patrons from all walks of life.
"Our parties are known for the excellent music, incredible DJs, both locally and from out of town, and the vibe. People visit, they like what they see, and they keep coming back. It's word of mouth. Even though we closed our doors after leaving Vicki's, when we re-emerged, people came back," says Smith.
D.C. Sanctuary serves as a haven for those looking for great house music with no pretenses. People can come here to dance, chill, or just drink in the atmosphere—different from any mainstream club.
"We want to make a fusion between the different realms of art. It's a different plane of thought to be here. You can actually watch an artist at work, feel the music and be inspired to dance," says Gill.
D.C. Sanctuary is located at 1355 H St. NE, 202-399-4033.
Sanctuary, Found
By Mai Trinh
Music and Art Fuse Well After Dark at H Street's Newest Hangout: DC Sanctuary.
http://www.ontaponline.com/media/article_graphics/2003/11/StudioFeature.gif
Thumping to house grooves, my foot doesn't skip a beat while I stare intently on the painter adding strokes of fiery reds to his canvas in the corner. Melding the visual and performing arts together on Friday and Saturday nights, D.C. Sanctuary (1355 H St., NE. 202-399-4033) is where music, dance and painting collude. Pulsating rhythms, shimmering strobe lights and a multitude of dancers fuse together in a soulful blend that truly comes awake only after 1:30 a.m. If you have the stamina to creep into this underground world of late night DJs, mysterious smiles, and an open-minded haven, the Sanctuary welcomes you.
Founders Dorian Smith and Shadrach Gill are intent on keeping this party low-key. The late night bustle helps ensure a cult following dedicated to quality house music, visual stimulation, and a welcoming atmosphere of acceptance and free form dance. There is not a hint of pretension to these parties so put away your posh suits and Rolodex. The laid-back ambience seems otherworldly when contrasted to the staunch conservatism of Capitol Hill, the mammoth structures of which overlook H Street.
"This is not a place where you have to be dressed to the nines to fit in. There's no real dress code, just a vibe that we want to promote. We attract dancers, musicians, all type of ethnicities, straight and gay folks, and people that are just open and appreciate creativity," says Gill.
The name, "Sanctuary," seems fitting as I pass through walls of brightly colored art work, scented candles and incense; there is no denying that there is a soothing element to this space. Despite the loud beats blaring from the dance floor, owners Gill and Smith provide a quiet upstairs area for guests to unwind from the daily stresses of life and admire the artwork of their resident artists. D.C. Sanctuary is known as OpenStudio, which serves as a gallery for those looking to buy contemporary art. The collection encompasses a wide range of styles. Paintings of jazz players are juxtaposed with trippy, abstract street art. Gallery viewings are by appointment only.
"We're creating something new here. Cutting edge and pure," says Smith.
While admiring the visuals, one can even drink fruit smoothies and eat freshly cooked pasta in one of the Sanctuary's inner sanctions. On the upper level, every nook has a theme. There's the visual room where local artists exhibit their wares. It is a feast for the eyes, depending on your mood. Down the hall, the red hued Chill Out Room serves as a nice break for those needing a time-out from the intense techno beats. Lastly, there's my favorite area, which I have nicknamed the Munchie Room, where you can hang out and enjoy smoothies, pasta, or whatever Morris (The Munchie Man) decides to serve for the evening to satiate your gastronomical rumblings. This is also where you chat it up with fellow guests while slurping your fruit smoothie. There is something decidedly wholesome—much like loitering at a 1950s soda fountain—about sitting behind the counter on elevated stools, drinking a shake and chomping on penne.
"Oh no, you're not a reporter are you? We can't have the mainstream coming in here. This is such a cool little dig and we don't want it ruined," frets one concerned patron.
Again, D.C. Sanctuary does not pick up until 1:30 a.m., so I assure him that I don't foresee the masses of suburbanites flocking to Northeast to dampen any sort of party at this late hour. Speaking of the location, founders Smith and Gill were very conscious about relocating to the H Street neighborhood. Despite the raw surroundings, this area has a budding artistic scene, and it is part of the D.C. government-sponsored revitalization program. The H Street Playhouse is down the street, and another art deco Atlas Theatre is scheduled for reopening in late 2004.
"There is life in this area. This is where an art scene starts to become an art district, before it becomes gentrified," says Gill.
It wasn't until June of this year that Gill and Shadrach put their heads together to create a permanent space for their D.C. Sanctuary parties. Smith, who was also part of the underground disco scene in the early ‘70s, created the Sanctuary back in 2000. Being a regular at the infamous Shelter nightclub in Manhattan, Gill was well seasoned to the club world, and was inspired to start his own local project.
"Traveling to NYC got exhausting. It made more sense to start something here," says Smith.
Teaming up with DJ Oji and Shadrach Smith (also known as DJ Shadrach), Smith started the Sanctuary parties over at Vicki's on 11th and U streets, NW (now closed). Their parties, music and ambience built a steady flow of regular patrons from all walks of life.
"Our parties are known for the excellent music, incredible DJs, both locally and from out of town, and the vibe. People visit, they like what they see, and they keep coming back. It's word of mouth. Even though we closed our doors after leaving Vicki's, when we re-emerged, people came back," says Smith.
D.C. Sanctuary serves as a haven for those looking for great house music with no pretenses. People can come here to dance, chill, or just drink in the atmosphere—different from any mainstream club.
"We want to make a fusion between the different realms of art. It's a different plane of thought to be here. You can actually watch an artist at work, feel the music and be inspired to dance," says Gill.
D.C. Sanctuary is located at 1355 H St. NE, 202-399-4033.