We rolled up at around 11:30 to a massive crowd out front. Thankfully our good friend Fabian (you have most likely seen his posts in the cblogs) Gonzalez was kind enough to part the seas and let our party in (thanks Fabian!) Once inside I remembered why I enjoyed this venue. IT'S HUGE! VIP on the right sectioned off and elevated so you don't trip over tables as you walk around the club (something Aerobar should take note on).
The space is elegant and contemporary with few if any noticeable changes from the former space (I should mention that I only went to Bricks once on a Thursday for a short lived gay party). The sounds system was AMAZING! I am not a music-phile who knows anything about sounds systems, or speaker watts, or turntable doodads or whatnot, what I do know is that the music that Kid Nemesis was sending through that place kept me (and most of the Voyagers) dancing all night. Okay, so yeah it's an open format with a mostly top 40 playlist, but there's a reason those singles are top 40. The best part was his mixing up classic tracks with that playlist which gave it a fresh and unique take. I mean the guy threw in Belinda Carlisle "Heaven is a Place on Earth" and some how spun it into Estelle "American Boy"... and I don't even know how to begin to tell you how nutso the crowd went when he threw down Robin S "Show Me Love"- Kid Nemesis, you did you thing and I thank you for it.
My friends and I had a great time (thanks especially to that FABULOUS open bar). No Skol here honey! From what I saw it was Absolut, Smirnoff, and Red Label (which was definitely appreciated the next morning). There was no skimping. The staff was dressed impeccably. I found them all to professional and courteous.
We met VIP manager Eric Major who was working hard, but was the epitome of grace under pressure. Even with all the running around, he was kind enough to stop spend some time with us which was appreciated. The bartenders had there work cut out for them but through it all managed to keep there cool. What I really like though was the fact that you had a major crowd inside (and out) and it didn't feel as full as it should have. I know the venue has an upstairs outdoor area with an amazing view of downtown, but I didn't get up there (I don't think it was open but we left before it did).
The only sour note I have was as we left the club some douche bag in line outside felt the need to indicate to his friends the extent of my homosexuality by calling me a fag- which is the common sentiment of ueber macho Kendall-ridden, Grove-going, roid-soaked, assholes that turn up to these clubs, which is normally why, under normal circumstances, I would rather lick pussy that be anywhere near these places, but I am glad that I went against my nature and checked it out because it was totally worth it.
I am curious to see how the powers that be plan to keep the buzz going after the first couple of weeks. The venue lends itself to being amazing, but a great space with a bad party is still a bad party (R.I.P. Pawn Shop) in my book. I'd love to see them get some great DJ's in there and really push themselves to making Voyage a great nightclub. Don't get stuck with the cookie-cutter Miami style format that ends up alienating a large part of the clubbers that typically wouldn't like these sorts of places. All in all we had a great time and will go back. Up up and away!
fabian gonzalez