Written and Published by X
I never want to hear about another pandemic in my lifetime ever again. I know you all feel the same way, especially all the extroverts out there. Trust me, I know staying inside and not being able to go to shows or festivals is such a miniscule problem compared to the pandemic as a whole, and I want to acknowledge that we should all be very grateful that we’re alive and we woke up to a new day today. But, we’re back, and it’s time we talk about what has changed for DC nightlife, and furthermore, what’s still going to be around. Other than U-street closing, which was so heartbreaking, DC managed to keep more than a few venues around. Thankfully, Insomniac has saved our souls. So what venues are going to keep thriving?
Well, let’s start with a venue that will never stop thriving no matter what, the number one venue in America: Echostage. Personally, I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve been to this venue, and truthfully, I never get tired of it. It’s like home base. Do I have a little bias because I’m an ambassador at this venue? Maybe, but if I’m being honest, I went there just as often and enjoyed it just as much before I even stepped my foot in the door. After all, it remains “the number one venue in America” for a reason. If you’ve never been and you’re hesitant about going, don’t be. The atmosphere is insane and trust me, you will make friends. Whether you’re spending the night in VIP with gorgeous bottle girls, up in front by the thunderous bass, out back smoking a cig in lambent green lights, buying drinks at the bar, or dancing like no one’s watching in the back, you’re having a good time. Echostage is the place to be.
Next up we have an all time favorite, Soundcheck. Man, Steez Promo and Club Glow sure know how to party. Soundcheck may be well known, but something about walking down those stairs into the venue almost makes it feel like you’re going to an underground show. I swear I took my shoes off at this venue (you know the pain, ladies) and no one said anything. I’ve gotten pulled in by a promoter while in line because they didn’t want me waiting in the outside while I was wearing fishnets in freezing cold weather. I’ve sat in the green room with people I barely knew, yet they made sure I was getting enough water, being a part of the conversation and having a good time. Soundcheck takes care of you, and that’s something everyone can appreciate. The sound system in impeccable, the lights are euphoric, and everyone is there to make sure you have a great time.
Lastly, let’s talk about the 930 club. The 930 club opened in 1980 and got named #1 by Rolling Stone and it’s the most attended nightclub by record of its size in the entire world. So why’s it so popular? Well let me just start off by saying that the structure of the venue itself is beautiful. Everything is placed perfectly, whether we’re talking about the soundboard, the bar or coat check. Nothing is in your way and it’s all pretty convenient. Wherever you are, you have a “front seat”, meaning you can see everything, and the sound won’t fade or fizzle out no matter where you are in the venue. It’s attracted some of the biggest names in music and continues to sell out shows. There’s so much history behind this venue that you can feel the nostalgia as soon as you enter. It’s a favorite to many. My first ever show or “rave” was at the 930 club, so it holds a lot of value and memories as I’m sure it does to others as well.
We’ve had a long break, but it’s time to come back. We want to wear crazy outfits without feeling judged. We want to make friends with random people. We want to be connected with the music. We want the lights, the confetti, and the loud bass. It’s liberating and we should all be excited to be back. And don’t you worry, I’ll be there. -X