The Coolest Bar in New York City

September 24th, 2010 by james smith received 3 Comments »

New York City is filled with thousands and thousands of night cubs, when one enters the words “hot New York clubs” into the search engine Google, over 247,000,000 entries come up. How, you may wonder will I ever find the right destination for my night out?
Well I have found at least one place that I want to share with you. The 40 40 club. Whether you are in the mood for a quiet drink or something a bit more rowdy, the 40 40 has you covered.
Owned by famous hip hop mogul Jay-Z, the 40 40, located at 6 West 25th Street, was first established on the 18th of June 2003. It is an up scale sports bar/lounge which caters to men and women. The venue is especially known for its live music, celebrity patrons, and sports memorabilia. Get some free music from Jay Z to get yourself in the mood.
The club derives its name from one of baseball’s most prestigious achievements. A benchmark for power and speed, The 40/40 Club includes players who hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in one season. To date only four players have achieved this incredible feat; Canseco (1988), Barry Bonds (1996), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Jose and Alfonso Soriano (2006). And this is exactly why the owners chose this name, in Jay-z’s words “”When we were thinking of a name, we wanted something exclusive — the 40/40 Club in baseball is as exclusive as it gets,”.
The 40 40 is filled with 6 VIP rooms available for hire each with its own bars and entertainment depending on your choice. Saturday nights are probably thebest nights to visit the 40 40 as the website garantees ‘celebrity appearances’. However the dress code (smart casual) is strictly enforced. I once saw a person be denied entry for wearing a t-shirt even under a blazer.
The club is mostly open to the general public, however the food and drink list is on the priceyer side. A long island iced tea or a Kettle One and cranberry juice for example are $35 each. However the 40 40 club is for people to enjoy some upscale relaxation and the finer things in life such as cigars and sports, so the patrons that its catered to shouldn’t mind paying the small premium.

As I mentioned above the 40 40 is well known for its celebrity patronage. Stars such as Chris Brown and LeBron James have celebrated their birthdays in style at the 40 40. And just last week a “secret” J. Cole performance was held in the club section. As well as that the club is mentioned in Jay-Z’s 2003 song “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” with the line “Now you chillin with a boss, bitch of course SC on the sleeve / at the 40/40 club ESPN on the screen”. And Memphis Bleek’s single “Like That” was filmed at the club’s New York location.

Below is a video of the official opening of the 40 40 club:

But mere mortals can also hold their functions there for the right price. On the 40 40 website one can book functions such as; bachelor parties, barmitzvahs, sweet sixteens, girls night outs and anniversary to name a few.
With the 40 40 club doing so well the past few years, the company directors have decided to expand, planning to open venues in Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Tokyo and Macau. If the service and selection continues to be as good as it is here in New York I have no doubt the 40 40 club will become a world wide sensation.

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Posted in exclusive night clubs | 3 Comments »

Sankey’s Is Coming To NYC!

September 19th, 2010 by nriazzi received 1 Comment »

Sankeys NYC

Sankeys Soap, the most famous club in Manchester, England has spread its glory over to the other side of the pond and is set to open up a stateside venue early next year. I got wind of it via a flyer hand out at this weekend’s Electric Zoo Festival on Randall’s Island. I took one look at it and blurted out nonsense in my excitement. How cool will this be!

Coincidentally enough, it wasn’t that long ago that I wrote an article about the I Love NY party they were throwing with the guest DJ being legendary Roger Sanchez at the original venue in Manchester. You might be able to download music from his set at that party. How funky is it that shortly after I would be informed that it won’t be long now ’til us Americanas can join the Sankey clan.

At RA News they state that the venue is going to be somewhere down in Hell’s Kitchen in downtown Manhattan, allegedly on 50th West Street, not too far away from world famous Pacha and Touch nightclubs. This doesn’t come as a surprise though, I mean where else would they put their warehouse-size venue? It’s reportedly going to take over 16,000 square feet and accommodate for 1,110-strong crowds.

Straight from the mouth of Sankeys owner David Vincent:

Out of all the cities that have made Sankeys what it is, New York has, without a doubt, had the biggest influence on our music, design and technology. Sankeys has been organically built around the great traditions of New York… this is now our way of giving New York back what it gave Sankeys, with my own futuristic twisted twist of course.

I’m incredibly pumped to see what goes into this place. Anytime a new club gets built from the ground up, they’re going to pull out all the stops with cutting edge lighting and sound technology and intriguing decor. I have no doubt that Sankeys will make a grand entrance to our shore next year. Stay posted!

Here’s a video from Sankeys Soap in Manchester:

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Posted in electronic music | 1 Comment »

Electric Zoo Takes Over Randall’s Island

September 17th, 2010 by nriazzi received No Comments »

Electric Zoo

This past weekend most of the city’s inhabitants vacated the area to enjoy their holiday weekend either camping, hanging out at the beach, etc. Thousands upon thousands of other people had the opposite idea and came into the city from all over the world to get down with the international DJ selection put on 4 different stages in Randall’s Island Park in between Queens and Manhattan. Put on by Made Event, the same fellas that put together the legendary and iconic Winter Music Conference every year in Miami, the second year of Electric Zoo was insane!

According to blackbookmag.com, this year’s return festival drew crowds of 25,000 people and 70 different artists from 13 different countries around the world. Let me tell you, all those countries and more were represented amongst the party animals at this zoo. From 11am Saturday morning, the gates were open and the music was bumping. Swarms of people piled through the security screening to get right into the action.

Electric Zoo main stage

Main stage at this year's Electric Zoo

My friend had to play me some of her music downloads before we went so I’d know what this Dub Step was all about. I never knew how many people were into that type of Electro until I lost my friend in the crowds during Rusko’s set. Holy crap! You couldn’t even take a deep breath in that tent if you tried. Jam packed and full of maniacs jumping and dancing to his tracks. They did an amazing job titling the festival Electric Zoo, because that’s exactly what it is.

Paul Kalkbrenner at Electric Zoo

Paul Kalkbrenner during his set Saturday

For those who crawled out of bed and were able to defeat the weakness and make it over to the island on Sunday, would notice that there was a different type of crowd than the day before (at least I thought so). Younger, sillier, kind of more annoying?, and a lot more of our foreign friends. I met folks from the Netherlands who came to support Sander van Doorn, Armin van Buuren who both played at night. There were a lot of English fans as well who most likely came to support John Digweed, or perhaps Rusko on Saturday. Let’s not forget the crowds of Germans who came for many people, perhaps Markus Schulz, and definitely Paul Kalkbrenner.

There were many meet & greets over the two days where artists and fans shared words and took photos. I loved this and think E.Z. did a great job organizing it. The sound and lighting systems were great at the main stage and the three tents which surpassed my expectations. Made Event really has my vote as far as large events and bringing in the big talent. Thank you! Finally New York has an electronic music festival to brag about.

Drinks were plentiful, albeit expensive as hell (Blue Moon for $9). The only misses I thought were the way-too-nasty portable toilets that you had to wait in 25 minute lines to use, and because there were so many people, you can imagine their condition. Other than that, I had an amazing weekend and I will definitely be coming back. Next year my pals and I have decided we’re going VIP. Getting away from the crazies and having access to different toilets and bars would be ideal. Hope to see you all next year!

Here you go, I found a YouTube video of Axwell (Swedish House Mafia) spinning live on one of the stages (Hilltop Arena) on Saturday. The quality is kind of poor, but the sound is ok:

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US Open Has Successful Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day Show

September 15th, 2010 by nriazzi received 4 Comments »

Jonas Brothers at Arthur Ashe Kid's Day

Last weekend on Saturday, August 28th, the US Open held its annual Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day on the courts in Flushing Meadows Park to spark the beginning of the famous annual tennis tournament. It’s a great day for kids, loaded with free activities and appearances from the participating tennis stars in this year’s tournament. During the event, the stadium typically hosts some great musical acts that are age appropriate for the young participants. Last year they hosted the young pop sensation Justin Bieber. This year, the lineup was quite impressive, considering the tickets to the stadium events are only about $10-20, and the other participants can enjoy the free activities and free music from outside the stadium. It was also broadcast on CBS the following day (Aug. 29th).

David Archuleta at Arthur Ashe Kid's Day

David Archuleta at Arthur Ashe Kid's Day

The Jonas Brothers, a trio group of brothers that have swept the nation with their boyish looks and pop hits, were the headlining act. However the rest of the lineup was great too! David Archuleta (who just made an appearance on Good Day NY last week) was also there to perform. David, the American Idol runner up from the 2007 season, has also become an enormous pop sensation, and he’s only 19 years old! I learned from his interview on GDNY that he has also written a novel titled “Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, And The Power of Perseverance” that has become a New York Times Bestseller. Not bad David!

Nick Cannon at Arthur Ashe Kid's Day

Nick Cannon at Arthur Ashe Kid's Day

Other acts during the Arthur Ashe day included Demi Lovato, Shonetelle, Allstar Weekend, and School Gyrls. To add to the celebrity mix, America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon was also roaming around entertaining kids. The tennis stars that were present, giving autographs and motivation to the young hopefuls were Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijster and Novak Djokovic.

Here is a video I found of David Archuleta performing his song Something About Love at Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day:

And here is a video of Demi Lovato and Joe from the Jonas Brothers:

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Posted in Sporting Events | 4 Comments »

Living in The Living Room

September 5th, 2010 by james smith received 9 Comments »

Have you wished you could live in style and splurge on a night on the town, but you didn’t know where to do this? Well here’s your answer. The Living Room. Live music, games, wireless High-Speed Internet Access, a colorful W Signature drink list, and full bottle service will keep you entertained for hours.living room club

Recently renovated, the Living Room, located in the heart of New York’s times square is boasting new color and flair that’s equally matched by their drinks and live music performances. Within the urban den of sophistication, the far nooks have burgundy tones while white plank banquettes line the wall opposite the bar, separated by light-toned leather chairs.

Artist’s that have graced the venue are jazz sensations Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie, download music by these greats to get a feel for why The Living Room pulsates with great sound.

Color projections shadow the entryway columns, creating a bright light show that adds to the modern feel. And yet even with the renovations, the Living Room has kept its sophisticated chic, white on white color scheme The model-like waiters and waitress’s aren’t just pretty faces; they’re friendly and mix some wicked drinks. I was particularly impressed with the mojitos – strong and citrusee, but be sure to try the signature house cocktails too.

Being on the seventh floor of the W Hotel (also a great place to spend the night) helps The Living Room keep to a distinctly elegant and chic crowd. A mix of tourists and locals can often be found here making it the perfect destination for your night out. Included in the renovations are specially designed gaming tables where you can challenge some one to a game – a great way to spend time with old friends or break the ice with new ones.

Below is a video of The Living  Room:

The W hotel boasts three major drinking establishments on premises. On the street level is the W bar, good for quick drinks and first dates. Below ground is the famous W Whiskey Bar, a pumping club with its multi-colored fluorescent dance floor, where the wild side of New York rears its head. And on the seventh floor is the aforementioned Living Room. All in all the W hotel has you covered no matter what your mood.

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Posted in NYC clubs | 9 Comments »

An I Love NY Party at Sankeys (UK)

August 30th, 2010 by nriazzi received 1 Comment »

What can I say, it’s easy to love NY. It’s even easier to love dancing the night away to our very own DJs like Roger Sanchez (born in Queens). So for an upcoming bank holiday, Manchester’s famous nightclub Sankeys Soap is hosting a party called I Love NY with Sanchez as the headlining act. Now I’ve never been to Manchester but I have heard of this club, so I did a little info-digging for Planet East Music and here’s what I found:

Alternative photo of Sankeys Soap in Manchester

Sankeys Soap, or more popularly known as Sankeys, is nestled in a historical part of Manchester called Beehive Mill on Jersey Street. Don’t take that the wrong way, it’s not a tourist attraction. It’s more a rundown old industrial part of the city. Yet Sankeys quickly grew in popularity and gained international recognition after Carl Cox paid a visit shortly following the club’s birth in 1994. Soon after there would be visits from famous names like the Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Bjork, Moby, Jurassic 5, and more (all of which should be in your music downloads collection!).

Unfortunately, the trials and tribulations of a violent area wound up causing the club to close its doors in 1998, much to the heartbreak of Manchester party-goers. Luckily enough, time would pass and the right opportunity would fall in the right hands, resulting in a glorious re-opening in the fall of 2000 and has stayed open since.

Past stars to visit Sankeys include Ferry Corsten, Fedde le Grand, Armin van Buuren, Danny Tenaglia, Chris Lake, and many more for special events. However, the resident DJs are just as loved as the international superstars.

Sankeys is divided into six different areas that cater to its 1000 person capacity, which makes it quite fun to navigate through. There’s The Basement, Spektrum, The Bar, The Terrace, The Cinema, and Beach. You can get in to the Friday or Saturday night parties for as little as £10. The doors open at 10 30pm to 6am on Fridays and 11pm to 7am on Saturdays.

Below is a video of Ferry Cortens at Sankeys:

Not bad eh? The link to the I Love NY party with Roger Sanchez is here. I’ll be keeping my eyes and ears open for some videos from this event. Should be a wild one!

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Posted in dance clubs | 1 Comment »

The Best Amnesia You Ever Had

August 25th, 2010 by nriazzi received 18 Comments »

Since Ibiza season is in full swing and I feel completely unfortunate once again for not being there, I am bringing myself to write about the one club I’d pick to be in my heaven.

Inside a Cream party at Amnesia nightclub in Ibiza

Possibly the most famous club on the island, Amnesia has been host to a plethora of world renowned parties since its creation. There aren’t many nightclubs that have an astounding history, especially not dating back to the 18th century like the building that is now Amnesia. It was owned and occupied by a Spanish family for almost two centuries. In the 1970s, the establishment’s ownership switched and ended up in the hands of a man who would originally name it The Workshop of Forgetfulness (otherwise known as Amnesia) and was, as stated on the official website, a place where the “hippies play in live bands and amongst their friends, they dance till dawn, prepare vegetarian meals and ecstasies with The Doors whilst smoking and experimenting with LSD. They touched the heavens, organized art exhibitions and many other events.”

So how did it become what we know it as today? The club would transform over the decades of musical movements and trends, continuing to grow every year. During the 1980s the club’s music and atmosphere with change with the emerging artists from around the globe and rise up with the birth and boom of dance music industry. In 1991 under new management, Amnesia would be born.

Below is video preview of the club Amnesia:

In the same decade Amnesia grows as a brand so much that it expands to publications, records, and the ability to attract huge industry names like Carl Cox, Paul Van Dyk, Tiesto, and countless more. The mega club is host to some famous parties like Manumission, Cream, La Troya, and Club Cocoon. Download music from all these artists to familiarize yourself with the type of music you can expect for a night out at Amnesia.

Best day to go to Amnesia? Assuming that you’re aware that the season for the island is the summer months, Amnesia is bumping from its opening party (usually the first or second Saturday in June) all the way through to its outrageous closing party (usually the last week in September).

If you had something specifically set in your mind, you’d have to check the official website for the weekly party events and listen to some free music to get a feel for the different nights: amnesia.es. I’ve been told that the best party is the Cream Amnesia closing party in September, but I assure you that no matter what week you visit during the season, or which party you go to, it will be epic and unlike any club you’ve ever attended before.

Been to Amnesia? Please tell us about your experience!

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Posted in electronic music | 18 Comments »

Why Fabric is One of the Best

August 23rd, 2010 by nriazzi received 1 Comment »

I love our dear city, and I firmly believe we have awesome clubs and nightlife, but one must give credit when it is due. Fabric nightclub in London has been consecutively in the top rankings of nightclubs by DJ Magazine. So here’s a little bit of information about it:

Fabric nightclub in London

After being endeared by thousands for years, Fabric’s international recognition skyrocketed after being appointed the crown of #1 club in the world by DJ Magazine’s “Top 100 Clubs” in 2008, and #2 the following year. It’s one of the most unique clubs you can visit, with a huge underground area that makes you feel exactly where you are: inside an incredibly old building with huge historical significance. It’s within the renovated Metropolitan Cold Stores of London where you can find wall to wall crowds and booming bass systems.

Since the beginning in 1999, Fabric has also grown to be an internationally recognized brand, label, radio, and of course, nightclub. You can get a plethora of information on their website including some free music from featured artists. Fabricfirst is the membership for the brand that anyone can sign up for to get monthly discs, access to online content, and discount admission to the club for a fee of £6 (about $9) a month.

Fabric likes to think of itself as a haven for underground or upcoming artists on an international level. Friday nights are generally for break beats, drum & bass, and even hip hop in a designated area. Saturdays showcase talent in techno, house and electronica. They are even open on Sunday nights for a party called WetYourSelf. Yet don’t worry if underground isn’t your cup of tea, big names like John Digweed and Sasha have performed there as well.

Tickets for fabriclive on Fridays generally sell for £15 ($23), unless you arrive after 3am when you can get entry for £8 ($12.5). The doors are generally open from 10pm-6am. On Saturdays, the party goes from 11pm-8am and tickets are £18 ($28), or £8 after 4am, £5 ($8) after 5am. Sunday night WetYourSelf tickets sell in advance for £8. In addition, there are Thursday night parties, which have advanced sale tickets for £19 ($29.5).

Although it might be a little more expensive than another club and you might have to wait outside in line for what might seem like forever, there is a reason why this 1,800 person capacity club gets ranked among the best in the world, even above those famous venues of Ibiza. It’s a must-do part of London nightlife culture. Oh and one more thing, bring the pounds for the beverages too.

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Posted in dance clubs | 1 Comment »

Why Pacha Came To Town

August 19th, 2010 by nriazzi received No Comments »

It’s been many years since our beloved Sound Factory closed its doors for the last time. Many say that NYC nightlife has never been the same. However, for those who don’t know why Pacha was found worthy of taking over the space of Sound Factory, I thought I’d write some tidbits here about the original Pacha, in Ibiza:

Outside the famous Pacha in Ibiza

One of the most famous names in the nightlife industry around the world from New York City to London to Ibiza, Pacha is everywhere. In fact, there are twenty-one Pacha nightclubs around the globe. Now that is impressive. I think they might know what they’re doing when it comes to throwing a party. Wouldn’t you agree?

Pacha Ibiza opened up in 1973 when some of the other clubs on the island were sinking their feet in too. Remember James Blunt’s song 1973? It’s said that the club he sings about always being at with Simona is Pacha. If you don’t know the tune, get it the next time you download music.

Throughout the summer season Pacha is open with parties every day of the week. In the past and present they have residencies from the biggest names in the industry. This year’s parties include the world renown F*** Me I’m Famous parties, thrown by Cathy & David Guetta which is held every Thursday. They also feature Pure Pacha on Fridays which has varying DJs between Sasha, Sander Kleinenberg, Fedde Le Grand, Paul Oakenfold, and more. Erick Morillo is on every Wednesday, Swedish House Mafia’s Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso are every Monday, Luciano on Sundays, Defected in the House every Saturday. It’s insane. There is no other club on the island that has a lineup of this caliber every single day of the week.

What’s more, they have the odd guest appearance and/or performances to boot. Pacha and the whole island were blessed to have a visit and performance this July by the iconic dance pop diva Kylie Minogue for a promotion party for her new album Aphrodite. I can’t think of a better city to have the event, being that the producers have claimed the tracks are classic Kylie dance music. The album was released in the UK on the 5th of July. She performed exclusively at Pacha, dressed in a Grecian costume to represent the Aphrodite in her. The club was packed to the rafters to welcome the Australian mega star as she performed All The Lovers which is her first single hit off the album.

So yes, Sound Factory did more for NYC nightlife than probably any other venue did or will. Luckily for us, the recognition was reinstated when a name as big as Pacha came to our city to take over the vacant space. How do you think it’s been since? Please feel free to rant or praise.

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Posted in electronic music | No Comments »

Dubspot: DJ Institute

August 13th, 2010 by nriazzi received No Comments »

Inside the studio at Dubspot Institute

Okay so the life of a DJ is sought after by millions. Play your favorite music, or your own music, to crowds thousands strong, celebrity recognition, travel around the world…and so on. What’s not to love. Dubspot is a place you can go to learn the skills necessary to become a successful DJ, whether you’re beginning or have experience. I thought it was a cool concept and because they’re located right in NYC, I thought I’d put them on Planet East Music.

The software they work with at Dubspot is Ableton Live 7 & 8. In fact, it’s one of the only places in the world where you can become Ableton certified. There is also training in other programs like Reason, Logic, Serato, and Traktor. Oh and don’t worry if electronic dance music isn’t your bag, the institute caters to a variety of genres from house to reggae to hip-hop to soul to jazz or even latin music. I’m sure you can find music downloads of every genre known to man there. As stated on their website:

Dubspot is a growing community of musicians, DJs, visual artists, audio technology professionals, industry veteran producers, & enthusiasts of all genres who all have one thing in common — a passion for music…

If you’re skeptical about paying the tuition costs (which ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand), rest assured that your professors are no Joe Schmo off the street. Daniel Watt has been nominated for a Grammy as well as an Emmy award who has worked with Warner Brothers, Mos Def, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Norah Jones, Ultra Records, and more. There’s 18 other instructors with impressive resumes and experience as well as several guest instructors.

Studios at Dubspot Institute

So the course selection is DJ/Producer Package, Music Production, DJ, or weekend workshops. Honestly, if you’re really serious about your passion for music and this is something that you want to do for a career, it might be wise to consider your options. You could attend a proper university and get a general music education and a $50K debt, or you can attend one of these sort of institutes and learn exactly what you want to learn, from real-life masters. I think what they’re doing is awesome and giving people an opportunity to advance their skills in what they love.

Check out Richie Hawtin talking to Dubspot::

Another peak into a different facet of Dubspot:

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