And another report from Christina Larkins. Fans, I appreciate all of your interest in these accounts, and I hope to keep them coming at a steadier rate. The delay in getting this report posted is entirely mine. -Adam
Union Transfer 1026 Spring Garden Street
October 18, 8 pm (Tuesday)
Little Dragon, Tycho and DJ QUESTLOVE
$15.00
Report by: Christina Larkins
I never had the pleasure of eating at the Spaghetti Warehouse when it was here, but with all due respect, I have no idea how this building could ever have masqueraded as anything other than the amazing music venue that it is.
I mean, everything about this location is a concert goers dream.
Ample street parking, (most free after 10, but please be sure to read the signs, no need to end up on Parking Wars). And just in case you have a few tickets already and don’t want to risk the street, there was a lot available for the night of the show for only $10 right around the block.
I walked in and was immediately in awe of not only the building itself, but the fact that DJ Questlove was already spinning when doors opened at 8. The sound system was incredible. You could literally feel the music in any part of the building you walk. Clear. Clean. Crisp beats. Not one hint of static or feedback.
You enter through the little “snack/giveaway/promo” lobby, which has a few benches (just in case you need a break from all the chaos during the night) and reasonably priced bottled water and chips. (beware of the stale pretzels.) Beyond the doors you arrive upon this huge floorspace. Just massive. The stage was simplistically set, but whoever was doing the lighting that evening, gets so much credit. The lights were incredible. Moving in perfect tandem with the music. And setting the mood for the whole show all night.
At the back of the huge standing room space was a bar, sectioned off to make sure all liquor stayed in that area, which I, who seemingly have a target on my clothes that says “please, spill your wine here” really appreciated. To the left and the right were seating areas. And if that wasn’t enough, there were balcony’s above full of people. All areas secured with at least one guard. It was the safest I ever felt out at an event.
The show was phenomenal. This isn’t going to turn into a music review, but I have to say I was a really impressed with Little Dragon (who I’d never heard of until the Roots Picnic this year) and of course, anything Questlove is involved with, is pretty much a guaranteed good time. But I digress.
The crowd was mixed. Dancing. Happy. And not the least bit pretentious. Everyone was truly enjoying themselves.
There were ample stalls in the bathroom. The air conditioning actually worked…ALL NIGHT. I mean, this was just a dream venue.
As the night went on, more and more people filled in, but I never got the sense of being cramped, or feeling claustrophobic. There was just an old world grandeur about the place. With so many little seating areas, alcoves and spaces to wander into, you never felt “trapped.”
This is by far, is my new favorite place in the city to see live music, and I can’t wait until the next concert.
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Christina Larkins
Showing posts with label Christina Larkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christina Larkins. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
G Lounge - Saturday October 8
A new report from Christina Larkins - Adam
G Lounge 111 S 17th St
Saturday October 8, 11 pm
$20 cover
If you’d like a nice place to go just to hear a few light pop songs, grab a drink and look at pretty women, or clean cut men in suits, then I highly suggest this place. But don’t expect to be blown away by anything. Its like the Kim Kardashian of clubs. All looks. No substance. And highly overpriced.
The one word that keeps coming to my mind when I think of the G Lounge is safe. Very nice. Very clean. Very proper. And very safe.
The craziest part of this club is the ridiculous “Studio 54” like line outside. Lots of pushing waiting to get in, lots of “hey I’m on this list” etc etc. But once I got past all of the fluffery, I walked down stairs to get in and heard Whitney Houston “I wanna dance with somebody” playing. In 2011. And I knew it was safe. The type of lounge you might actually bring your boss to after her nasty divorce. Very….yuppie. Safe. Corporate. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I did end up having one of the best nights out in the city in a long time, In spite of myself. It’s hard not to have fun there.
The club is visually beautiful. Huge VIP areas with leather couches, and cool lighting. There was a huge back bar, and a little “mini” bar on the dance floor. (I suggest using the back bar, the poor girl was getting totally slammed at the mini bar.) Mirrors were all around, which actually made me think the place was huge, at first glance. But no, It seems that most of the space was given to the “lounging” part. So if you actually want to dance you have a little space in the back by the DJ, or you can utilize any of the super skinny aisle. Which, I would highly recommend staying OUT of the aisle. Have you ever been on a subway during rush hour ? That’s pretty much equivalent to standing still in the main aisle at G Lounge.
I must admit, although the DJ was ridiculously generic, spinning the same mindless top 40 “radio friendly” jams you hear all day long, he DID keep the crowd going. It also helped that there were some amazingly beautiful dancers on boxes all night that were awe inspiring. Even if you didn’t like the music, you liked THEM liking the music lol.
The crowd was mixed, but all seemed to be of a certain class level. Not too many struggling artists types around this place. Everyone was very well dressed and for the most part friendly. And, seeing as how this is one of the only clubs in Philly were celebs are actually spotted at, I’m sure most of them were hoping to “casually” run into some D-List celeb. You know. But I appreciate good fashion so I wont judge their motives.
The drinks were very well made and after a few of them, even I felt safe enough to take my rhythmically challenged self to the dance floor for a bit.
The bathrooms were clean but small. And well maintained. And the attendant is probably the funniest woman in the world. She should really have her own show.
The staff (bouncers, bartenders, managers) were all very friendly and helpful throughout the night.
All in all it was a good time.
Dress spiffy. No sneakers or tees. And bring some cash. Those nicely made drinks add up. Shot of tequila was appx $15. Jack & Ginger was $10.
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Christina Larkins
G Lounge 111 S 17th St
Saturday October 8, 11 pm
$20 cover
If you’d like a nice place to go just to hear a few light pop songs, grab a drink and look at pretty women, or clean cut men in suits, then I highly suggest this place. But don’t expect to be blown away by anything. Its like the Kim Kardashian of clubs. All looks. No substance. And highly overpriced.
The one word that keeps coming to my mind when I think of the G Lounge is safe. Very nice. Very clean. Very proper. And very safe.
The craziest part of this club is the ridiculous “Studio 54” like line outside. Lots of pushing waiting to get in, lots of “hey I’m on this list” etc etc. But once I got past all of the fluffery, I walked down stairs to get in and heard Whitney Houston “I wanna dance with somebody” playing. In 2011. And I knew it was safe. The type of lounge you might actually bring your boss to after her nasty divorce. Very….yuppie. Safe. Corporate. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I did end up having one of the best nights out in the city in a long time, In spite of myself. It’s hard not to have fun there.
The club is visually beautiful. Huge VIP areas with leather couches, and cool lighting. There was a huge back bar, and a little “mini” bar on the dance floor. (I suggest using the back bar, the poor girl was getting totally slammed at the mini bar.) Mirrors were all around, which actually made me think the place was huge, at first glance. But no, It seems that most of the space was given to the “lounging” part. So if you actually want to dance you have a little space in the back by the DJ, or you can utilize any of the super skinny aisle. Which, I would highly recommend staying OUT of the aisle. Have you ever been on a subway during rush hour ? That’s pretty much equivalent to standing still in the main aisle at G Lounge.
I must admit, although the DJ was ridiculously generic, spinning the same mindless top 40 “radio friendly” jams you hear all day long, he DID keep the crowd going. It also helped that there were some amazingly beautiful dancers on boxes all night that were awe inspiring. Even if you didn’t like the music, you liked THEM liking the music lol.
The crowd was mixed, but all seemed to be of a certain class level. Not too many struggling artists types around this place. Everyone was very well dressed and for the most part friendly. And, seeing as how this is one of the only clubs in Philly were celebs are actually spotted at, I’m sure most of them were hoping to “casually” run into some D-List celeb. You know. But I appreciate good fashion so I wont judge their motives.
The drinks were very well made and after a few of them, even I felt safe enough to take my rhythmically challenged self to the dance floor for a bit.
The bathrooms were clean but small. And well maintained. And the attendant is probably the funniest woman in the world. She should really have her own show.
The staff (bouncers, bartenders, managers) were all very friendly and helpful throughout the night.
All in all it was a good time.
Dress spiffy. No sneakers or tees. And bring some cash. Those nicely made drinks add up. Shot of tequila was appx $15. Jack & Ginger was $10.
--
Christina Larkins
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Walnut Room Friday July 8
I'm pleased to present another report from Christina Larkins, with another take on Walnut Room. -Adam
Walnut Room, Friday July 8, 2011 at 10pm
Located above Alfa restaurant, the door would have been easy to miss, if there wasn’t a gathering of well dressed, very attractive people lingering out front. Walking up to the door, you get the idea that you’re about to enter a very selective, hidden, “speakeasy” type of place.
The cover was $5 (before 11), and the girls were friendly. A few people caught some slack for inappropriate footwear (no flip flops, which, by the way, you should never wear to a club in the first place.) My advice for anyone going out in this city, if you’re unsure of a clubs dress code, its always better to be overdressed, then under. Leave the beach wear at the Jersey Shore.
Once you walk up the stairs, the place is bigger than you would guess. There are two bars, and plenty of seating. I’d suggest ordering drinks from the back bar. It’s a little quieter back there, and not nearly as crowded. I used it as a little “escape” room from the madness of the main bar area. They even have leather seating, and dimmer lighting. I suppose this is used when you find a hot girl/guy and you want to “get away and talk for a little bit…”
The music was the real treat of the night. The DJ was brought in from Boston, BREK.ONE and he was playing a great combo of classic R&B and Hip Hop dance hits from the 90’s and today. And equal mix of Beyonce to get the ladies dancing, and Notorious BIG to get the fellas to join in. Perfect mix for the crowd. He effortlessly went from one song to the next, each one getting more and more people out their seats and on the floor. This is definitely a place to go and dance.
The crowd was very mixed. A great representation of different styles (men in three piece suits, mixed with girls with Mohawk’s and cut off jean shorts.) The common thread was that everyone there seemed to be around mid-20’s-early 30’s.
As I’m a bathroom snob, this one was ehhh. Although I did enjoy the full length mirror that made me look a little bit thinner lol.
The drinks were decently priced. Jameson and Gingerale was the expect $9 a pop. No special “deals” or anything like that. And definitely NOT a bar to go to if you’re a beer snob. Not many choices there. But the bartenders were extremely courteous, fast and the drinks were delicious.
The later it got, the bigger the crowd got. I left around 1ish. Would definitely suggest getting there early. I can imagine that place reaches capacity pretty quickly. It’s big but not THAT big.
All in all it was a great party. Highly recommend this venue for future events.
--
Christina Larkins
Walnut Room, Friday July 8, 2011 at 10pm
Located above Alfa restaurant, the door would have been easy to miss, if there wasn’t a gathering of well dressed, very attractive people lingering out front. Walking up to the door, you get the idea that you’re about to enter a very selective, hidden, “speakeasy” type of place.
The cover was $5 (before 11), and the girls were friendly. A few people caught some slack for inappropriate footwear (no flip flops, which, by the way, you should never wear to a club in the first place.) My advice for anyone going out in this city, if you’re unsure of a clubs dress code, its always better to be overdressed, then under. Leave the beach wear at the Jersey Shore.
Once you walk up the stairs, the place is bigger than you would guess. There are two bars, and plenty of seating. I’d suggest ordering drinks from the back bar. It’s a little quieter back there, and not nearly as crowded. I used it as a little “escape” room from the madness of the main bar area. They even have leather seating, and dimmer lighting. I suppose this is used when you find a hot girl/guy and you want to “get away and talk for a little bit…”
The music was the real treat of the night. The DJ was brought in from Boston, BREK.ONE and he was playing a great combo of classic R&B and Hip Hop dance hits from the 90’s and today. And equal mix of Beyonce to get the ladies dancing, and Notorious BIG to get the fellas to join in. Perfect mix for the crowd. He effortlessly went from one song to the next, each one getting more and more people out their seats and on the floor. This is definitely a place to go and dance.
The crowd was very mixed. A great representation of different styles (men in three piece suits, mixed with girls with Mohawk’s and cut off jean shorts.) The common thread was that everyone there seemed to be around mid-20’s-early 30’s.
As I’m a bathroom snob, this one was ehhh. Although I did enjoy the full length mirror that made me look a little bit thinner lol.
The drinks were decently priced. Jameson and Gingerale was the expect $9 a pop. No special “deals” or anything like that. And definitely NOT a bar to go to if you’re a beer snob. Not many choices there. But the bartenders were extremely courteous, fast and the drinks were delicious.
The later it got, the bigger the crowd got. I left around 1ish. Would definitely suggest getting there early. I can imagine that place reaches capacity pretty quickly. It’s big but not THAT big.
All in all it was a great party. Highly recommend this venue for future events.
--
Christina Larkins
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Triumph Brewing Company WrittenHouse Show
And now our second report! Last Friday writer Christina Larkins visited the WrittenHouse show at the Old City location of Triumph Brewing Company. I'd never realized it was a music venue in addition to the food and drinks. Read on for her first-person account...
WrittenHouse
Friday, May 20 at Triumph Brewing Company (10PM)
Report by: Christina Larkins
I’ve stopped in Triumph Brewery a few times for a quick beer after work, dinner with girlfriends, or just to catch a Phillies game, but I’d never been there for a live show before.
I was really interested to see how they were going to pull that off, and I must say, I was very impressed.
I walked in and was immediately greeted by a friendly hostess, and paid my $5.00 fee for the show (which is ridiculously cheap). The performers were a local rap group called WrittenHouse, who have received very critical acclaim and are currently slated to perform with Snoop Dog at the House of Blues in AC this weekend.
I was surprised to find that the crowd was a nice eclectic mix of all ages and races. Usually when you hear of “breweries” in Old City, you immediately think yuppies and college kids. There was a group of 50-something patrons enjoying appetizers and beers, sitting next to 20-something “hipsters” doing the same. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. The bar (which is HUGE) was packed, but the bartender was very quick, friendly and made sure my glass was always full. There was an enormous beer menu which, (for a non-beer aficionado like myself), was a little bit intimidating. But the bartender took the time out to explain the differences in the various choices and was very helpful in navigating through the sea of drafts.
The stage was perfectly set up in the back area of the bar; Large enough to give the performers space and lighting to really put on a good show, but not so large as to interfere with the dining or bar area.
The lighting and sound were terrific. Because this was such an intimate setting, you could literally stand about 2 feet away from the stage (which I did) and just soak up all the enthusiasm and good vibes live music always delivers. There was none of that static from the speakers, or obnoxiously loud microphones that you sometimes suffer through at these types of shows.
The crowd was a small but very dedicated group of fans. Most of them were jumping along with the band, and singing all the lyrics right along with them. The group had VERY good interaction with the crowd, and even if you weren’t a fan, you found yourself at least tapping your foot along with the beats. It felt like you were in your living room with a room full of the coolest people you know, enjoying an amazing band. It was THAT personal.
I would definitely go again to see ANY live music that was being performed here.
They have a nice little outdoor area, where I sat in for a little bit after the show ended, just to people watch. I have to say all in all, it was a beautiful event and a great evening.
One last note, the bathrooms there have GOT to be some of the nicest and cleanest I’ve EVER seen in a Philadelphia bar. You can just tell a lot of pride and hard work goes into the upkeep of this place. I really have to give a big hand to all of the managers and employees there.
Links about Writtenhouse:
WrittenHouse performing the song “Cloud City”.
Facebook page
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Christina Larkins
WrittenHouse
Friday, May 20 at Triumph Brewing Company (10PM)
Report by: Christina Larkins
I’ve stopped in Triumph Brewery a few times for a quick beer after work, dinner with girlfriends, or just to catch a Phillies game, but I’d never been there for a live show before.
I was really interested to see how they were going to pull that off, and I must say, I was very impressed.
I walked in and was immediately greeted by a friendly hostess, and paid my $5.00 fee for the show (which is ridiculously cheap). The performers were a local rap group called WrittenHouse, who have received very critical acclaim and are currently slated to perform with Snoop Dog at the House of Blues in AC this weekend.
I was surprised to find that the crowd was a nice eclectic mix of all ages and races. Usually when you hear of “breweries” in Old City, you immediately think yuppies and college kids. There was a group of 50-something patrons enjoying appetizers and beers, sitting next to 20-something “hipsters” doing the same. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. The bar (which is HUGE) was packed, but the bartender was very quick, friendly and made sure my glass was always full. There was an enormous beer menu which, (for a non-beer aficionado like myself), was a little bit intimidating. But the bartender took the time out to explain the differences in the various choices and was very helpful in navigating through the sea of drafts.
The stage was perfectly set up in the back area of the bar; Large enough to give the performers space and lighting to really put on a good show, but not so large as to interfere with the dining or bar area.
The lighting and sound were terrific. Because this was such an intimate setting, you could literally stand about 2 feet away from the stage (which I did) and just soak up all the enthusiasm and good vibes live music always delivers. There was none of that static from the speakers, or obnoxiously loud microphones that you sometimes suffer through at these types of shows.
The crowd was a small but very dedicated group of fans. Most of them were jumping along with the band, and singing all the lyrics right along with them. The group had VERY good interaction with the crowd, and even if you weren’t a fan, you found yourself at least tapping your foot along with the beats. It felt like you were in your living room with a room full of the coolest people you know, enjoying an amazing band. It was THAT personal.
I would definitely go again to see ANY live music that was being performed here.
They have a nice little outdoor area, where I sat in for a little bit after the show ended, just to people watch. I have to say all in all, it was a beautiful event and a great evening.
One last note, the bathrooms there have GOT to be some of the nicest and cleanest I’ve EVER seen in a Philadelphia bar. You can just tell a lot of pride and hard work goes into the upkeep of this place. I really have to give a big hand to all of the managers and employees there.
Links about Writtenhouse:
WrittenHouse performing the song “Cloud City”.
Facebook page
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Christina Larkins
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