Okay, so all of you hopefully know that I am a DJ. If you didn't, I'm assuming you regularly rode the short bus to school. ANYway, whenever I'm out and about my DJ ears tend to tune in on the sounds in the air and the murmuring of the crowd about the music. You'd be amazed at the things people say about the music in a club, especially about the video selections. This week I've boiled the praise and criticism down to three bars. But first, let me get on my soapbox for a minute.
This is the age of the VJ ( that's Video Jockey for the short bus folk ) . Sure, most bars have been playing videos for a long time. Some even use the moniker "video bar" when describing themselves. But over the last year or so I've seen a transformation in Boystown. The VJ is no longer a person who just plays
random standards and classic hits. They're evolving into a new and vital commodity, as necessary as a bartender and as powerful as a DJ.
Yes, I said powerful. Sound is the key element to almost any club you'll ever visit. The VJ adds
another dimension to that by
combining sound with images. When done right, a talented VJ can take you on a musical journey as good, if not better, than any dance floor DJ. OK, OK, enough with my soapbox chatter and theories of crowd motivation. Time for me to dish about what I hear on the streets and in the crowds.
Third place goes to Roscoe's. The front bar is loaded with screens and the sound system is fantastic. The VJ's always keep the energy up and pay close attention to the crowd. There is never an attitude when you request a video, and over the last year they have updated their stock significantly to bring everyone the most current hits out there. Good music all the time. Bravo!
Second place goes out to The Closet. Yes, it's a tiny space. But their entire ambiance rests on their brilliant videos. I have yet to visit on a night when the music isn't fierce. Plus, they have a late liquor license so you can enjoy their vibe into the wee hours of the morning. Get there before the early bars close to find yourself a spot in the crowd. Work!
And finally, first place goes to Spin, one of the strongest driving forces behind the evolution of the VJ in Boystown. From day one they have had an accessible booth, a
collection of up-to-the-minute chart busting hits that never misses a beat, and flawless VJ's. People talk and I listen. I hear it over and over again: Spin has the best videos out there. Trust!
411 tip: If you request a video, tip your VJ for good service. It never hurts to tip someone as a quick and easy way to say thank you.
As always, my heart beats with you in 4/4.
