Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with clubs

The dress code is not the problem...

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:40:50 -0800

What's it like to be a member of The Union League Club? I am for several reasons considering ULC membership. Specifically, ULC of Chicago. Me: 40ish professional, whose political views seem tame and ordinary here on Metafilter, yet probably fall well to the left of many ULCC members. I realize that clubs like this tend to attract conservatives--even here in proletariat Chicago--but I've never voted Republican and don't expect that to change. I use the proper forks and hold the correct degrees and etc... But I'm also an atheist, I’ve never been golfing, I live in the city, and I don’t humor bigots...no matter who their parents were.

Is joining a mistake? Am I likely to meet at least some interesting members that I'll relate to? I'd be grateful to hear from any MeFite ULC or ULCC members, or others with insights or experiences regarding membership in clubs of this type. [p.s. I'm anonymous to avoid linking my professional practice identity with my posting history.] Thank you.

Help me avoid having the Dallas club experience while I'm in Vancouver

Unicorn on the cob — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:45:10 -0800

Techno in Vancouver? Is there such a thing? If no techno, how about a really good blues bar? Help me find it before September 6. I'm about to be in Vancouver for a week (returning to US September 6). My mother is coming along; she likes live blues, I like techno. When I say techno, I don't mean remixes of top 40 music, I mean stuff like The Black Dog, Heartthrob, Drexciya, Rob Hood, Cybotron, that sort of thing. I also like tech-house and electro, even DnB, but kind of can't stand vocal or deep house or bad dubstep being drowned out by a crappy MC.

I see that Mark Farina is playing while I'm there, and that Lotus might be a good venue. But all the club listings look like they do here in Dallas; there's a lot of hype talk on flyers and all-caps Twittering, but I can't tell crap about the sound system or what style of music the djs play there. I don't care about the crowd or how much it costs to get in; I want a good sound system and a bar where I can get a decent drink without waiting 45 minutes or ordering bottle service for a few hundred just to sit down.

Alternatively, I'd also like to know what DJs to look for by name or if there are underground parties (I see there is an afterhours scene there too).

If there's none of that to be had, a dive bar with a jukebox would be just great. I'm not super-picky, but I don't want to pay $30 to go into a place that sucks, you know?

My mom would like a place where we can sit and hear local blues musicians play, or at least hear blues and jazz of some kind if it's not live and possibly eat dinner.

If anyone has suggestions on how I should dress for going out fashionably in Van, it'd be welcome, too; I see that "dress code" is listed on some clubs' pages. I'm sort of the anti-jeans and tshirt girl to begin with; I'm just trying to avoid being gauche, I suppose.

We will be staying near Robson and Granville.

Shout-out, Vancouver MeFites! If you see this and want to meet up, MeMail me. I won't have my laptop but I'll have my Blackberry which is always reliable for hitting up MeFi. :) I'll be wearing my Metafilter shirt at least once, so if you see a super-short girl walking down the street with one on, it might be me. Say hi!

In Manhattan. Want to swim laps.

slateyness — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:07:36 -0800

Where to swim in Manhattan? I'm looking for a good lap pool in Manhattan, in midtown or on the upper east side.

I'm familiar with the Manhattan Swim and Athletic Club (used to be a member, but SO expensive). I am looking into the Manhattan Plaza Health Club (it's a little out of the way for me, but any member or former member insights about the club would be appreciated).

Are there any other swimming pools that I should look into that are comparably large (75 ft long or so, not the wimpy, tiny pools that the New York Health and Racquet Clubs/Equinox have)?

I'm handsome, excellent flirt, and women willingly give me their numbers...Now what?

Anonymous — Wed, 27 May 2009 11:29:28 -0800

I'm handsome, excellent flirt, and women willingly give me their numbers...Now what? I suck at picking up women...

I'm an excellent flirt, have enough courage (when I'm liquored up) to approach women, and they usually give me their numbers without asking.

The thing is at the end of the night I ALWAYS freeze in my tracks... I usually get a lot of cues that they are quite interested in me, but I really don't know what to do next...

I won't mind getting some, but I honestly don't know how to proceed from that point.

So few questions:

What to do with numbers: When to contact them and what to say?

Also I'm like a deer in the headlights, I can see that the women becomes more flirty, restless, and frustrated...I am not sure what to do at this point, should I just grab her and go home?

If so, how do I do this delicately, because I've had some women get pissed off at me when I just ask them in an upfront manner.

Also I'm not looking for a relationship, but won't mind some sex now and then.

I really don't understand this mating dance sometimes.

Need to get in hot water in San Jose

Napoleonic Terrier — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:12:35 -0800

Suggestions for an athletic club in the South Bay, preferably San Jose?---must offer tennis, swimming, and most importantly, a hot tub/jacuzzi that's great and at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit. All anecdotes, horror stories, etc. about any South Bay facility are most welcome. Thanks.

Even More London Questions

JoanArkham — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:04:13 -0800

I'm heading to London at the end of June. Thanks to the green (and the "London" tag) I know where I'm staying and where I'm going to eat. But I have a few random, oddball questions... I spent 2 days in London in 1987, so this is more-or-less my first visit. We're staying at Base2Stay in Kensington. Questions:

- Where should we go to see a neo-burlesque show? I found some listings, but I was wondering if anyone had any particularly recommended performers or venues.

- I'm worried that I don't have any appropriate clothing. My husband and I dress like the aging Gen-X goth-punk hipsters we are…jeans or shorts, t-shirts, and Chuck Taylors. We're not planning on going to any 4-star restaurants, but are there places where that going to be a problem? (Also, I have tattoos that are visible in sleeveless tops. Will people think I'm skeezy?)

- We're thinking of checking out Slimelight. Is the neighborhood OK? How hard is it to get a cab after the Tube closes?

- Any other "inside tips"? (Local example…if you come to DC and get on the Metro, you should stand to the right on the escalators or you'll get run over.)

How to start a community music ensemble

argybarg — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:09:27 -0800

Are there instrumental equivalents to community choirs? And which ones work? I'm loving being in a community choir. The director brings songs from around the world, teaches them to us one part at a time until the harmonies are developed, and then we perform once a season. No sight reading, no technical proficiency required, just tons of fun. It's a big hit, with 40 members after only a few months.

I'd like to get a sister group started, only with instruments. I know tons of American roots and other kinds of music I could teach to people, and I think I could help shape the performances if people bring guitars, banjos, fiddles and other acoustic instruments. I play a bunch of instruments myself.

I live in a small, friendly island community with lots of musicians, so the demographic feels right. But I don't know of anyone who has done this before. I've heard of standing jam sessions, but not of open-to-the-community groups that practice and perform. Have you?

I might as well air my worries, and perhaps you know solutions to them:

The bluegrass curse. Some people can really play, and they want to play the right way. This could kill the fun of the community. I don't want music purity or blazing solos every time. On the other hand, I don't want to dumb people down.

Jamming. I do not want to play 10-minute meanders on Grateful Dead songs. I do not want to play half-remembered Bob Marley songs as in college. But maybe some people do. How do I add some focus and punch to the proceedings without becoming a dictator?

Numbers. What if four piano players and no fiddlers show up? What if 25 people want to join? Do I split the group?

Song choices. Not everyone is as excited about 1920s string bands and Italian folk music as I am. On the other hand, they might enjoy them if they learn them. Are there musical traditions broad and enjoyable enough to invite everyone in? Or should I try to include a bit of everything? Or: To hell with it, it is what it is?

Thanks for thinking this through with me.

Any readers in L.A.?

Kloryne — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:04:36 -0800

Reading groups/clubs in Los Angeles? Hello there - do any Mefites belong to or know of any good reading groups or book clubs in Los Angeles? The ones I've seen via Google don't really thrill me.

Specs: I'm not super picky but the "... we mainly read books from Oprah's book club," thing isn't quite my cup of tea. However, this is mostly what I've found through web searches. And my friends, god bless 'em, just don't DO "reading."

I'm female, mid 30's, and live in Hollywood, if that matters at all.

I'd love any info. Thanks in advance.

Is South Beach a good place to stay in Miami? Or is it too noisy?

ImaginaryFriend — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:54:58 -0800

Is South Beach a good place to stay in Miami? Or is it too noisy? We’re planning to go to Miami for a few days. We’re just looking for an to-too-expesive break from the Canadian winter.

We want to stay somewhere affordable, tourist-friendly, and very close to the beach.

South Beach seems like the obvious part of town to stay. We’ve found some okay-looking pretty-affordable ($100-$125) hotels around there.

But it it crazy noisy there? I gather South Beach is where all the nightclubs are. We live in a neighbourhood w. lots of nightclubs, which I sort of hate, so I’m hoping for my vacation not to involve sleeping somewhere where we get tons of nighttime drunk-revelers screaming, thumping bass from clubs, and the other hazards of clublands.

Is south beach bad for that sort of thing? If so – what would you say are the more/less noisy parts?

If South Beach is all noisy – are there parts of Miami that are tourist-friendly, close to the beach, but so night-clubby?

(We’re looking, I think, at a couple of places on Collins Ave around 14th block… But may end up elsewhere…)

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Put on your red shoes and dance the blues!

fracas — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:58:45 -0800

Where do the cool queer kids go in Chicago when they want to really dance? I want to go club dancing in Chicago at a fun venue with great music and an energetic crowd who are there to dance. Not to drink, not to stumble around looking for a hookup in the bathroom, not to text furiously all night, but to dance until everyone's sweaty and laughing and flirting with everything in sight. Super-big bonus points for a mixed GLBTQ crowd, but it's not 100% necessary. Good solid DJs are a must. And for what it's worth, I'm definitely open to all-ages clubs.

I've been to Formerly Known As at Michelle's Big Chicks on N Sheridan (linkage) a few times, and while the crowd is great the music has been so-so lately and it seems that everyone is doing that shuffle around in place thing but no one's really dancing.

So AskMe folks, where do I go to bust some mad moves with a group of like-minded folks?

Cote d'Azur nightlife

PTCHFRKR — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:32:13 -0800

I'm new to the region and don't know much about the nightlife here. Can anyone recommend good clubs/bars in or around Cannes and Nice?

Atlanta nightlife for a new resident?

XQUZYPHYR — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:13:10 -0800

Atlanta nightlife for a new resident: help me make more out of my first Friday night in Atlanta than more unpacking. I just moved to Atlanta after spending four years in Washington, DC, and now that it's Friday it suddenly dawned on me that I have absolutely nothing to do.

I don't have any friends here to hang out with just yet. When faced with a night on my own, in DC, I could just walk over to Adams Morgan or U Street- cool areas of the city with all the bars, music clubs, a few dance joints, late-nite pizza, etc. I've heard some stuff about a place called Little Five Points but I have no idea if that's the same thing.

I'm pretty solid on the on your own/during the day stuff. I know all about and plan to visit the museums, touristy places, etc. But as far as a Friday/Saturday night goes, I'm a single 20-something and it would probably be helpful to my social life and sanity to know where the single 20-somethings are. (I suppose saying I'm a straight white male might be useful for context into what "fun" might be for me in particular.)

Looking for a no-cover place to dance in NYC.

®@ — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:26:05 -0800

Looking for a good place to dance (with no cover) in NYC. My friend is coming down for the weekend and wants to go dancing in the city. Most clubs I've run across charge a cover, and I have no desire to blow $10-$20 on a random club that may or may not suck.

Anyone know good places with cover-free dancing in Manhattan?

Girls don't want to have fun?

Viola — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:30:19 -0800

Why are there so few lesbian bars in the NYC/Brooklyn area when compared to the high number of gay bars? Obviously NYC is no San Francisco or West Hollywood when it comes to bars for gay women. I know about Park Slope outposts like Cattyshack and Ginger's, but when you look at NYC's seemingly countless roster of gay clubs, gay bars, gay beer gardens, gay burger joints, it seems more than incongruous. I realize that lesbians aren't as well-known for the partying lifestyle as their male counterparts, but they can't all be at home fending off lesbian bed-death, right?

Strip Clubs in Mississauga, Ontario.

LiquidKarma — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:57:51 -0800

Does anyone know of any good strip clubs in the Misissauga, Ontario area? (preferably with male dancers). I'm planning a bachelorette and need some help. I need some help! Also some suggestions on some good night clubs would be great. I don't get down to Mississauga often so I have no idea where to start.

A few questions related to Trance Music.

wildrain2008 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:03:08 -0800

A few questions related to Trance Music. 1) What are the best clubs in NYC to listen to Trance, Progressive House and or Goa/Trance? Webster Hall used to have a rave room but that's dead..

2) I'm diving into the world of creating dance music myself, I got a few applications like Ableton Live and Floops, now I need a good starter keyboard. What's a good model that won't eat my wallet?

3) What is the biggest and the most up to date source for raves, and similar Trance music related events online today? Most of the stuff I find is from like 2005 and going back.

Where should I go dancing in Toronto?

you just lost the game — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:29:31 -0800

Where should I go dancing in Toronto? I'm visiting Toronto this weekend, and a group of us want to head out on the town for some drinking and dancing, but it's been years since I lived there and I'm pretty out of the loop. We're all in our mid-'30's, so we'd prefer somewhere with a slightly older crowd, somewhere in the downtown core, with DJs (as opposed to live music). The other caveat is that one member of our party had a really bad experience once at The Dance Cave and doesn't want to go there. Any suggestions?

NYC booze tube

Hwaet — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:38:14 -0800

I'm looking for real New York area bars that have appeared on current television. Emphasis on "current," otherwise I'd be rummaging through the Sex and the City bin, and on "bar/club." I already have Gossip Girl (so many to choose from, but I went with the thinly-veiled Box) and Mad Men has a scene at PJ Clarke's. Rescue Me films from that tiny "social club" up in Greenpoint. The Office recently featured a nameless, too-spacious Manhattan club (I think it was called Prerogative), but it hardly looked like the real deal. I need other shows, but I'm blanking on current TV that features authentic NYC nightlife that has the natives going, "Hey! I've been there!" 30 Rock? Lipstick Mafia/Cashmere Jungle? How I Met Your Mother? Ugly Betty is set in New York/Queens but is filmed in LA, so I don't know if they referenced and shot any actual venues.

Green Concierge Seeks Los Angeles Infodump

carsonb — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:00:25 -0800

I'm starting a new job as a telephone concierge at a Brand-new upscale retail/housing establishment in Glendale, CA next week—can you help me get my ear to the ground? Clients will be both tenants of the property and casual shoppers, and I am expected to provide expert-level concierge service. However, I'm relatively new in town, and the time I've spent here has been confined to a rather narrow corridor between Echo Park and central Hollywood. My boss is even newer to town than I, and I'd like to make a good impression by hitting the ground running for this gig. Please, I'm eager for all types of suggestions:

- Specifics on LA destinations (restaurants, attractions, events, nightlife, etc. with a focus on upscale, hip, guaranteed solid types of establishments)
- Hints/tips on transportation and navigation
- Blogs, websites, mailing lists, and RSS feeds that will keep me up to date on all of this stuff (I've subscribed to some related AskMe tags already; what am I missing? =o)
- Dead tree rags I should be reading regularly
- Any other information you can provide

Glendale is my first priority, but superior knowledge of all of Los Angeles is my ultimate goal. As mentioned above, I'm working my way through pertinent tags here on AskMe, but if you know of any relevant/obscure questions I might like to see please do mention them. Also, as a sub-question, do you have any tips on this type of job? I've worked as a TTY Relay Operator before and am happy to customer-serve, so I'm not completely unaware of what it entails. But if there's any specific advice you're holding I'd appreciate a share. Thanks!
Yes, I run with my ear to the ground; talented like that.

Meeting Singles in NYC

wildrain2008 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:08:24 -0800

What is the Best NYC Locations to Meet Singles? I'm single 26, college educated guy, I have no issues or any strange body parts growing out places they shouldn't be. And yet still for the life of me I cannot find a date? All the clubs I used to hit when I was in college have turned to crap and I'm not really a bar person, but I do like lounges. It seems that every time I go to one club or another, most of the girls even worth looking at are there with their boyfriends. So what are good spots for SINGLES like myself in 2008?

My other question is, how does one approach a girl who's dancing next to you? I mean yes attractive model-looking guys have no problem just grinding up against these girls, but what about an average Joe like me?

From eating cookies on prom night, to flirting in Manhattan meat markets?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:26:20 -0800

After a complete transformation, I need to practice flirting, in New York. I'm in my early 20s and I recently lost a lot of weight. I was not a fabulous fat girl, so I've never really been picked up, hit on, or flirted with, and now I'm not sure how to respond to any of the above -- let alone reciprocate. I mean, I've read plenty online, I'm socially competent, I have plenty of friends (girls and guys), I'm told I'm funny and fun, and I don't think I'm going to embarrass myself. I hope. I do have some recently acquired physical experience thanks to a good friend, and although that's not complete, the real problem is that missing out on all the years of normal teenager-development stuff means I need practice flirting, basically. I'm not even sure how to look approachable. I am also really, really criminally bad about not being able to turn down anyone who's interested in me.

I'm going to be in New York in a few weeks. I think it's the right place to start -- I'm familiar and comfortable with the city, but because it's not home base for me, I'm not going to run into the same people again, and I'm not going to worry about whether flirting will turn into more. I can just relax and practice low-stakes flirting.

I'd really like an idea of somewhere to go, where it's likely guys will try to flirt with me. If I were looking for a serious relationship, I would just do stuff I enjoy while being open to meeting people, or maybe I'd make an effort to go to readings or talks or other intellectual stuff. But my goal here is not just likeliness of awesome guys, but also frequency of flirt attempts. However, more intelligent crowds would still be great -- I don't want a total B&T meat market vibe. Somewhere everyone's looking for a one-night stand wouldn't be as right as somewhere people are openly looking for something that could be more. I have business during the day, so after-work bars (or whatever) would be great, but I'll be there over at least one weekend so that's fine too.

Also, although I might be pretty cute now, I'm still not a stunning model wearing high fashion, so I'm not going to get entrance to that kind of scene. I'm not good at judging myself, so all I can do is say that with a fair picture of me in a sweatshirt, Hot Or Not rates me about 7.5. (No, I won't be wearing a sweatshirt out -- more likely a fitted sweater with jeans or a skirt.)

Bonus complication: Because of my previous addictive behaviors with food, I don't drink. I have no problem going to bars or being around people who are drinking, but if drinking is the only thing to do, or if everyone there is going to be really drunk, that's not as much fun. Plus if guys have beer goggles on, I can't believe they're into the actual me.

Basically, I'm looking for a few different things. In no order:
1) advice/experiences of people who have gone from ugly ducklings to semi-swans around this age
2) advice in general about how to flirt, how to attract interest, etc.
3) recommendations from New Yorkers about what specific places would be right to go to

Thanks, everyone!

SO LOSER

kowboy — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:29:37 -0800

whats the best way to go up to a girl in a club?

Activism events, links, and resources anyone?

meta.mark — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:57:47 -0800

We have a club that has just started and the purpose of the club is to create awareness and provide events that deal with: Humanitarian, Social, and Environmental Issues. In short it is an activism club. I was wondering of the metalfilter community could provide us with any events having to do with H/E/S issues (preferrably not just community service) and also perhaps links or resources. It would be greatly appreciated if you could all contribute before next Monday because we are beginning to lose the interest of many of our members due to the fact that we have not established any solid events. Much thanks to those that contribute! :]

Do I make the most of my four years here, or do I keep my sanity?

Phire — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:16:47 -0800

I'm a first year business undergrad. Not even a month into University, and I feel overwhelmed and suffocated. Help me deal? Background: The business program that I'm in is one of the most competitive programs in Canada, which I almost didn't get into. I was an IB student in High School, so I do have some experience with stress management. I also live off-campus (as opposed to residence), which makes me feel really isolated at times, though I'm a 10 minute walk from most places on campus.

Academically: It feels like I'm already falling behind. There is a ridiculous amount of reading to be done, and I've given up taking notes on them. Instead, I just read the assigned chapters (either before or after that class) and take notes in lectures, though I'm paranoid of missing something the professor only skimmed and that's covered in detail in the reading that will be tested on a midterm, or something.

Socially: I'm in two clubs primarily, Samba and Badminton. There are two other clubs that I'm also interested in, but that may conflict with my schedules. Were it up to me, I would feel completely happy with these two clubs as it is. But since I am in a competitive business program, I feel obligated to join business ventures/conferences/clubs that look good on my resume. I've got little to no interest in being the frosh rep for the Accounting Association, for example, but it will probably look good on paper in my CV and I feel like I need to do as much as possible to build my resume, otherwise I would be wasting my money. (Oh, that, and I'm finding it hard to make friends.)

So the feeling of struggling to keep up with my work combined with a sense that I have to join all these 'voluntary' committees is ... stressing me out. (Did I mention I'm thinking of looking for a part time job to off-set the cost of tuition?) As a result, I'm either lethargic, doing my work in a sullen stupor or sleeping 18 hours a day and waking up only to go to a lecture. My two close friends on campus are Engineering majors, so they don't really relate...

Ambitions-wise: I want to work in International development/relations with either a company or the government when I eventually graduate. Failing that, I'm enjoying accounting so far so I guess a CA designation would be a good fall-back. I also want to do a Dual-Degree in political science, though I'm not allowed to pursue that till Spring year 2.

Hence, any advice regarding how to cope with a lot of reading, or how to make friends (it's really not as easy as 'joining a club' or 'talk to people in class', really.) would be appreciated. In addition: I have this mindset that business is about networking and reaching out and building yourself up. Is it absolutely crucial to start this first year? Will I be eons behind my other business competitors (read: classmates) if I don't get involved in a couple hundred clubs that all require applications and that I have little to no interest in anyway this year?

Bachelorette party in Savannah, GA!

chiababe — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:11:56 -0800

Bachelorette party in Savannah, GA! Bar & restaurant recommendations? I am going to Savannah tomorrow with 2 other girls to celebrate my wedding next weekend and we're looking for some suggestions on where to hang out as none of us have spent any time down there. We're staying through Sunday morning at the Doubletree downtown, so we'd like suggestions that are walkable.

We're in our late 20's, pretty casual, like to dance, enjoy good cover bands, but looking to avoid outrageous cover charges and snooty exclusive and/sketchy places.

Restaurant suggestions would be welcomed too, as we're going to have to eat sometime between the rum!