I happen to be on another social
network here in Phoenix, and commented on someone asking if
Scottsdale is really full of snobbish folks, etc. I commented that
Scottsdale is the only city where you can be on the free guest list,
but STILL have to pay $10 just to go up to the pool/go inside, etc.. A
response I got from some “Bro” who might have a trust fund in
their wallet was “You're complaining about $10? Really?” That
wasn't my point (I know nowadays, $10 can be an average cover nowadays..), My
point was this: If you're on a FREE guest list, you should get in for
free, not have to pay! It's like those commercials for beauty
products, health products, etc you see.. “For a limited time, you
can try our product absolutely FREE! (Just pay shipping and
handling)"
I commented that SF clubs don't charge
that much (although prices may have changed since I last went in
2009, so who knows), but let's compare the two. I'll use the recent
attempt at going to a pool party in Scottsdale at the W Scottsdale
that featured Kristina Sky as a featured DJ, and in the other
corner, Bootie at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco..
I attempted
to go to a pool party at W Scottsdale this past July since I got on
the free guest list via an amazing DJ Kristina Sky, whom has opened
for Ultra Records DJ/Producer/Singer/Songwriter JES.. I arrived at
the hotel and I had pool attire under my shorts that had pockets to
hold my wallet, phones, etc. Conveniently, the staff couldn't find my
name on the free guest list, but had no problem admitting a pack of
Hollaback bros.. Another club personnel came on duty apparently
(This'll sound racist I know, but all y'all blond haired, blue-eyed
Scottsdale doods look alike at that hotel!) and also could not find
my name on the list.. I had to use their wifi in order to show them
how I got on their list, and the 2nd
guy decided he'd let me in. I had to check my bag in, even though I
had to put my electronics in there. He assured me they had towels,
which I would have had to get from my bag. The last thing was I had
to pay $10 just to go up to the pool.. I had to pay $10.. just to go
to the pool.. even though I was on the free guest list. “Normally,
it'd be $25, but she got you a discount with the list..” $25 for
going to the pool?? No drinks included? No souvenirs? No CD's? No
handy or cabeza round the back hearty handshake? No food? (I know it's not the talent that
control the prices, possibly the promoter or the venue..)
Other than Kristina Sky, how do I know it'd just be local DJs that
take the latest David Guetta, Skrillex, deadmau5, etc tracks and just
drill them into Scottsdale sheeple's heads and make them think it's
the greatest party ever..? Maybe I've been spoiled by great DJ's that actually have talent.. (No, Paris Hilton, I said DJ's and talent..)
Now,
let's contrast with an average night at Bootie. I've gone to several
Booties from 2007 to my last recent visit in August 2009 for their
6th
Anniversary double-nighter.. (I've also known their creators Adrian &
the Mysterious D from the soon-to-be-shuttered GYBO since 2004) I
used to pay about $6 since I got in line before 10p (higher cover
after 10pm), mainly because I wanted to be one of the first 50 to get
a free CD. Now, the cover I believe has increased since 2009, which
is understandable. Here's the difference: for the cover you pay at Bootie: you
can get a different show each Saturday night! On some Saturdays, you
can get 2 levels of DJ's playing the best quality mash-ups around, a
burlesque show from Hubba Hubba Revue, special circus-type shows or
acrobat shows, comedy bits, live mash-up performances from Smash-Up Derby, dance
shows from R.A.I.D (Random Acts of Irrelevant Dance) from Los
Angeles, etc.. It's a smorgasbord of entertainment for the price you
pay at Bootie, compared to the drab top 40 music that gets a few
extra beats added in, passing as a “super remix” that you'd get
in Scottsdale!
Tempe (specifically, the Mill Avenue Entertainment District, aka The Mill) is cheaper and has more of a college crowd with ASU being right there, but you have a better time
and can actually afford a night out there, with a decent pub crawl and food as well!
Glendale's Westgate probably isn't as expensive as Scottsdale,
especially since you're spending enough for a Coyotes or Cardinals
game already.. But it is good for a post-game or post-event time with friends..
In short, Scottsdale clubbing is best for when you've got serious cash and just need to be seen by others, and could care less about actually having a good time in most cases (LOVED the JES show of course..!)
