Club Scenes: Scottsdale v. San Francisco - or - Sorry For Bougeois Rocking..!

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 2^nd 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 6^th 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..!)