Rhythmism.com

The most recent battle for NYC superclub dominance began in early 2003, and after Year 1 a definitive leader has emerged. Let's take a quick glance at the state of the superclubs:

One club had a promising start by getting an early jumpstart on the competition, opening in September 2003. Avalon brought in the DJ heavys with Derrick Carter, Doc Martin, Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, Steve Lawler, Mark Farina et al. with Sasha off 2003 with a rowdy NYE gig. Since then many DJs are seemingly reluctant to return and have moved on to bigger & grander ventures in other cities, or sometimes going in favor of smaller underground venues like Doc Martin's L.I.C. warehouse party and Richie Hawtin's underground soiree at the Sullivan Room.

By now, we're all familiar with Spirit's inauspicious beginnings, and many of us are now carefully watching their current remix, including the recent installation of the Integral Sound system and handing the promotions over to Made Event. The founding premise of an alternative, spiritual way of clubbing with a holistic approach fell flat in the face of the hedonistic, debaucherous ways of NYC nightlife. New Yorkers do like their spiritaulity judging by the proliferation of yoga schools and kaballah truth-seeking adults. They just prefer to take their spiritual nourishment independently of their clubbing; or perhaps in penance for their nocturnal mischief.

The last entry into the crowd was crobar - two years late, after months of speculation and rumors of over-spending and costs spiralling out of control. 'Will it ever be able to open?' begged the question on many a clubber's mind. After much fanfare and a truly grand opening - with thousands queuing to get inside for the preview - crobar settled into a steady pace over the course of 2004. The majority of top tier DJs seemed to migrate to crobar including debuts by Erick Morillo, Deep Dish, Steve Lawler, Sasha, Sander Kleinenberg, Roger Sanchez, and Paul Oakenfold etc. On the alternative tip, Larry Tee's Electronic Outsider Festival & Disgraceland parties brought in a touch of cutting edge electronic music with avantgarde acts like My Robot Friend and Tiefschwarz being introduced to NYC.

Now in 2005, a stunning line-up of residencies are taking hold, with Sasha, Sander Kleinenberg, Roger Sanchez and Murk all holding court for the NYC clubbing masses. And most recently, crobar was nominated for the distinction of Best Superclub for The 3rd Annual Club World Awards, in a field devoid of any other NYC contenders. The ultimate winner will be announced at an awards ceremony held at Winter Music Conference 2005. Til then, we'll see you on the dancefloor!




Club World Awards Nominee
Crobar, New York

Crobar’s grand opening in December 2003 marked the beginning of New York’s new era of big venue nightclubbing. At 25,000 square feet with six multi-tiered environments designed by BigTime and ICRAVE, crobar offsets the big box effect with superb sound and whimsically-themed lounges for a non-intimidating and beautiful evening experience. The cavernous, industrial main room holds a 2,500-square-foot dancefloor under 60-foot ceilings wired for aerial performance and packed with sound by Phazon and a system of Martin Professional lights (designed by SJ Lighting). The LED-lined truss lowers from the ceiling at key moments, keeping the mezzanine VIP area, full of semi-secluded glass boxes for intimate parties of four or six, in the low light.

Everyone talks about the Reed Room, the long, narrow front bar with floor-to-ceiling stalks that make one feel like a bird in the thrush. The VIP Prop Room features tear-shaped wall cutouts and a small, raised dancefloor for mostly old school hip-hop and pop remixes.

www.crobar.com
www.clubworldawards.com

I like whoever designs their flyers.

2 of the best parties of '04.

They just keep rotating all the same old ass Dj's at all these clubs, and never take a chance to break something new. This flyer for Crobar looks eeriely like last months.

Yep.

ditto

not much of a battle either imo

There's not much competition. These big clubs have fallen into a funk:

Avalon: Seems not to promote. It seems a miracle it gets a turnout at all. Recently started sending out occasional emails, but not all the time. The average clubber is rather young (some might say even underage for drinking). Ocassional serial gropping incidents have been experienced by girls I know. Usually a fight or more, specially in the Hip Hop Room. My friends also complain the sound is too loud (not necessarily any better), so it hurts. Also, seems to have become the new Exit: Lots of Chinese doing the shaking heads dance (somebody else's head, that is.)

Spirit: Same DJ every single saturday (need a say more?), which leaves only Friday for variety, but now you are mostly limited to artists with a relationship with Made Events. Like Avalon, you have the feeling that you are in a party in a Basketball court. Mild Promotion done. Sound OK.

Crobar: Very heavy promotion done, on-line, flyers and even posters on the street. Major DJs have been coming here. Good sound, crowd. Some variety in the multiple rooms. Ridiculously early closing time for lists (midnight). Those not able to secure the right bracelet can be left shut out of major sections of the club. This is my habitual big club.

IMHO, Crobar is only winning "by default." And things are not going to change overnight.

Often, line-ups at Sully and other smaller venues/parties (ESP parties come to mind) can be just as attractive, and a bit simpler.