Where is there to go for Black folk who want to chill and hear good music?
Club Platinum was rumored to be closed, but I called there today 8/26 and they were OPEN. What is left for African American men to do after work or on a Saturday night? ( Key West?) Why does KW charge a cover? Remember the days of Voodoo, Allegro 2, Smart Place and Stars? Those under 40 probably don’t remember. Well, they may not have been the best places in the world, but at least there were choices. Now, we don’t have much of anything. So what is it going to take to get a decent, friendly, drama-free place for us to relax, socialize and maybe listen to the good ole sounds when house ruled the dance floor? Any suggestions?
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I am one of those that never got to experience those places you mentioned, but I think that Philly has a decent Black gay scene. Every Friday and Sunday night there are Black gay club nights and on some Saturday’s. Friday is at Shampoo and Sunday is at Club Heat. There are a few other people who have tried to provide venues for the community, but often times we (Black LGBT’s) don’t support those events that are for us by us.
Speaking of house music, there is a block party that happens every Sunday at the Bubble House in West Philly. It’s not specifically gay, but I have seen lots of Black gay men there, because the music is good and it’s an eclectic crowd. The energy is phenomenal there. So I think there are a few spots worth checking out.
I have heard from many folks who have been in the scene a long time, that Black gay night life in Philly today doesn’t compare to what used to be. I wish I could have experienced it, but I’m at least grateful that there are some places for us to go. In order for the scene to grow, I think we have to do better at supporting the various events that happen. It would be great to have more choices.
Yes, I agree that there a few places to go and have a good time in Philly. Those aforementioned clubs were sometimes not the most desirable places to go..( you forgot Chuck’s and My Sister’s Place) but again they felt good because we were there in numbers.
I will give you credit and thank you for listing the current options. The Bubble House sounds great because it harks back to the old Sunday afternoon throwdowns that used to happen a lot. I guess we can blame technology and "Charm School" for keeping people in the house these days. Let’s hope this fall we’ll see more folks out and about at events like the Social Hour at Club Heat from your group.
Don’t get me to talking about nightlife!!! OMG–I remember in the late 80’s when I first started going out I would hear older guys going on and on about the disco days and how they "twirled" at the garage and other spots. Now, in my mid 40’s I have become one of those guys who long for the past! Something happened around ‘95-’96 that began changing the landscape. In my opinion, I think it was the advent of the "DL" culture and the fact that so many people were dying of AIDS at the time. Slowly, it became unfashionable to listen to and dance to house music because thats what the "fags" did. You would go to clubs that had been hot at one time and suddenly everyone wanted to stand around the walls…in cliques…not socializing really..and the only people getting their lives on the floor were the old heads and the queens vogueing. Next thing you know, you can’t even hear good House anymore…the DJ’s that were left played the same music week after week…and the House set was a SMALL portion of the evening…while the rest of the night was relegated to hip-hop or raggae…neither of which I’m a fan of. So–men entering their late 30’s -40’s now don’t care to club..only going to a handfull of bars that cater to Blk men..and even they have become tiresome. There is a lack of socialization, as I mentioned, and a whole new generation of young gay men who are not learning social skills from older peers. It would be nice to go out again….loose it on the dance floor….drench yourself in sweat…hardly having room to move because its so jammed packed..getting your grind and feel on at the same time!! Meeting new people, new dates….going to breakfast at 5am after the club…..ooooohhhhh wellllllllll.
You are right Longskeet, those were definitely the days. I do believe that it is true that none of these guys today want to dance or just groove to the music. Also, many people ( not me my dear) were also very Fu–ked up on the dance floor and danced alone or in groups. That would be considered so uncool these days. Well, at least there are memories and there will always be the music.