Doom Gloom night at the Wave, Norfolk, Virginia

Doom Gloom @ the Wave
http://www.thewavenorfolk.com/ * 4107 Colley Ave in Norfolk Virginia.
Nestled in a neighbourhood on the coast of Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia lies a neat little gay club called “The Wave”. On tuesday nights it hosts Norfolk’s only Goth/Industrial night called “Doom Gloom”. 18 plus, 10-2, great music and drink specials, lots of dancing and socializing. 2 rooms and a smoke patio, even though smoking is still allowed in the club (as it appears most establishments in Virginia) and a pool room. The younger crowd is a bit more raver than goth, light sticks seem to be a common theme, but the music selections will cover old school tastes without contemplation. During my 5/20/08 visit I had fun especially as I ran into an old friend and partied the night away. Good times. Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

light stick haven

03.22.08, Part III: Granville, Kitto, Bubble Tea, Wall Center, UBC @ Robson Square

Saturday, 22 March 2008 - Part 3 * Vancouver, British Columbia
It’s been an interesting day here in Vancouver. Strolling on the beach in the morning, a wild pillow fight at Robson square, and then a moment of being faminished and needing to search out sushi and Bubble Tea. What a popular combination. Plus this is going to be my sushi diet weekend - not intended, its just how it worked out. There is nothing more divine in this world than Sushi, but perhaps Sushi in the Pacific Northwest where its fresh and its produced by the heart of Asian culture in the New World.

Wandering around downtown Vancouver is always a wonderful thing to do, so many sights to see, and alot of culture to breathe in.

Tokyo Joes * 955 Helmcken Street * Vancouver BC V6Z 2S5 * 604.689.0073
An interesting little Japanese restaurant chain in Vancouver. It’s odd because there is a really chic chain called Tokyo Joes in Denver Colorado that’s upbeat and expanding. Seeing this little plain joint in Vancouver when used to the really artsy one in Colorado was kind of a “huh?” slap across the cheek. So now i ponder is this the original one and the Colorado folks ripped the idea off of them, or did the Vancouver folks rip off the Denver folks. Curious. I’ve heard its good in Vancouver but didn’t get a chance to try it out. I know the un-associated ones in Denver are fabulous and to the point that I’m a Joe-addict.

Granville Street * Vancouver, British Columbia * http://www.granvillestreet.com/
Ah Granville street, oh how I have missed thee. So many memories from the days that I used to roam around this artsy and entertainment bustling center of downtown Vancouver. I also remember back in the day when the city of Vancouver wanted to relocate all of the nightclubs in the city to just this street which of course never succeeded. During the years that I lived in Vancouver this was one of my shopping and dining tromping grounds. I’d hit up the coffee shops, the restaurants, and even some of the nightlife with shows at the Vogue, Gothic cheers at one of the pubs, and when Luvafair first moved to the Plaza for some britpop and 80’s fun. For the visitor or resident of Vancouver, this is a hotspot of activity for pub crawling, club dancing, unique and alternative culture shopping, arts, shows, concerts, and as well as some of Vancouver’s notorious seediness and pandhandlers. Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5. Visited almost daily during my last visit 3/26-3/31 as I was staying nearby, and quite often when I was living in Vancouver.

Vogue Theater * 918 Granville St., Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2 * http://www.voguetheatre.com/
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/139279. In the heart of downtown Vancouver lies the historical remains of the Vogue theater. The Vogue is surrounded by many myths and legends especially amongst it’s association with being haunted. Many famous people have walked through these doors. In 2006 it was closed as its web site still professes. It is however still a very active theater with live music, comedy acts, and shows every weekend. In 1941 it was a monument of sophisticated art deco design and home to the arts. It housed 1200 seats that presented Vancouver’s hottest acts and talent through the years. It still is one of those hotspots. Conveniently located right on the main bus station route, its a hotspot of Vancouver’s heritage for events of all kinds and varieties. While I’ve never seen the ghosts that haunt these seats, I did however have some memorable moments of entertainment within those walls. Rating 5 stars out of 5.

UBC on Robson Square * 800 Robson Square * Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 3B7 * 604.822.3333 * http://www.robsonsquare.ubc.ca/
When I first went to the University of British Columbia, the only place I could attend college in Vancouver was their main campus over by Pacific Spirit Park / Wreck Beach / Spanish Banks just west of Jericho Beach. But during my Multimedia studies, UBC decided to open a branch at Robson Square. I remember it was desired as well as controversial. Visiting the School 6-7 years later, I saw major improvements and that the campus took over the underground area that resides below Robson Street. UBC of course offers stimulating arts and humanities courses, leading edge technology programs, live performances, international events, and public forums at this location while providing a unique and metropolitan environment for the student being beneath the Fashion and arts district of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. The classrooms were high tech and spacious when I attended, I’m sure they’ve done nother other than improve. Recently Visited 3/22/08. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel * 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2R9 * 604-331-1000
I can only compliment the architectural design of this building as I didn’t stay here during my visit to Canada, nor have I ever. But for those who enjoy architectural design and monuments, the Wall center is some eye candy in that arena. Its located within walking distance from the fashion and commerce districts of Vancouver possessing a dynamic view of the ethereal supernatural beauty that Vancouver is well known for - from the heights of its uppermost floors one can see all of Vancouver, the Bay, the harbour, Canada Place, Grouse and Cypress mountain. This building is a monument of mirrored glass windowns with a soothing courtyard holding spectacular gardens, cascading water, and Roman-styled hand-laid paving stones mixing modern architecture with classical beauty. From the outside, this looks like a plush and comfortable place to stay. For more information, see www.sheratonvancouver.com. Rating of architectural design: 4 out of 5; Rating of Hotel: Unknown. Viewed 3/22/08.

Bubble Tea Booth * On Burrard Street between Robson and Georgia * Vancouver, B.C.
I’m sorry I don’t have the name of this little booth and an internet search provided no success. There is a little hole-in-the-wall (literally) booth just East of Robson on Burrard street (left side when facing Canada Place) that is more of a kiosk or booth than a restaurant. You can get really cheap pre-made sushi packs, sodas, tea, candy, ice cream, and of course home-made Bubble Tea. The Coconut tea was fabulous. Its a nice quick cheap snack / lunch alternative hotspot in the busy fashion and commerce district. Great for budget travel since most restaurants in the area cost an arm and a leg. Rating 4 stars out 5 for the Bubble Tea; 3 stars out of 5 for the Sushi. Visited 3/22; 3/26; 3/28/2008.

Kitto Japanese House * 833 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia * 604-687-6622
Kitto is in the heart of Granville street just around the corner from Robson. Its a busy, brisk, and small joint right off the main drag known as Granville where many of the nightclubs, bars, unique shops, and entertainment reside. The combo’s are pretty good and its recommended to finish off the meal is some good green tea ice cream. This particular visit (I’ve been here many times) I was running late and joining my group of friends after they were half done with their food. I had to tell a waitress twice i wanted to order, but once it got through i was a new addition to the table, they were really quick with getting my food out. The Unagi was pretty good as well as the Vegetable tempura. They also have a good selection of Vegetarian dishes and sushi. The fish tastes pretty fresh. Average price of Sushi $10-20. Review: 4 stars out of 5. Visited 3/22/08.

Chronos @ Club Five, Washington, D.C.

Chronos @ Club Five, Thursdays Goth * Industrial * EBM * Futurepop * 80’s * Darkwave *
1214 B 18th Street NW, Washington DC, 20036 * Livejournal & Myspace and ChronosDC.com.
DJ’s: Dirty B, 2501, guest DJ Aaron Hart. Cover $6.
Birthed from Alchemy, Chronos is One of D.C.’s favorite and most popular Goth nights, located dowtown off 18th street, just a jaunt from the White House. Hosted every Thursday in the 3-floor club Five; all of the locals I spoke to through the evening swore this was the best club night for this theme in the D.C. area. Some claimed it’s the only night they go to, while others stated they also attended Bound (Fetish night on fridays) and Midnight (Saturdays), which are the other hotspots of activity in town. The first floor hosts the dance floor - dance lights with the DJ’s above, and a catwalk/balcony above from the 2nd floor. Bar downstairs with ample booths and comfortable seating spaces. Plenty of room to dance. Main bar downstairs. Next floor up, is a medium sized bar, with booths, bathrooms, coat check, and the catwalk overlooking the DJ booth and dancefloor. Very top floor, is a rooftop patio with yet another bar. Doors open at 9 pm, and Open bar (free drafts and wells) from 9-10 make the club thrive early. Some of the friendliest and talented bartenders on staff in town. In fact, Bartender Jay was highly recommended as the best bartender in D.C. by more than a handful of patrons - and I couldn’t agree more. Drinks strong, and well done. The community is extremely friendly, easy to talk with, make new friends, and no one seemed isolated unlike many of the clubs on the west coast where it can take a stranger some time to meet others. Excellent sound and ambience, and extremely talented DJ’s. They served excellent music, selections, and fulfilled all the requests I was I aware of. Top job! Very enjoyable and very recommended. Will return to whenever I’m back in D.C. 4.5 stars out of 5. Visited 1/11/2007.

more photos below, including a few regulars that attend the evening … and bartender Jay! (so you know who to request drinks from!)

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Merchant’s Cafe, Seattle, WA

Merchant’s Cafe
109 Yesler Way • Seattle, Washington • (206) 624-1515
One of Seattle’s oldest and most historic restaurants, nestled into the heart of one of many of Seattle’s historic districts, in the birth epicenter of Seattle’s famous Pioneer Square. Excellent food and great drinks. At least with former management. It has apparently changed hands recently. They used to have really good fish and chips, and the Black Orchid drink specials during Confessional night’s were potent and mind-numbing. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Lipgloss @ La Rumba, Denver, Colorado

“Lipgloss” @ Club La Rumba
Every Friday - 99 W. 9th Ave. • 303 -572-8006 • One block west of Broadway • $5 Cover after 10 • 21+ Only • $2 G&Ts • $2 PBRs
http://www.denver3.com/index.html

DJ’s Michael Trundle and Tyler Jacobson I took a break from Church: Friday’s, and hit one of my favorite Britpop/Mod/Rock nights in Colorado … it was a chilly walk from the church down ice covered streets on this fine cold December evening. But our crew were ready to roll. Club Rumba where “Lipgloss” - Denver’s hottest Brit pop night springs to life every friday night. Free cover before 10 pm, and $2 gin wells and PBR’s …. its a night of good affordable fun. The place was packed, noted quite a few regulars, dancing was fantastic. Music was good. The Staff of La Rumba were incredible and drinks certainly affordable. The DJ’s were fantastic and addressed inquiries and requests quickly and very friendly - knowing their stuff, I’d recommend them for any event. The Denver3.com. It’s always good to get my fix. We danced for hours and skipped out on the Church (our original destination) as the fun was never ending at Lipgloss, and so were the flirts. Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Visited 12/15/06.

Previous reviews: Technogypsie 12/3/2006, Wander Words: 8/19/2006, The Single Life: 12/3/06, The Single Life: 6/17/2006, Virtualtourist.

The Church - Goth Fridays, Denver, Colorado 12/15

The Church, Fridays (Denver, Colorado)
http://www.coclubs.com/church/churchMain.html
1160 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80203 * 303-832-2383 * churchmanager@coclubs.com
Located in a artsy art-deco cathedral, this multi-roomed/ multi-bar club has an ambience worth dying for. With a delicious sushi bar in one of the back rooms, this bar has it all. I originally visited the venue during the Colorado Dark Arts Festival and had an incredible time at their establishment. Sunday nights they have Goth in the basement and hiphop up above. Fridays, there is a derivative of sundays in which 1 (instead of 2 (the other had hiphop)) of the downstairs rooms hosts Goth/Industrial/EBM. Music is enchanting, though the mish-mash of sub-cultural patrons, not as favorable as club nights when everyone is of like-mind and like-dress, but fun nonetheless. We didn’t stay this last friday as long as usual, but its been a good night. Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5. Visited 12/15/06

 

Previous reviews: Technogypsie 12/3/2006, Wanderwords: 12/3/2006, The Single Life: 8/19/06, The Single Life: 5/13/06, Virtualtourist.

Burlesque as it Was, Denver, Colorado

  Burlesque as it Was
http://www.burlesqueasitwas.com/
Bender’s Tavern, 314 E 13th, Denver, Colorado 303.861.7070
Special Event: Friday, 12/8/06
What a special treat … a travel up to see my friends “Big John Bates and the Voodoo Dolls” play at Bender’s in Denver, to discover a incredible and wonderful burlesque troupe “Burlesque as it was” opening up … what a awe-inspiring assortment of acts and skits, as the beautiful and lustrous women tantalized the audience. This troupe has been enchanting their audiences since 1998 from San Diego to New York, centered in Denver, Colorado. They became one of the first Neo-Burlesque Troupes in North America and are still considered to be one of the preeminent and most influential troupes today. Directing the group, Michelle Baldwin, is also author of the definitive book on neo-burlesque called “Burlesque and the New Bump-n-Grind.” If you get a chance to see this troupe, definitely don’t miss their show, you’ll regret missing such a fantastic assortment of acts. Highly recommended! Rating: 5+ stars out of 5.

photos © 2006 Technogypsie.com

…. photos © 2006 Technogypsie.com

The Church - Goth Fridays, Denver, Colorado

The Church, Fridays (Denver, Colorado)
http://www.coclubs.com/church/churchMain.html
1160 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80203 * 303-832-2383 * churchmanager@coclubs.com
Located in a artsy art-deco cathedral, this multi-roomed/ multi-bar club has an ambience worth dying for. With a delicious sushi bar in one of the back rooms, this bar has it all. I originally visited the venue during the Colorado Dark Arts Festival and had an incredible time at their establishment. Sunday nights they have Goth in the basement and hiphop up above. Fridays, there is a derivative of sundays in which 1 (instead of 2 (the other had hiphop)) of the downstairs rooms hosts Goth/Industrial/EBM. Music is enchanting, though the mish-mash of sub-cultural patrons, not as favorable as club nights when everyone is of like-mind and like-dress, but fun nonetheless. Drinks were good, sushi was good, and upstairs in the Cathedral main dance room had more techno, trance, rave - some paid dancers and an incredible acrobatic act. It was a good night. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

 

Sanctuary’s Something Wicked This Way Comes “7″, Vancouver, B.C.

Sanctuary’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes” Halloween Party
http://www.sanctuarysunday.com/
Celebrities, 1022 Davie Street, Vancouver, B.C. (604) 681-6180
Annual Party
One of the most wicked Halloween Parties in North America - Sanctuary, the weekly Goth Night for Vancover, brings you a bash you’ll never forget, each year towards Halloween - this year spinning 80’s, retro, electro, industrial, and alternative. Each year, it gets bigger and bigger - and the prizes are incredible - with over a $1,000 in prizes. Great music by DJ’s Pandemonium, Catherinna, Pyxis, this year sending a farewell to the talents of Pyxis who is moving on. The decorations are incredible as Pandemonium and Mr. Dark go to outlandish extremes to stimulate your eyeballs for their blood-curdling brew. Music vending booth and a photo booth that gothic.bc.ca runs at the event for those who forgot their own cameras. Highly recommended venue, and one of the best alternative nights in North America. Rating: 5+ stars out of 5.

More Photos Here

The Dancefloor photos © 2006 Technogypsie.com

Bodies Everywhere …. photos © 2006 Technogypsie.com