Starting from Scratch
A dance music fan enjoys new york city nightlife from a new perspective: behind the turntables.
SPIN CONTROL The writer makes her debut as a DJ
© MICHAEL ALEXANDER
BUST A MOVE
ALL DRESSED UP AND NO PLACE TO GO? SKIP THE MEGACLUBS AND HEAD TO THESE SPOTS KNOWN FOR ATTRACTING HIP CROWDS.
THE BELL HOUSE
Everything from concerts to dance parties (like CHERYL, which The New York Times recently dubbed an “infectious brand of dime-store dementia”) are well worth the trip to this cavernous 1920s warehouse, which celebrates two years as one of Brook- lyn’s most exciting event spaces this fall. 149 7th St, Brooklyn; 718-643-6510; www.thebellhouseny.com
(LE) POISSON ROUGE
This intimate Greenwich Village concert hall/danceteria/bar/art gallery books everything from cutting-edge jazz musicians to DJs from all over the globe. The “I Love Vinyl,” “The Freedom Party” and “Crooked Disco” dance events are especially good for gettin’ down. 158 Bleecker St; 212-505-3474; www.lepoissonrouge.com
LOVE
Tucked beneath a barbershop and sporting no signage, Love plays host to DJs from rave’s heyday at weeklies like Konkrete Jungle, the world’s longest-running drum ‘n’ bass party. It also offers monthlies like BlkMarket Membership (techno) and Dub War (dubstep). The cavern-like space sports a waterfall, the strangest lounge area you’ve ever seen and what many believe is Manhattan’s best sound system. 179 MacDougal St; 212-477- 5683; www.musicislove.net
SANTOS PARTY HOUSE
Co-owned by quirky rocker Andrew W.K., this dimly lit, two-level Chinatown venue invites an eclectic crowd to dance at parties including Discovery (disco), Que Bajo?! (cumbia/dancehall), reOPENed (hip-hop) and Trouble & Bass (heavy bass of all stripes). 96 Lafayette St; 212-584-5492; www.santospartyhouse.com
BROOKLYN BOWL
Where else can you groove to “nu-disco” tunes spun by the likes of super-hip DFA DJs or catch a set by rappers of Talib Kweli caliber while eating artisanal fried chicken and bowling in a LEED-certified building? The Roots’ legendary drummer ?uestlove has a Thursday night residency, where he plays rare hip-hop, house and ’80s cuts. 61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn; 718-963- 3369; www.brooklynbowl.com
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
Located in the heart of Williamsburg, this no-frills club has live bands and DJs performing in its two rooms almost every night, from the disco party Play It Loud! to The Bunker, a haven for hardcore techno heads. 70 N Sixth St, Brooklyn; 718-384-4586; www.publicassemblynyc.com
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