NLT Articles and Photos

So are you bored?  I hear this phrase every week "what is there to do in Tucson?"  Well, there are many things to do but what exactly are you looking for? The gas prices are rising as well as most things in Tucson.  How about something different, something fun, and something, dare I say it, less expensive?  Ladies and gentlemen, and all of you hoping to end your summer on a good note here are a few alternatives ways to have fun  this Summer.  I know movies are a big thing this year and especially with the new Harkins Theatre with it's digital sound and picture, but where is the romance?  There is something so annoying about going to the movies on a date or for fun where a five year is glaring at you right before you try to make your move on your date. You know what I mean because the movie night you longed for all week has been destroyed by one moment of annoyance from loud people talking in the movie theater, cell phones going off, crying children (and some adults), smells you prefer to forget, your new shoes stuck to the floor for no apparent reason, and yes, many more moments we soon would like to erase from our memory. So for all you bored people, longing for a night with no cares and perhaps a little romance here are a few alternatives, places you may not know about and should check out sometime.
    Do you like romantic nights, hanging out with that special someone under stars and having a remote picnic for two?  Then you should check out The Loft at Cinema La Placita in downtown Tucson.  Screenings happen every Thursday evening at 7:30 pm during the months of  May through October.  The plaza is located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Church Avenue in downtown Tucson. The actual address is 110 S. Church Avenue.  This movie series shows classic films like Double Indemnity, Lilies of the Field and To Kill a Mockingbird to name a few.  You can come out with some friends and watch movies under the stars.  This outside theater is a great place to take someone on a special night.  Plus it is free(donations welcome of course) and it's something different to do on a Thursday night. So, pack a dinner, blanket and enjoy a movie under the clear desert skies.  For more information or call 520-326-5282.
    How about taking a trip back into time when a Friday night was all about the drive-in? Where you and you love ones snuggled up, watched movies on a big screen and all in the comfort of your automobile.  Then De Anza Drive-in is definitely your destination.  They have four big screens to watch the latest films, a wide range of concession stand items, and two features for the price of one.  De Anza is located on 1402 South Alvernon Road.  Gates open at 6:30 pm and movies start at 7:30 pm.  For six dollars you can enjoy a movie or two in the comfort of your car with your significant other with out worrying about noisy people interrupting your night.  Plus, you have the privacy of your car and no people walking in front of you to get to seat.  And if you don't feel like spending a fortune on food you can always bring in your favorites to help set the mood. For more information and movies times call 520-745-2240.
    Do you like scary movies? Imagine going downtown to an old theater, and watching scary movies such as The Blob, The Creature from the Black Lagoon,  The Werewolf to name a few.  The Fox Tucson Theater down town is located 17 West Congress.  This theater was open in the early 1930's until it was closed down in 1974.  It has been restored to it's heyday and a beautiful place to go for watching movies or even some live music.  The cost of tickets varies but most movies cost less than eight dollars.   The theater is elegant place to take any date for a fun filled night.  Perhaps, you may want to walk further down to Club Congress for an after hours drink! 
    So, get out and explore these alternatives ways for watching movies and having fun this summer.   Remember me when your date says how romantic and inventive you are for suggesting something different.  And if you are still bored let me know and I will continue my search for events and places to check out in the old pueblo.  Have a great weekend my fellow Tucsonans!

Have fun my Night Life buddies,
Steffy

   So I begin this article with my dancing adventure at Club Monsoon in the Desert Diamond Casino. The club is located on the east end of the casino near the hotel entrance. I had heard some mixed reviews about what to expect on my visit to this club. I encountered a line outside the lobby that wrapped around the corner of the entrance. I was curious about what the big fuzz was on a Friday night. Apparently, the club had guest DJs and local radio personalities that night visiting the club. I finally entered the club and the music was blasting Snoop's old school song and there were people everywhere. My friends and I were pretty unaware of what to expect but the surprise was a welcomed one.
     The club is set up like a Vegas showroom. The main focus is the stage at the front of the club, with a dance floor and tables radiating out. The carpet is blue-black stripped and the decor was a starry night inspired desert oasis. There were candles burning and strobe lights cascading down the walls creating a collage of colors. There are two bars set up with different monsoon inspired looks. The club had no charge for entrance but make sure that you are dressed to impress. The music was loud and radiating through my own body with the various beats. There was a big projector screen set up behind the DJ playing music videos and showing off some dancing silhouettes of girls. I was surprised to see so many people of different ages and such a diverse group of people. The people were dancing in every area and I even saw an older couple stepping to Justin Timberlake's song "Sexy Back". Of course there were young people dancing as well but this older couple seemed to out dance them all. The music was ever changing from old school jams, to top 40, to salsa, to 80's music, and even rock tracks. The Fiesta DJs played all night long and I had fun just watching people interacting and dancing.
     Music really is a uniting force and it doesn't matter how old you are, the place had a very inviting atmosphere to hang out with friends, go dancing or just sit back and watch people. I had a great time that night and I don't know if this happens every night but I will definitely have to check it out some more. I should mention the cover charge may vary depending on who is playing that night at the club. So if you feel like trying something different you should give Monsoon a try and let me know what you think.

Have fun my Nightlife Tucsonans,
Steffy

Dear Reader,
         Hello my fellow Tucsonans! My next adventure into the night life experience lead me to a spot called Level Bar & Lounge on  River and Campbell.  First of all, it is always nice to have a place where young people can go and feel like they are part of an elite group of people.  There are no gangster-want-to-be thugs or hooker attired ladies in this place.  The club reminds me of an exclusive hot spot playing the hottest music from various DJs from around the city. I entered the club unaware of who or what to expect. I made my rounds visiting with friends and checking out the scene. The dance floor was electric with all the energy being given off by the music and people dancing! I saw every type of personality being represented on the dance floor. The DJ was playing some original mixes and kept the flow of energy high with his fast beats. There were good looking ladies and well dressed men (which, lets be honest, are always nice)! I flirted with the bartender (as usual) and began to make my way to the floor. I danced the night away listening to DJ John Haze mixing up the music from house to top 40's songs. I really enjoyed just being part of the sea of dancers on the floor. It got a bit crowded at times but there were plenty of places to sit down and lounge with friends both inside and out. The drinks were definitely pricey, the bathroom kind of small, and there were a few girls dressed in some scantily revealing clothing.  None the less, it felt like another universe.
          Level's interior was a golden honey kissed glow that was felt throughout the club. It reminded me of a candle lit night with fire light flickering in the background. You enter the club and encountered the fire lit fixtures welcoming you in and as well as a good looking hostess waiting to take your entrance fee into this abyss of shimmering gold. The club is set up with a big bar on the back west wall with lights showcasing the modern look of the club. The light panels are on the bar and through out the dance floor and the lounge area. There are places for people to sit down and chat on the inside as well as the outside. The patio is also arranged in a circular pattern around the main feature which is a rectangular fire place. The patio has places to sit back and take in the desert sky surrounded by white lights. I really was impressed by the over all ambiance of the place.
        What I really appreciated was the music! The music was so fabulous that even some on-lookers couldn't resist making their way onto the dance floor. I like to people watch and take in the little moments you probably have seen before. I was completely taken with this one girl who seemed less eager to take the floor with her girlfriends. I'm sure, after a few courage drinks and some coaching by her friends, she was able to let loose to Ne-Yo's "Closer" song.  I couldn't help but smile. That is one aspect of the night life that I love to see--people coming together from all walks of life and just letting go of any inhibitions in the name of having a good time. I might add she was definitely having a good night and even fell but it did not stop the flow of energy. She got up and laughed it off!   It was a good night I must say. So if you are looking for a fun place to hang out and don't mind paying a little more than usual for some fun, check out Level. By the way, I must add the staff at Level were all gorgeous! So, by all means, come in with your A-game people!  Let me know what you think and any other places you feel needs a second look by our night life staff.
Have fun my nightlife Tucsonans,
Steffy

Many of us are curious. What happened to all the 18+ spots? For many, the answer to this question is obvious.  When being 18 just a few years ago, the choices used to be plentiful.
Ok, so they're not plentiful now. Where did we go wrong?

 According to Tucson demographics the "nightlife", "going out", whatever you want to call it range fall between 18-34, more over 21-34 due to the majority of venue age restrictions because of alcohol. After this sought after question we decided to crunch some numbers. Some of the results are astounding. Our numbers reveal that roughly 30% of the total Tucson population falls between the 18-34 age range. OK, so what does this mean?
It means that almost 1 in 3 people in Tucson are within the nightlife demographic. Pretty astounding isn't it? Within this 1 to 3 ratio, there is roughly 18% that are between 18-21 years of age.
Guess what our 1 question that we get asked the most.
"Where are the 18+ clubs at?"
So for a range(between 18-21) that is nearly 1 in 5 "night owls". Shouldn't there be more 18+ spots?
Well, it really depends on who you ask.
Sure, there's a market for 18+ out there to allow roughly 40,000 more people to party.
But why wouldn't nightclubs open this market up more?
Could it be constant rowdiness? gang affiliation? shootings? or any type of non-invited drama that is all too common with 18+ spots?
It could possibly be just a lack of security at those venues perhaps. But many would speculate that a "maturity" issue could be one of the major issues at hand.
We are not here to point fingers, trust me. We just call it as we see it.
But if, and that is a big if.  If more nightclubs do start to open up to 18+ spots a little more.  What kind of effort would it take from the entire community to keep these types of venues and events flowing more and more for the 18+ crowd?

We're interested in your feedback, 18+ and 21+ are all invited. Tell us what you think.