NLT Articles and Photos

   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.

    It's Saturday night and the weather is perfect.  You and your friends are hyped up and want to head out to the local hot spot.  You know exactly what you're going to wear and who you're going with.  You even know
exactly how you're going to act.  Or do you?

    Whether you're going out for a night of fun dancing with friends, or just to meet some new people; proper nightclub etiquette should always be practiced.  These guidelines will more than likely assure you to have a problem-free fun Night Life in Tucson.


1.     Clothing

    Dress the part.  It is not rare to go to a hot spot that is housing hundreds of people.  Why not dress your best?  For many, going out is a special occasion and they take pride in what they wear.  You should be no exception.  Many nightclubs will look down on you or even reject your entry into the nightclub depending on what you're wearing.  Even though Tucson is a more casual city for dressing up, you should still try to look your best.  Call the nightclub and ask what their dress code is if you're not sure.  It is always better to be over dressed than under dressed.


2.      Bouncers

    Don't be rude to the bouncers.  These are the guys that have to put up with many grumbling and impatient people waiting in line.  They work as fast as time allows and they do not need one more obnoxious person complaining under their breath on how slow they are. This is a fast way to get bounced out of line and sent elsewhere.
              
      
3.     Bar

    Bartenders are on their feet and running around all night long.  They have everybody wanting a drink and as fast as possible.  Sure, we don't like standing in line; but the more prepared you are to order your drink, the sooner you are out of there and the sooner they get to move on to the next person.

    Have your money in your hand ready to dish out.  A bartender doesn't have time to watch you fumble through your purse or wallet.  Next, instead of having each person walk to the bar each and every time, order your entire party's drink all at once.  Lastly, once your drinks are ordered, don't linger around the bar because other people want to get a drink just like you.


4.      DJ Booth

    Don't be a request pest.  The DJ knows the music, and they know it well. They understand the BPM increase and decrease; they know what works and what doesn't.  Leave the music up to them.  There is absolutely no reason to request more than one song, if you must.

        

5.      Fighting

   You really don't belong in a nightclub if all you're going to do is pick a fight. Usually hot spots are crowded and you must be flexible and easy going so try to move around crowds not into them. Yes, you're going to get bumped, stepped on, and you might even get your drink spilled Most of the time these are all honest mistakes so don't get your undies in a wad. Be polite, and offer a drink if it was you who cause it (fellas this is not a good pick-up line) because everyone is there for the same reason and that's to have a good time.  If not, you could get a one way ticket to being kicked out, in a fight, or even thrown in jail.

 
    Follow these guidelines and this should ensure you to have a fun night out with the friends and coming back for more. We'd love to hear what you think.