After all the hype and a few cancelled shows, the delayed opening of the "game-changing" NYC nightclub District 36 recieved less than rave reviews. The club, which had been advertising itself as a true nightclub for music heads, was turning away party-goers at the door on opening night, telling them that the nightclub was bottle-service only--exactly what the club did not want to become. However, by the looks of the Timo Maas show this past Friday night, and a few tweets revealing a "friendlier front-door staff" it seems as though the D36 we were all anticipating is on its way to living up to its buzz.
After the first night's debacle, owner Damien Distasio had a few things to say about the drama...
"Actually, i am very unhappy and absolutely furious at how the door was run. It was a complete fucking disaster. I had built this place with the vision that it is and always will be a dance club. The door was an absolute disgrace, and the doorman has been fired, the bottle service girl has been fired, and the security personnel will be completely restructured with all new personnel. Inside the venue, where I expected the issues, seemed to go very nicely. People were dancing, drinking, and enjoying themselves, which is what is supposed to happen! The complaints, I am fully aware of and have been addressed. I myself am completely distraught at how people were treated, and what that incompetent fucking idiot of a door person did and said to people is completely UNACCEPTABLE. I even fired the fucking idiot who recommended him to me!!! I assure this will not happen again and i look forward to people having and making some memorable experiences on this dancefloor."
On a good note, the sound and lighting systems have been getting some incredible feedback (I mean, do you see the size of that speaker?!). Those who were able to get on the inside were dancing and having an amazing time, so all may not be lost.
It would be a shame to see this perfectly-sized, audio/lighting masterpiece go to waste (especially with all of the incredible talent they have on the lineup). Hopefully with the personnel change and a couple test-runs under their belt District 36 can be the cool, techno-loving dance club it was intended to be and start living up to all its buzz.