Local clubs alluring to area college students

by Anna Roy
Staff Writer

It is Tuesday night. Everyone is busy primping in front of their mirrors. College students everywhere are preparing themselves, putting on funky club clothes. People wear just about anything from vinyl pants, to glitter and knee-length boots. After a while, everyone is ready to let loose and party the night away at one of the various Southern California dance clubs.

Clubs in this area are plentiful, and vary in atmosphere, cost, dress code, location and music. Many University of La Verne students 'go clubbin' weekly, for others not so often.

The World Wide Web is a resource when looking for the right club. There are clubs to suit all musical interests: reggae, punk, acid jazz, house, techno, trans, metal, swing, emo, ska, 80s, blues, house, rap, and alternative. While others feature themes, like British and Gothic.

It's around midnight and people are busy dancing, swaying with the music and getting a bit tired. To take a break, they sometimes entertain themselves with the different attractions sometimes featured at clubs like darts, drag-queen shows, billiards, live entertainment, go-go dancers and fashion shows.

Another way to find the right club is by listening to the radio. Different stations like Power 105.9 FM will keep listeners regularly updated about clubs that they will be broadcasting from.

Junior liberal studies student Margaret Tipton frequents The Rox Club in Riverside. "It is small, and they always play really good music. There's always a lot of people and there is a good bar."

Tuesdays, the club is restricted to those 21 and over in age. All other nights the club is open to those 18 and over. To get on the guest list, one should arrive before 10 p.m. The Rox features a variety of music, and attracts many different types of people.

"I like meeting people that I usually wouldn't meet on a regular basis; from ravers to businessmen," said senior liberal studies student Rebecca Banta.

A country-western club with a twist is the Branding Iron in San Bernardino. The club features pop music, hip-hop and country. Freshman Renee Moore, and many ULV students go to the Branding Iron every Wednesday for College Night, when admission is free. Clubbers wear anything from cowboy hats with jeans and a t-shirt, to all-out club clothes. A highlight of the night might include a wild ride on the club's mechanical bull. Country-line dancing lessons are available on Friday and Saturday nights.

Senior communication major Jelani Kimble enjoys Elements, an underground hip-hop club. Music played at Elements typically does not get radio airplay.

"You can wear whatever, the atmosphere is relaxed. Lately, it's been growing in popularity," said Kimble.

This club includes an eight-person M.C. ''Battle' in which M.C.s show off their rhyming skills. The winner of this contest and the break-dancing contest wins $100.

If students are into Latin music, Club Florentine Gardens in Hollywood is suitable. It is also an 18 and over club. Junior Communications major Sanela Hadzihasanovic has been to the club around six to seven times.

"It's pretty cool. The atmosphere depends on which day you go. Sometimes it's nice, sometimes it's awkward and empty. They have different floors, so you will find something for people who like a variety of music. They play Latin rock, salsa, cumbias, and merengue. They also have a hip-hop and R&B floor. The dress code is enforced. You cannot walk in with jeans and tennis shoes. The price varies. They sometimes have live bands that's why the price is different. It doesn't matter where you go, as long as you go with your friends," said Hadzihasanovic.

Some tips when going clubbing include: bring identification with some extra money, have a designated driver, do not go alone, have a hand sign (to use to get away from a dancing partner who is making one uncomfortable, or to go the bathroom), have a designated spot to meet in case one gets lost, keep money in a safe place, wear something nice with comfortable shoes.

It's 4:30 a.m. and people have just realized that class starts in a mere three hours. They climb into bed, and still hear the pounding music in their ears, but quickly drift off to sleep.