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950 W. Wrightwood
Review by D-Jam
Since the 1970’s, the building that houses Club 950 has undergone many changes and a few names. The most recent incarnation of this nightspot has a more modern feel thanks to new managers Erin Sharpe and Antonio Lauria. Now don’t suddenly think that the old days of retro/industrial/gothic/alternative have left this club. To be honest, the club is now modernized for the new millennium and it hasn’t lost a beat yet.
As you enter through the entrance, the entire room is colored black for a dark, mysterious ambience. A long bar encompasses the wall to the left with dim red lights illuminating the bar itself. Tables and stools are placed along the right wall. The crowd can be a mix of college students, gothic industrialites, and even rave kids; meaning that on one barstool, there could be a student wearing shorts and a DePaul sweatshirt and another person clad in leather and white face paint would be seated on the next stool.
The wall that once separated the bar from the main room has been opened to
give the club more space. A medium-size dance floor covers the center of the room with
brand new lights and a sound system that could blow the roof off the entire building. To
the left are easy chairs, couches, and tables for those who want to relax with a drink. To
the right are tables and stools for those who need a break. The DJ booth and restrooms are
to the back. Next to the DJ booth is a new room for billiards enjoyment. “We’re
not really trying to TOTALLY change the place” states manager Antonio Lauria.
“Every month, we’re going to take a part of the club and improve on it. There no
sense in doing a COMPLETE overhaul when small improvements are all that’s
needed.”
He’s right about that. Small improvements may have been what made 950 a better place, but there is one big improvement in the club. Where a well-lit room with three pool tables once stood, the Lounge took over. Erin and Antonio went and completely remodeled this area and in effect, made it a popular place to hang out. The interior of the Lounge is dim, ambient, and yet artistic. Cocktail tables, couches and easy chairs fill the room for relaxation. The Lounge even has its own DJ booth, bar and events. “It’s a lot better than the old pool room.” says manager Erin Sharpe “Regulars now will come in to 950 head straight to the Lounge, and not show their faces in the main room until last call. Plus, many outside parties are constantly throwing functions in the Lounge.”
Planet Earth Thursdays still have a home at Club 950. DJ Dave Roberts takes us back to the days of big hair and MTV with his full mix of new wave, ska, rockabilly, punk, and gothic. In the Lounge, DJ Bobby Marley spins his own classics blend of everything from the popular to the obscure.
Hardrive Fridays are a new night to Club 950. Former Dome Room resident DJ Jeff Moyer pounds out his best in underground and rave dance music in the main room. He Lounge becomes the Wax Lounge with DJ Waxy’s diverse mixing and Waxy Woo drinks.
Network Saturdays are also a new feature of Club 950. Six DJs (Greg Haus, Pulz-8, Abe!, Christopher Robin, Antonio Lauria, and Chris Gin) do their finest to move you with trance, techno and anything else that’s progressive. DJ Rat tosses on the alternative music in the lounge while Boa pours the drinks.
Think that the dark side of Club 950 has left? Think again. Sunday Salvation is 950’s permanent Industrial/Gothic night. Host Evil Eric invites all to make a trip to the club to support the scene. He offers Blavod Vodka (Black Vodka from England) and other drinks served by superstar bartenders Jeff Damnit and Boa. The main floor’s sound is ruled by DJ Rat while DJ Carrie Monster slams the Lounge with gothic vibes. This could very well become the place in the city for Chicago’s gothic scene!
Despite the new feel, this is still place for those who don't buy into the big deal corporate nightclub. The cover is generally $5 after 10 PM on Thursdays through Sundays. Plus, some of the celebrities that come into this place is making 950 a bigger hotspot in Chicago’s club scene. After their big concert at the Rosemont Horizon, Depeche Mode came in to 950 to chill out. Plus, the management is bringing in big DJ names like Paul Van Dyk to spin guest spots. Pretty cool.
Club 950 is located at 950 W. Wrightwood on Chicago's north side. For more info, call 773.929.8955.
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