New York’s nightlife is all about the drama. Its history is paved with legendary party spaces sold out to retail promoters, disgraced superstar DJ’s forgotten into retirement, long-running marathon parties shut down by the police, hidden underground parties killed when discovered by hordes of tourists and gawkers...

The Loft, The Sanctuary, The Gallery, 12 West, Flamingo, Studio 54, The Paradise Garage, The Saint, The Sound Factory, The Palladium, Avalon, Twilo, The Roxy, Crobar… these clubs have provided a haven for generations of partygoers, a place to dance, rejuvenate and come together in celebration of life and love. For their patrons, these clubs becomes a part of their home, the place where they would meet, weeks-in and weeks-out, fellow members of their extended family, to dance the weekend away, sheltered from all the hardships and homophobia from the day life. But the fate of these parties, no matter how eternal we would like them to be, is always marked by their untimely demise.

Venues invariably attract and then lose their core crowds. Sometimes it is because a better alternative has opened up in another part of town, or they were shut down by the city administration for some dubious pretense.

Being part of the club scene in New York can bring you much joy and memorable experiences. But it is also being constantly reminded that nothing is eternal, as we see our playgrounds being taken away and disappear into history.

I hate Mondays

Sunday 01.11.09