I'm not a big fan of LIFE. I haven't been there since Max Graham in August, and this was a semi-reluctant return. I've always found it in the past to be overcrowded, hot and sweaty with a wifebeater muscle man type crowd and dark sunglasses inside with overpriced drinks and not such a great venue.
I had a fucking blast.
Despite the water-down and overpriced drinks, despite waiting in the only line outside for quite a while in the snow before realizing we were on the GUESTLIST lineup side and then ...waiting an equal amount of time on the side where we had to pay but there were no people...Myself, Subsonic Chronic, Moez and within-without meandered into LIFE a bit after 12, our wallets fifteen bills lighter (not too steep a price to pay for Kenny G.)
We were gathered to celebrate Johanne's return to Toronto in what was christened "Johanne's New Years 2002 adventures", we even did the countdown in the cab, getting strange looks....
Myka was warming up the small crowd quite nicely (Why do they make you wait outside for so long when the place is dead inside?)
There was a nice neon sign announcing who the DJ was above the DJ booth (for those 'hear to be seen clubbers' who might not know who the actual DJ is), from what I caught of his set it was a good warmup.
The place was filling up when Kenny G. took the decks for his 6 hour set, and I must say at first I was definetly dissapointed. The first hour dragged like nails across a chalkboard, obvious record selections, long drawn out mixing....frankly it was boring. Of course the man did have 6 hours to do, and he certainly redeemed himself dropping some sweet slammin tunes for the next four or so hours that we were there. I haven't busted it out like that in a while. Me, Jo and Pete found a sweet spot in front of the stage right by the vent, thus circumnavigating LIFE's attrocious overheating problem.
I had a fuckling blast. I didn't expect too and this was one of those random nights that turns into a gem, definetly down in the record books as one of the funnest nights around. The Life staff was really helpful too, and they have the nicest washrooms in clubland...though for those allergic to smoke be warned you get a heft mix of mary jane and tobacco throughout the entire venue. And what was with closing the chill room so early? There were more then enough people there to keep it open, it's nice to have a place to escape to every now and then.
Still, I'm definetly reevaluating my opinion of LIFE, this night was incredible. It was the first time in a while I'd just wrapped myself in sexy soulful beats and danced my ass off without a care in the world. My legs are still shaking, and I can't wipe the grin from my face.
Shoutouts to:
chickpea+girlfriday- The original double trouble, the two hottest girls on the block, always with a friendly word and a huge grin, wicked too see you guys.
Alchemy+Orange Richie - You guys were as usual properly positioned at the back nodding to the music and occasionally dancing
Great to see two of toronto's sexiest locals out representing
rentboy- I still love the accent, no matter how often I ask about it
jmaggs- Tom Cruise come out of hiding and show me that grin more biznatch!
breakz_btch- My beautiful hamilton girl, Limelight washroom crew say what? Jen you gorgeous bitch, you rock, thanks for everything last night
within-without - Thanks for one of the best days I've had recently. Kensington adventures with digiridoos and whoppee cushions? Pizza and champagne crew. Thanks for putting up with my endless questions and booting it out to KG with me
Pete - You puppydog eyed bastard. You and Jo made my night, wicked hanging out with you so much lately, now get in the kitchen and make me pasta!
Moez - My beautiful sunshine girl
The glass will always be half full in your world. Thanks for *everything* including just being willing to listen when it was needed.
The night was made by seeing the infalliable mr. Subsonic Chronic wrapped happily in a white Victoria Secrets bath robe while his tshirt aired and dried on vents and his lovely girlfriend pulled out her camera.
"This is the comfiest bathrobe ever!"
~allie~
PS I still haven't gone to bed
