Group Therapy
Velvet ropes and Bar Twenty3
There’s always so much hype around New Year’s Eve, including the drama of planning a perfect night out. After dropping by a few smaller, private parties, a few friends and I wound our way to the “VIP” event at Bar Twenty3, the Gulch’s sleek and minimal new destination.
Owners Ben and Austin were circling the floor with magnums of Taittinger, making sure glasses were always blissfully bubbly. Seventy-five dollars got you in the place—there was a crowd limit of 200—and all the champagne and hors d’oeuvres you could absorb. Those on the VIP side could wander at will over to the come-one-come-all warehouse space.
There’s always so much hype around New Year’s Eve, including the drama of planning a perfect night out. After dropping by a few smaller, private parties, a few friends and I wound our way to the “VIP” event at Bar Twenty3, the Gulch’s sleek and minimal new destination.
Many scenesters had balked at spending $75 to “hang in a bar,” so corporate clones in dark suits dominated over the young and the funky. There were some exceptionally dressed divas, and of course some barely legals in bargain bin prom dresses. The industrial setting of the warehouse party had an old-school rave feel. “Interestingly cross-cultural,” a friend of mine said. Chunky frat types with all the wrong moves danced next to baggy clothed b-boys and pierced punklets. Dozens of Abercrombies donned silly hats, guzzled beer and worked it out by a makeshift go-go pole. Note to Benji: a short skirt and high heels does not a go-go dancer make.
And what of Bar Twenty3 in 2004? Pure and simple, it’s a gem. Kudos to you guys for breaking new ground. Good promotion and a fierce door staff could attract some national recognition and big-name talent. “Door staff?” said long-term Nashville residents. “Velvet ropes have no place here,” they said, “and Nashvillians won’t wait in line.” Oh, but they are.... Come to Bar Twenty3 on a weekend and see for yourself.
And what of Bar Twenty3 in 2004? Pure and simple, it’s a gem. Kudos to you guys for breaking new ground. Good promotion and a fierce door staff could attract some national recognition and big-name talent. “Door staff?” said long-term Nashville residents. “Velvet ropes have no place here,” they said, “and Nashvillians won’t wait in line.” Oh, but they are.... Come to Bar Twenty3 on a weekend and see for yourself.
Here’s a tale of a recent Saturday night. A fashionista friend and company arrived early to see their fave DJ’s, but got stuck in the long line. Meanwhile, a whole mess of skanks rolled up in a tacky white limo and “snuck” in the side. Twenty minutes later, two girls approached my friends and offered them money for their places in line! They left $40 richer.
Nashville’s nightlife elite are embracing Bar Twenty3 for its sophistication. The VIP cards are an excellent start. Now reward your regulars and give Nashville tastemakers a safe haven by roping off the upstairs as a VIP lounge. Let one of your smart baristas work the ropes. Or I’ll do it. “Sorry, we don’t allow polar fleece in the VIP room. House rules.” It’s as easy as that.
My New Year’s Prediction: A rise in “intelligent nightlife” in 2004. There are already whispers of chic new venues and daring parties. Plans are being hatched for new clubs in the modern, metropolitan vibe of the Gulch. In a few years I see East Nashville joining the ranks of “Billyburg,” Brooklyn, as one of the epicenters for the artsy and intelligent. More bars will open there this spring. Hipsters will continue to nurture the underground scene.
My New Year’s Prediction: A rise in “intelligent nightlife” in 2004. There are already whispers of chic new venues and daring parties. Plans are being hatched for new clubs in the modern, metropolitan vibe of the Gulch. In a few years I see East Nashville joining the ranks of “Billyburg,” Brooklyn, as one of the epicenters for the artsy and intelligent. More bars will open there this spring. Hipsters will continue to nurture the underground scene.
—By Amy Waddell
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