Dubfire at Marquee Grand Re-Opening Party Reviewed

The world-renowned nightclub Marquee re-opened its doors to the New York City public last Friday. The debut featured a brand new weekly party hosted by Sleepy & Boo, staple DJs in the New York EDM underground community, with a headlining performance by the legendary Dubfire, one-half of the Grammy-award winning duo Deep Dish. The highly anticipated re-opening of the venue came on the same weekend as our own President’s second inauguration. Needless to say, the night was elektro-fying.

First, a little history; Marquee had always been known as the ultra-exclusive, super VIP nightclub in the City before it closed its doors for renovation. The crowd and the staff were infamous for their exclusive vibe. The VIP tables centered the main floor. The grandiose staircase showcased only those lucky enough to have strolled down it. Whew! Gone are those days! The staff was shockingly friendly; something so unusual for a nightclub in New York, and even more so for Marquee, that the courteous gestures of doormen, security, bartenders, and managers stood out. Don’t expect the same restrictions at the door either; fans and VIP alike stood side by side to enter. Just one word of caution - Marquee still maintains a certain standard of exclusivity in their strict enforcement of dress code so just leave the sneakers and sweaters at home.

I loved watching people’s jaws drop in awe as they entered the venue, especially after I had done the same. To your left is the DJ booth and a few VIP tables on the wall. In front of you is the bar and the mass throng of dancing peoples. To your right is a little VIP area in the back of the main floor and one of two staircases leading up to the mezzanine. Looking up to the ceiling and walls, a remarkable array of LED and strobe lights of all shapes and colors keep the spirits of the crowd heightened in beat with the music. One outstanding feature is the floor-to-ceiling slab of LED wall right behind the DJ. The cluster of VIP tables were gone to make way for the dance floor. The staircase that once drew attention split in two and now lines the sides of the club. Dancers indulged the crowd with their sultry moves on a floating platform above the DJ booth. Upstairs, the mezzanine has its own bar, lined with books, giving off a classy, elegant feel. The large VIP section of the mezz boasts two levels of tables; one table ordered well over ten bottles of champagne and tequila for a night to remember – or not.

It’s clear Marquee is a New York attraction well worth attending. The nightclub has transformed to accommodate the growing demand in upscale EDM venues, which feature spacious dance floors, excellent VIP service, and a spotlight on the DJ. Dubfire was the first to try out the club’s Funktion One sound system with the public and he had the crowd bumpin’ long into the night. One fan expressed her admiration, “New York has needed a club like this for years. It reminds me of the ones in Ibiza. Dubfire killed it. This is my new favorite spot and I can’t wait to come back.” No doubt this was an opening night for the books and promises of many more fabulous parties to come.

Up next: the other half of Deep Dish, Sharam, playing here next Friday, January 25, 2013.

Check out the Photo's HERE.