Roger Sanchez Photos From Josephine

Sometimes I'll bring my camera along to events that are slightly more low-key or in venues I'm not as familiar with. And in many cases, this means I come away with far fewer images than I normally shoot in the larger clubs. Such is the case with the above photo of DJ Roger Sanchez at Josephine in downtown DC.

Sanchez is a world-renowned, Grammy Award winning DJ. He's remixed superstars such as Chic, Daft Punk, Diana Ross and The Police, contributed to the soundtrack of Hollywood movie Blade, and founded 3 record labels. So calling this man a superstar isn't a crazy concept. Unless of course you're at Josephine. I hate getting all down on clubs and/or artists because I feel nightlife should be enjoyable. But we all know there are nights that just don't work and leave us feeling like we've wasted our time and our money.

I had been to Josephine once prior to this night and knew the venue was pretty small. But small micro-clubs are pretty common in the district. And in some cases (like Tattoo), the space is used wisely and creates an intimate and enjoyable party. So when I heard one of the top 20 DJs in the world would be spinning at Josephine, I was quietly optimistic. Small venues with world-class DJs can be amazing. I've been in places like Duplex SF, Bambudda Lounge, HPC and Sullivan Room NYC where a top DJ can connect with the audience and really get into their craft. Sometimes you hear things you wouldn't normally find in major clubs because the DJs feel they can be creative and push things a bit for a smaller, more dedicated crowd.

But these venues all have something going for them Josephine does not. They are all house music temples. The crowds show up on various nights to hear the music and see the DJ. They show up to Josephine to hear themselves and be seen by others. Look, I know there is that "I want to be a celebrity" element of nightlife in every city. Dudes roll into a club wearing their shades and printed t-shirts flashing money while standing at their VIP table. (Side note: why do douchebag wannabes stand the entire time at their VIP table? I've often wondered about this phenomenon. Do they think it helps them be seen above the crowd?)

I digress... I shouldn't have been surprised at the lack of interest in Roger Sanchez on this particular night. Before we could even get inside we had a young lady at the door act like she was doing us a favor by letting us past the line (even though we were on the promoters list). Her exact words were "we'll expedite you into the club but you still have to pay the cover charge." Now repeat that with a bad fake Eastern European accent and you get an idea of what we were in for.

Inside wasn't any better. Josephine is decorated with the tackiness of a French brothel thrown into the basement of a sterile office building. They have plastic chandeliers hanging over the bar, in a room with what seems like 7 ft. ceilings. And the venue is all VIP tables. So unless you feel like dishing out 1K to sit in the French brothel basement, you get to stand around like an outfielder in a no-hitter. Add to that the douchebags with hot chicks element and you see why I'm not feeling so warm and fuzzy about this particular night.

Long story short, Roger Sanchez comes in. He sets up his gear. He begins mixing tracks. No one in the club notices. They're too busy standing around with their money clip exposed adjusting their sunglasses to just the right position on their heads. My friends and I feel like we've walked into the twilight zone of nocturnal excess. Dan says to me, "this place is dead anyway." I shoot a few photos of Sanchez and we're on our way. Needless to say, I salvaged two shots from the night. Oh well!

Labels: Clubs, DJs, Entertainment, House, Nightlife

posted by DVS @ 11:29 AM