Sitting at the top of the back row, its pitch dark and I can’t seem to keep a steady hand with my digital camera. I nervously start the record feature… this thing is awesome it records in HD?!?!??! I know I get easily distracted by toys! I can’t seem to comprehend the feelings I’m getting. It’s a hot muggy Sunday afternoon jammed into an auditorium where the air-conditioning seems like it can barely keep up.

Almost 4 years… and I am watching what amounts to being bigger than the Super Bowl, the Grand Slam in Tennis, March Madness and all other major events into one event that would change my life.  I see four figures march on to the stage. They are so adorable in their pink ballet costumes. There she is…

Over my illustrious career (of course saying that with a bit of sarcasm), I have had a tremendous run through many of the legendary watering holes in Chicago. I have had my fair share of partying with celebrities, to grand openings, to legendary closes like the final night at Shelter, Harry’s Velvet Room, Kaboom and Elixer to name a few. I enjoyed all these places, but since my first journey to the big bad city from the safe haven of the burbs, the nightlife has changed.

It hasn’t necessarily changed from a scene and a be seen environment, or I am not referring to the changes in the hospitality industry gearing more towards bottle service and VIP areas, I mean changes to me. I remember one of my fondest memories when I was under 21 going to Bassa Nova with a live band playing Gypsy Kings covers and a crowd of scantily dressed women with sharp looking men tore up the dance floor.  It was amazing, it was vibrant, it was spirited and I was hooked!