Vibealite - Venue 44 - Rave Review

Club Review - Vibealite - Venue 44

The Line up:  Seduction 11-12, Kenny Ken 12-1, DJ Rush 1-2, Fergus 2-3, Dougal 3-4, Slipmatt 4-5, Ratty 5-6, Mongoose 6-7, Stu Allen 7-8.   MC’s Magika, Peter Pan, Scarlet and Natz.

At 11pm the queue was still stretching down the street, it was quite cold and I felt a little disappointed for the people who had not purchased their tickets - and I knew they would not gain entrance, the tickets had all sold 2 weeks earlier. So good is the Krafty Crew’s reputation and respect amongst the local party goers, and others who do not travel the distance. I was greeted at the door by Martin and Gary (organisers) and was amazed to hear them speaking to the party goers calling them sir and madam, not with sarcasm, but with Respect!

The security was friendly, polite but firm, searches were done efficiently and quickly, groups of 4 people were let in at a time, which didn’t mean a long wait to get in.

Bars for alcoholic drinks and soft drinks were well positioned throughout the club (2 floors) they even have hospitality people who take care of guests requirements through the night!

I was given a guided tour by Richard (Hospitality Manager) which was very informative. Thanx nice one, I was then left to my own devices and wandered around the chill out area downstairs, where hot and cold food as well as drinks were served all night long, and video footage on TV’s. The atmosphere was very friendly and lots of happy smiling faces were everywhere I went.

In the main room a scaffolding platform had been erected along the right wall, stairs led up to it and was filled up with more happy smiling faces, it worked very well, with a great view.

Screens hung from all the walls and back stage, lasers, strobes, scans, (loads of lights) were used to their full advantage by the crew (nice show). The stage was full of more happy smiling faces all going for it. The sound was clear, loud and clear, well sorted.

Big golden suns, The Krafty Crew’s logo’, hung from the ceiling, as well as light reflective painted balls etc. Mirrors were placed to enhance lasers and lights very effectively. The bar staff were friendly and obviously enjoying themselves too, as they boogied behind the bar, nice one girls, Respect - go on!

Meanwhile back at the party everything was under way, the party was now in true form, the buzz and vibe was well good, and I felt the old buzz from long ago.

Martin had told me earlier on they were putting the Fun back into raving, with a capital ‘F’, I knew he had created the correct line up of DJ’s to reflect how it used to be, a little of everything throughout the night which pleased the crowd and me no end.

Every taste in music had been catered for, and just about every type of House music was at some stage played during the night. The Jock’s and MC’s billed to play - all did their slots. Listings of all the Jock’s and MC’s for the night were placed on the walls for everyone to see and maybe read!

Some of the Jock’s and MC’s could be found amongst the other partiers going for it too - this was a proper party, with everyone enjoying themselves. Martin and Gary were also going for it - on the floor - they knew the score, putting funny hats on - glasses with lights, smiling - dancing and talking with everyone, shaking hands and having a really good time - big Respects Krafty Crew.

Having spoken to Martin for some time on the phone after the party, I gained an insight into their strategy or policy.

They always choose their own DJ’s if they haven’t heard him or her play for a time, they will go and listen to him play before they book him, if he fits in with their recipe. If not then he wont be on!

Also they have a list of DJ’s who have played in the past but because of "Attitude", will not play at their party again.

They stated, "It’s a party, if we lose sight of that, then we may as well give up, we can only enjoy our parties the way they are, so we do the best we can and give everyone what they want.

A party to enjoy, feel safe and happy and go home on a high. If we find anyone with attitude we ask them to leave. We don’t want it and wont have it in our club with our friends."

Most people, too many to mention, came up to me that night asking, "First time? Best club out!" What do you think? Brilliant, ace etc. In a word they loved it, came to them all, and didn’t want it to stop - ever. Whistles/horns were everywhere, as were light sticks.

The Krafty Crew were now walking round the floor with trays of freshly cut oranges - nice touch, nice one.

DJ Sy came up to the club for a night out, and looked as if he enjoyed himself too.

The venue was full to capacity - and no more, Martin said, "It’s not worth it, you don’t enjoy it as much if it’s packed, so we don’t do it."

You may be interested to know that the Krafty Crew have just invested a considerable amount of dollars, in a machine that produces tapes for them. That is so quick, that by the time a DJ has finished his set they are on sale downstairs! And in the shops the next day! And they go like hot grass cuttings too!!

With the music policy and attitudes towards their friends, and what they are doing, the Krafty Crew will continue to grow. And with their growth the vibe is still alive and increasing - again.

One lad had been left behind by this posse, who thought that he had gone, so Martin promptly put him in his car and took him home! There’s a person who I for one, am glad to have as a friend.