Club Night Review: Wigwam at Triple Crown

Wigwam
Triple Crown
Last Seen: March 16, 2009
Recurring Club Night? 1st and 3rd Mondays every month.
Better than: Tipi's and rivaling tribes.

Usual suspects Nate Always and Parker Day's party, "Wigwam," debuted at the Triple Crown bar Monday night, and we can safely say that the theme was completely and absolutely irrelevant. Mr. Always tells us this was done on purpose:

"We wanted themes that are just a joke; random-ass, no pretense, and just bizarre," said he. "We decided there was no connotation good or bad to a wigwam, and we were tired of names like 'hot and sweaty' or 'sexy lady.' It was something neutral." Fair enough.

A throwback to elementary school social studies, wigwams are comparable to igloos but composed of foliage and animal skins. In a venue with disco balls, antique lamps and chandeliers, the correlation between wigwams and Triple Crown could not be any more random-- they are polar opposites. 

As a prelude to the evening's live entertainment, DJ Ugly Norweigan primed the crowd with funk and soul, giving chatty patrons a nice backdrop of noise while dancers looked mildly confused under the grand, sparkling chandeliers above the dance floor. When clubs are incessantly playing Rhianna or Lady Ga Ga, the classics can be a bit jarring.

"Nate basically said this whole night is play whatever the f--k you want," said the DJ.

Oddly enough, that's exactly what the DJ did, and while I appreciated Murder City Devils followed by Beyonce, it appeared that a semi-vacant dance floor spoke for the crowd.

Did I mention there was a band? Bridez also played a set, giving us a sound similar to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The lead singer sparkled and stumbled around the floor with her drink wearing a gold-sequined top, but managed to stay on key.

The venue itself was the Octavia Lounge in it's former incarnation. Not having actually been to the Octavia Lounge, I can only speak for the decor in Triple Crown. Fairytale chandeliers hang from the ceiling, leather couches line the walls edging the dance floor, and 2x2 black tables with candles parallel the couch. The venue is not especially large, but because of the open spaces, it gives you room to breathe and hardly feels cramped. Located at the back of the building is a smoking patio equipped with barbed wire atop the fence encasing its smokers, so careful now! Some advice: If you have a small bladder, S.O.L. on bathroom lines; there's only one stall per gender.

On a final note, a meticulous eye for detail would have noticed the homage to the theme: Parker Day and some random girl's feather earrings.

Critic's Notebook:

Personal Bias: I took the History of California and Native Americans in college. Twice.

Random Detail: Stop confusing us and take down the enormous Octavia Lounge sign on the building.

By the Way: Future parties are planning to have a keg in the middle of the dance floor. Free booze (with your cover)!