EVENTS:We kicked off MLVC 2002 on Friday August 16th (Madonna's 44th birthday!!) with a gathering of convention goers from 6pm to 8pm in the hotel's Conference Center. Then it was off to the recently-renovated Menjos from 9pm to 2am for the Retro-Madonna Opening Night Birthday Bash. In celebration of 20 years of Madonna History, DJ Barney from Philadelphia spun classic Madonna (and other) music from the 80's, all night long. There was a huge birthday cake and a look-a-like contest at midnight.
At 9pm on Saturday was our second night at Menjos (once again, featuring DJ Barney from Philadelphia). The Menjos party continued celebrating with Madonna music all night long, including some hot new sounds from New York.
CLICK HERE to view an advertising poster for the Madonna birthday bash at Menjo's!
TIMEWORN MENJO'S GETS NEW LOOK, NEW SOUNDS
BY DAVID B. LIVINGSTONE
FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER
The Lowdown: Menjo's is one of the more venerable -- some would say timeworn -- names on the area gay scene, having served as a gay gathering place for the better part of a third of a century. The club itself has been in existence since the '40s, operating as an Italian restaurant before an early-'70s changeover.
Now Menjo's is evolving again; new owners Jimmy Dowdle and Jeff Hobbie have spurred a rebirth of sorts, yanking out the old, mirrored glam-era interior ("a cha-cha palace," as Dowdle puts it) and replacing it with smart new decor and a pumping sound system. The result has been a marked resurgence, making Menjo's viable competition for newer establishments such as Cobalt and the Temple to the north.
Atmosphere: Loud, comfortable and decidedly cruisy. The largely open floor plan lends itself to continual circulation, and a relaxed, faintly collegial feel is lent by groups of regulars and staff who clearly know one another. While appearances certainly count, there's a lot less posturing and attitude than at some of the newer hangouts.
Crowd: Roughly 90 percent male, slightly older than the typical dance-club demographic, with most patrons situated squarely in their mid-20s (although a few clearly surpass that by four decades or so). An influx of male and female straights has been drawn by the club's ace DJs and terrific sound system.
Decor: Pretty spiffy, though some may quibble with the austere Euro influences. Drawing equally from Bauhausian industrial tradition and moody minimalism, and with the faintest splash of Studio 54 whipped in for added texture, the new Menjo's is an aesthetically pleasant though somewhat spartan experience. The drop ceilings and a wall or two have disappeared, lending a sense of spaciousness; exposed corrugated metal, no-nonsense gray paint, and caged factory-style incandescent light fixtures -- suitably dimmed for effect -- are the predominant design elements. The bar is an angular island flanked by a game room, the entryway and the large and loud dance floor to the rear.
A highlight is an enclosed courtyard, augmented by small trees and a few tables and chairs -- a great place to retreat to for air, conversation or respite from the music.
Entertainment: DJs Chad Novak, John Olson, and many Special Guest DJ's spin techno, house and danceable pop at thunderous, great-sounding volume.
Pick-up potential: You can't say it's a hot spot for hets, but provided you fit the appropriate demographic you should do just fine. Doesn't hurt to be able to bust a decent move or two on the dance floor, either.
Drink: Full bar, with prices running about $3 for a bottled beer, $4 for a mixed drink.
Specials: Roving shot vendors purvey the evening's special of choice, generally a neon-colored liquid of some kind. Thursdays are dollar nights -- $1 a piece for well drinks and domestic beers. Those recovering from long weekends might like to take advantage of the laid-back Sunday teas featuring free barbecue.
Diversions: A pool table, pinball and a couple video games -- not to mention abundant people-watching opportunities.
Parking: You can park along McNichols Street for free (if you can find a spot). Valet parking is also available for $3.00.
Specifics: 928 W. McNichols, Detroit. 313-863-3934.
Hours: 2-10 p.m. Monday - Wednesday; noon-2 a.m. Thursday - Friday- 1 p.m. 2 a.m. Saturday & Sunday.
Etc.: Historians will want to take note that Madonna used to be a regular here back when she was a local. Information and directions for Madonna's childhood home can be found here.
The
new Menjo's dancefloor, after renovations