Open Studios

Now that I’ve seen a couple of shows here recently, I’m ready to share my love for Open Studios. It hits all of the needs on my list for a good venue: very easily accessible on public transit, as well as street parking; good sound; seating (without needing to be some self-​nominated «VIP» and particularly the couches upstairs where you can still hear what’s going on); good crowds (very few sloppy people, actual dancing going on); and freaking awesome staff. The not so good qualities would be a crappy bar (I don’t drink that much at shows, so that’s cool), restrooms that have no door on the stalls (they have curtains — trying to use the ladies’ room while holding your purse, your drink, your skirt up, and the curtain closed is a little bit of a challenge), and that the interior temperature seems a bit variable in line with outdoor temperature (it’s been pretty hot when I’ve been there on a warm day and kinda cold when I was there on a cool, rainy day). Overall I’m a really big fan and keep finding myself eyeing show listings as an excuse to drive to Vancouver for a weekend.

I ended up dancing the night away like a slut here on Saturday. I had a really great time, but there were a few things about this venue that weren’t my favourite.
First complaint — the bathrooms. This is not a change room, so why the heck is there a CURTAIN instead of a door to the two stalls in the ladies room? I’m sorry but whether you’re hovering over the seat to pee, or hugging the porcelain goddess cuz you drank too much, you deserve some privacy while leaking those bodily fluids. At least if there’s a door, you can knock, to see if anyone is in there, with a curtain, you’re gonna tug on that shit and probably scar yourself for life when you see what’s behind it. «Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.»
After you use those facilities, you’re gonna love the sink even more. Its so tiny in the ladies room that if you are washing your hands, people can’t even get in to the bathroom behind you. I know I got a fat ass and all, but this was kind of ridiculous. And lawd knows us ladies like to primp ourselves in the bathroom mirror, so try and bring a pocket mirror (they aren’t just for railz bitches) if you plan on doin’ any primpin’.
Second complaint — the heat. There is zero air conditioning in here. As in none, nada, null and void. The promoters of the night actually brought in their own fans (lawd bless them) and it did help, but it was just recirculating warm air. For a venue this nice (minus the bathrooms) you’d think they could step it up a bit and have some A/​C. Which brings me to the things I liked about the venue…
Cheap drinks! $ 8 for a double highball, call me SOLD! The space was really cool, I liked the different levels and dark corners to hide in, and the visuals looked great. I liked that the location was somewhat off the beaten club path, thus there were no creepers. The people who knew about this space and party were there for exactly that and there were no random granville street douchebags lingering nearby to buy you a drink. «GHB drinks on me!» All in all, I would totes go back to this place, but dress appropriately so I don’t sweat my balls off. Oh wait, I don’t have balls, I guess I already sweated them off, if anyone finds my balls let me know.

I went to an event here last weekend. I really liked the space but they need to work on a few things.
1) It was REALLY REALLY hot! Luckily I was not wearing very much — yay summer! I don’t know how people who were fully dressed up survived.
2) They could not handle the demand at the bar. They need a beer/​water station for big events like the one I attended
3) The bottled water was warm. This was pointed out to me by a friend. I used my cocktail cup and refilled at the sink with nice cold water from the tap.
4) Their beer selection is extremely limited. They should at least have cans of one local craft beer like Red Racer available.

Once the weather gets a bit warmer I get a bit anxious to get out there and burn off some energy. When a long weekend comes around, Open Studios often has a great after hours party. Like most Unilocalers have remarked, this is more of an underground scene. There’s a mix of people but nothing snotty or pretentious. No chicks with Snookie-​like outfits or guys with chains and rhinestones. People are from different ages and from different scenes. The music is usually deep house, hard house, or electro. It’s a simple space that’s away from the downtown scene.
If it’s a weekend party with a guest DJ, the cost usually runs about $ 20 -$ 35 bux.

Came here for my first show in Vancouver and had a great time. Lots of free street parking, friendly staff, good sound, and good crowd. The not so good aspects were all things I can live without — poorly stocked bar consisting of cheap canned beer and your run of the mill bottled beer (Corona, Heineken, etc), well liquor, and they are on the pricier end considering it’s all you can get — $ 5 for canned pilsner, $ 7 shots, $ 3 water. Came for a Red Bull Music Academy event, so red bulls were $ 5. Open till late and depending on the booking, I would definitely return!

Little bit underground with a crowd that reminds me a bit of the old Lotus.
Front stage reminds me a little bit of Johnny Mnemonic.
No sign of pretentiousness here.

Reliable when looking for a good time.

If you want something that’s «not commercial» and a little bit «underground» (I apologise for those terrible adjectives), Open Studio’s is a good bet.
I’ve been going there for years, and while there’s been some nights not a great as others, it bat’s a pretty high average in my mind.
Also, no-​one working there is a dick, so that’s a positive!