Hot Spot

RISE

306 Stuart St, Boston, (617) 423-7473, www.riseclub.us



Sometimes Hotspot grows tired of Boston, this city of frustration and premature closing hours, this cemetery for social life. Hotspot has visited Cleveland and even that was more fun than our friendly neighborhood metropolis.

Unfortunately, early closing times aren’t the sole culprits behind this lack of entertainment; the options are limited for those who like to dance. One can only choose between sweaty college parties and megaclubs like the Roxy or Avalon. But suppose you want to get your glowstick on in a smaller venue, someplace you can rave without worrying about grabby fratboys and their backwards hats?

Faced with these problems, Hotspot had no choice but to search out an alternative one Friday night. We did find debauchery—in South Boston, no less—just not the sort we expected.

Hotspot’s associate led us to a nondescript glass door marked with the RISE logo. Once on the other side, a remarkably congenial bouncer examined our guide’s card and allowed us to enter.

You see, RISE is a “membership-only” club, whose packages range from $50 to $750 a year; depending on the price level. Members can bring between one and four guests. However, the lower membership levels require a cover of $10/person. Candidates must be “sponsored” by existing members.

Given the relatively exclusive atmosphere, our expectations were high. As we ascended to the club’s first level, we were met with pounding trance music. Then, a practically movie-perfect nightclub scene: circular projection screens lit up with green and blue as fog and pulsing lights played through the room. And yet, the gender ratio leaned hard towards sausage.

See that girl over there—the one hypnotically twirling glowsticks as tassels stream from the pockets on her cargo pants? She doesn’t want to dance with you. Neither does the one writhing in corset and leather pants. But whatever your gender, there are plenty of bare-chested guys who do.

Also, if you’re not naturally high on life, make sure to consume the proper libations before heading to RISE. Of course, the friendly bartenders will be happy to fulfill your every request—as long as you’re requesting water or $5 Red Bull. The advantage is that there’s no age limit; bouncers don’t even check IDs at the door.

Rise is jumping on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Friday‘s crowd is “mostly-straight”, Saturday’s “mostly gay,” and Sunday’s “mixed.” But regardless of the night, you’re much more likely to see shirtless men making out than heterosexual couples. If you’re a girl or a gay guy, this is your candy shop; straight men should bring lady friends or prepare to enjoy themselves—solo—on the dance floor.

If this sounds enticing, you’ll have to seek out a member to sponsor you or to bring you along as a guest. All things considered, the guest fees aren’t bad for a club of this caliber. And, if you’re hankering for a membership, the club has some pretty eclectic message boards at www.riseclub.com/boards that might be able to guide you in the right direction.