Many will confess that finding somewhere to listen to electronic music in Portland is somewhat dismal. However, over the past several months we have seen numerous venues popping up, both new and old, that are starting to accommodate electronic music and embracing the fact that it’s a rapidly growing scene. Clubs and bars alike are joining the bandwagon and dedicating specific nights or weekends to the music we love, and it has everyone buzzing.
Portland’s very own Fez Ballroom is one of the few clubs that have really seized the attention of EDM lovers, and is consistently packed every weekend because of this. It’s been known that Fez catered to mainly to top 100 hits and Gothic-inspired 80s on various nights, but as the tastes of crowds shift, so do the venues. It’s a definite possibility that over time, Fez could very well be known as the venue to go to for electronic shows.
Local favorite DJ Flave rocks Fez Ballroom.
Upon walking into Fez we realize just how spacious this place really is. Gone (mostly) are the ways of the goth-inspired 80s nights, Mediterranean decor, and the velvet drapes that once graced the Fez Ballroom. Enter in a fresh new cutting-edge feel with modern decor adorning the main floor, an updated sound system, and great lighting. Fez still houses its unique feel, but has taken on a new identity as one of Portland’s rising stars for electronic music venues.
As the EDM scene has continued to grow within Portland, it was only a matter of time before Fez Ballroom took the bull by the horns and created ongoing weekly events that catered to this constantly growing movement. It wasn’t long before word caught on and Fez became the “new spot to be” on the weekends. With the introduction of their new HOUSED events that have brought in heavy hitters like Christopher Lawrence, Johnny Monsoon, and soon-to-be Mitis and Max Graham, Fez has turned a corner. For their grand opening to the HOUSED events, they brought in Seattle native Johnny Monsoon for one heck of a memorable evening. The line to get in wrapped around the corner of the building and Fez was near capacity by 11:00PM, showing firsthand the instant appeal the venue has achieved.
Johnny Monsoon kicking off the new HOUSED Saturday events
Despite the lack of those typical neon glowing lasers, fog-blowing machines, and giant plasma screens, Fez makes up for it with their take on what we could call “glitzy disco meets modern day lounge.” In the process, they’ve raised the bar a touch in terms what makes an average gritty music venues.
An Fez, we aren’t afraid to touch the walls or even use the restroom. The drink pours are strong and the staff friendly. Tired of the music on the main floor ballroom? Mosey your way down the staircase to the mid-floor lounge for a totally different vibe! Yes, that’s correct, there are two separate floors in Fez that cater to different genres of music, all the while transporting you into an entirely different space. The mid-floor lounge, though smaller, is a great change of pace for those looking for a place to momentarily sit or get away from the crowds upstairs.
All in all, the recent transformation of Fez Ballroom is a welcomed change to the Portland club scene. It allows for an alternative place to go to get our weekly fix of heart-pounding bass and fist-pumping house music. We certainly can’t wait to see what the future will bring and what artists may be making their way through Fez: We anticipate nothing but the best.
Check out the full slate of events coming up at Fez Ballroom here, and don’t forget to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest!
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