...just got done doing lunch with a friend and his ten year old daughter,

---they were at the openning, and apparently the guards were REALLY aggressive towards small children getting near even the periphial boxes near the display cases in some cases.

--I'm not talking 'I'm sorry, but, please don't touch,'
I'm talking full on barking, and in one circumstance, telling a kid to go look at another exhibit,
--cause they were standing 'too close.'

-Note:
these are not your typical
'everybody else in the room raise my kids (cause I dont feel like/have the maturity to)'
-with the kids running amok and causing die-hard-12deep Irish-Catholic-'big family' types
-to want to shut down at one...
--These were very well behaved kids.

Dude, how do you get hostile (as a guard,) with a ten year old girl with huge eyes, who normally doesn't say much to anybody...?

My lady friend and I got in line around 12am, looking forward to a night of listening to music and taking in the sights of the museum. Unfortunately, after about an hour in line we got fed up with the antics of the other people in line. People were just being obnoxious! The final straw was when some random dude inexplicably bumped my girlfriend, and I mean hard! I was extremely disappointed.

my sister went. she said the crowd was really diverse and there was a cool atmosphere... it was an 18 and over event, with alcohol. she said that i.d.'s were checked at the door but after that alcohol was easy to obtain for those not of age... usually not a good combination

very sad to hear

i have never seen so many drunk teenage clowns in my life. and this was just outside, in line. we waited for 45 minutes before giving up.

So I also went to "Club Met" and I was vividly mad that I even stepped a foot on to the property. Before I begin though let me big up the PR who promoted this event, they got the word out and plenty of people came out. Good job PR!

Now the bad stuff...

This single-handedly had to be the most dissappointing night that I lived in Fresno. It was a symbol of all this town is about my eyes, which is nothing. A worthy try to do something cool was as poorly handled the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. There was no ID check, there was no since of organization, no people really dancing,the security was not up to par to handle the crowd, they did not search anyone, etc, etc, etc...

I don't know who to point the finger at for this one but the 30th biggest city in the US once again shows that is not capable of anything more then it's outside perception. I am so out of this town come next summer. Fresno once again has let me down.

I went there for about 15 minutes this evening and was told not to take pictures by the security guard,

I was just sitting down on a bench scrolling thru my photos I had in my camera aiming at the ground

I dont even look gehettoe, ja ja ja

Before everyone jumps on the Met, let's remember that it's a Museum. Whomever allowed a 'club' night to happen on museum property should be severely whipped. Museums have no clue how to do a 'club' night. They did the best the could have, but security was WAY too low, there were no searches (and there darn well should've been!), and from the line to the end, it was a hot mess.

Having said that, NO ONE WAS MORE FRUSTRATED than the museum staff. They really did the best they possibly could have, and I think they were counting on the organizers to come through with the total venue organization (as they were so poorly prepared). I'm just guessing, as I was just there, and didn't know how or what was what.

And Having said THAT, the new Met is GORGEOUS. I highly encourage those who are museum goers to attend and attend and attend. I hope their exhibits are diverse and attractive in the future, and I really do love the gift-shop and it's eclectic items.

But Justa, you have to admit, for the 30th biggest city in the US, this Museum is a great representation. For a club, tho? Notsomuch.

I, unlike most of you, think this event is the beggining of something much bigger. The fact that you can get upwards of 500 people to come to downtown for electronic music is something to applaud. I went to a huge electronic show in LA, and it is still on the fringe down south. There are so many people here who listen to this music, and we have no place to listen to it. I would love if the concert promoters here would get a hint and start putting on electronic concerts. We also need more shows starting later, in the 12-5 time slot. Everyone is done getting drunk and are looking for a place to dance their buzz off. Again, this event was great in theory, and can be pulled off again if you do it right.

Instead of music inside, put a dj outside and have people dancing outside. Everyone was not there to "Rave with Dinosaurs," but to have a good time, listen to some house, and be a part of the first party in Fresno thrown from 12am to 5. Hope your ears are perking up concert promoters. Give Fresno its party!

I waited in line for about an hour before I gave up. I noticed there was a stage on one side and a giant concrete area on the other. yeah, they should've had it outside.

..they've been having dances, mixers, gatherings, dinners (you name it,) in museums in NY, Phila. (etc.) for the past twenty years (plus.) --very successful, and (for example in the Phila Museum of art, where folks are mixing it up with some hard-core noted works... No problems.

Perhaps the museum could look up venues back east that are doing this, give them a call, and find out how to do it right.
--This could be really cool...

I mean, the Fresno Art Museum has art under the stars with music, (same Art de Americas)
--so it's not unheard of, ---even in Fresno.)

I walked through the line outside the Met twice that night. I was happy to see an incredibly diverse crowd in line to get into a museum. There is no reason the people at the Met should be reeling in shame for holding this event. Who wouldn't want to 'work it' next to a dinosaur?

Let's not say this can never be done again. It would be sad to take away the young, fun, atmosphere from the jewel of the Cultural Arts District. I mean, that's what's going to pump life into the area, right? Not some event that people are intimidated to come to because they think it's too hoity-toity for them.

Some better planning, an admission fee, and 21+ age limit might do the trick.

I applaud the Met for going out on a limb and opening up all four floors for dancing, opening their doors to the 18 and over crowd (since they don't have much else to do on Saturday night), and reaching out to all segments of the community within 55 hours.

Fresno needs to learn to hold it's liquor. Plain and simple. There is an overall presumed attitude in this town that it's okay/commonplace to fight in a club. I've seen it around Fresno State. I've seen it at Starline. God forbid, I've even seen it in Old Town Clovis.

I believe it is possible to hold an event like this again- inside the museum, at that- with as great of a turnout as Saturday's, and with a peaceful and fun atmosphere.

I can see how the "Fresno Mentality" or let down can come into play as far as Justa is concerned. LOL, I saw him in line and told him that what people were expecting, isn't going to be what they get in the end. I was inside for a little over an hour, heard some tunes, saw some friends, grabbed my girl and left because I could sense what was about to take place.

The problems which occurred simply occurred because "SOME" people aren't ready to or for that matter able to function without drama. It's some innate mechanism within people these days.

Under no circumstance should there have been under age kids allowed inside, to party with those of us of age. If someone had gotten into an accident due to the fact they were drinking, albeit illegally, the Met would have had some, "Splainin" to do as in the words of Ricky Ricardo.

Disappointed no, because I went to hear my friends DJ on the 1st floor and most of if not all of the chaos was on the other two floors. The situation remains that there are some individuals within this town who have no training in how to act when the lights are on. This event wasn't meant to represent one of the many WEAK clubs here in town (if you club it's all good, I particularly find the same people doing the same thing every weekend to be a bit boring; then again I think I know what a good time really is and taking a drunk girl home to brag to the world doesn't seem to fit the bill for me... But that's just me), either way, I digress.

The Met can and WILL have music again but I guarantee it won't be open to the "younger" crowd. Oh, before I forget, we shouldn't put all of the onus on the "younger" crowd because a lot of the problems were caused by "adults", in the sense of older than eighteen.

Ignorance is found everywhere so there isn't any reason to try to run from it because it's something that is quite unavoidable! Note of thumb in Fresno is that if it's new and fresh, someone will undoubtedly screw it up for everyone else. This town does have its fair share of posers and on this particular night they were out by the masses.

Graham Walberg, who I hope isn't related to Vance... put it the best way, "We also need more shows starting later, in the 12-5 time slot. Everyone is done getting drunk and are looking for a place to dance their buzz off."

Remember what I wrote about mentality... If you're drunk, you shouldn't be driving to find a place to dance your buzz off (but then again, it's just me)... There's nothing wrong with you statement Graham, you were speaking from you heart and I applaud that, really I do!

The events Wet Towel is speaking haven't been filled with minors looking to get hammered off of alcohol or "E". Wet, is correct that the proper event can most certainly happen...

xposted (http://fresnofamous.com/content/m3tr0pol1s-met):

it was a really good time in the worst location possible.

the extremely well considered environment inside the museum lent itself to the tone that the event ended up achieving-- it just seemed really unfortunate that there were priceless exhibit pieces surrounded by drunk people that really don't care about that s**t.

i assume if the objective of the event was to get the Met filled to capacity with drinks being served, then mission accomplished. it really seems ill conceived, however, to think it would not attract the subset who were really apathetic to their surroundings and the intended use of the venue.

it'd be cool if there were a more idiot proof venue in fresno with an environment approaching the stellar job they've done with the new Met, because from what i hear they're understandably never going to do that again.

...it was fun though. hah.

ALSO:

i bet 500 rwandan francs that if it were $15 at the door, you would have effectively eliminated those with a propensity to smoke blunts.

AND made so much money.

"The three great essentials to achieve anything worth while are: Hard work, Stick-to-itiveness, and Common sense."
--The Met event had two-out-of-three

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
--If we like this type of event, we need to try it again.

"Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless."
--Let's learn for this...Floydy is on to something

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.'
--One down, 9,999 to go...

"Discontent is the first necessity of progress."
--Some of you didn't like the event. Good. We are getting somewhere.

I ran into a bunch of the DJ's at Stones yesterday and their opinion of the event was 100% successful.
With that said, this is definately something that can and SHOULD be done again. Next time with common sense, a cover charge and tight security.

Just because the event got called off early, doesn't mean it was unsuccessful. It means the museum was just overwhelmed by the amount of people and were not prepared.

I 100% agree with Graham, and I hope this peaks some venues around towns interest that there is a interest in electronic music here in town that is NOT a top 40 venue.

That being said, Bradley did a good job and I think the original response by Stephen is completely biased and mis-understood. Going on about dropping E or Vicodin? Please.

I felt the overall concept was creative, however was poorly planned. The idea of minors, alcohol and exhibit cases don't exactly mix well together. The lines were ridiculous since most of the crowd were expecting a full out rave at the newest Fresno club "The Met."

There should have been a cover charge and only been limited to a 21 and over crowd. These types of functions where art and music are combined at museums late into the night ( as in San Francisco and New York) are possible but must be fully thought out.

Metropolis, with a few modifications could be the eclectic cultured event that Fresno so desperately lacks.

The organizers of the event should have booked more security and not serve drinks especially that late in the evening. Come on..the met is a museum and not a night club. If anything the event should have had run from 10-1:30am. Most of the peeps outside were lining up after all other spots were closed. At that point, most people are off the wall drunk, getting drunk, or beyond drunk. Not to mention the peeps who stopped at the afterparties to get loaded before making their way to the MET.

As respectful as the MET is, the coordinators should have planned better. The MET was totally disrespected. Not the place to hold an event with that magnitude or DJ line up.

This also goes to show, that ghetto people are found at all events. Its not all the top 40, hiphop venues that everyone is always dogging that attracts such people. It is all about crowd control, consistancy, and strict security.

dropping e and vicodin?

why in the hek were they letting people do that?

I agree with everyone. had there been even a VIP cover charge of $20 per person, the Met would've made some nice lettuce.

I also agree that music/dance events are done at museums and clearly at the Met it's worked in the past. The cool crowd was cool. The DJ's, lights/sound were cool. The icky peeps ruined the event. Maybe a $20 cover charge with proper security would work wonders.

I'm just saying this ONE event didn't go so good. But Robert, you clearly weren't there if you didn't see the folks rollin' on E and I actually talked to and stopped the young gentleman selling vicodin tabs, notsopolitely asking him to take his 'business' elsewhere.

And Raves have ALWAYS done well in the past here in Fresno (I know, this wasn't a 'rave'), but in response to Graham and Robert, venues should take notice and do this kinda stuff.

Know why they don't? Cuz the idiots ruin it, and it's just not worth it on a big-scale. Plus, Bradley et al weren't charging thier usual DJ fees for this thang at the Met, were they? Cuz then you have much overhead for lights, venue, sound, DJs, security, and for what? For the cool people?

There ALREADY are venues for cool people. On the Rocks (in whatever incarnation), Starline, Thai Palms, Roe, etc etc. It's not like any of those DJs are hurting for work in Fresno. Bradley's got gigs like crazy, heck even Devoya has too little time on her hands with her poetry and spinning at Palomino's.

I just don't get where people are wondering why Fresno doesn't hold events like this. Check MikeOz's flyers section...there's tons of electronic happnin's in Fresno each and every week. WithOUT wannabe's showing me their pistol so I won't dare touch them again and ask them to step back from the door. Which, yes, Robert, actually happened.

vicodin and E, dangit, seems like i missed out.

I'm glad there are such hopeful people in this town. But as for the met, I came saw and was not impressed. This too me was like hurricane katrina, in the sense that there was sooo many things tthat went wrong and so many people to blame for it.

the only thing not typical about that night is that it was fun.

as far as the line of reasoning that lead anyone into thinking "FREE PARTY IN A MUSEUM" would be a means to any other end, i can't speak for.

Well, my first comment didn't go through so I will make this one shorter...

I was there from about 10pm until almost 4am. I have a VERY low tolerance for stupid people but even I didn't think the dance night was half as bad as some of these people made it out to be. I didn't witness one fight (thankfully) or any of the drunken, alleged drug dealing messes these other folks witnessed. The music was great, people that were dancing next to me were respectful and all of us tried to dance as far away from the display cases as we could but it's a little hard to do when they put the DJ tables right next to them.

And the "thug life" that was supposedly present there...come on. Can we stereotype some more? How does that guy know they were thugs? Instead, why didn't he say "Wow, look at the diverse crowd that turned up tonight," (which is what I said and was glad to see that ALL kinds were coming out to support the MET).

Maybe one day the complainers in Fresno will find a new hobby and stop raining on our parade.

I had a great time- the best time I've had out in Frenso in a long, long time. And a bit of advice for the people that had such a seemingly awful time...if you don't like the crowd...GO HOME!

I've read the BeeHive on an almost daily basis since the beginning, and I can tell you this is probably the most unclassy, unprofessional piece of trash I ever read here.

Listen, stop posting biased amateur "reviews" of events here that just destroy a good thing people are trying to do downtown. I don't get how an event being at over capacity is not a success?

The fact is I was at this event from the beginning to almost when they closed it. I never saw none of this crap this guy is talking about. Everyone I saw inside loved it and was having a lot of fun. Dancing on exhibits, are you kidding me?

This is my second post to this article because I am just shocked that a local blog like the BeeHive, who likes to promote new and upcoming events for people to do here would so easily try to ruin a good thing.

Way to go man, bravo.

I hadn't been at the event but as mentioned earlier the event should have been better planned. I'm sure that other museum type places host these type of events but they probably don't host them free to desperately attract as many people as possible. Again, $15 and up with pre-sale tickets and 21+ or some VIP type thing: Less people but better-quality crowd. Something like Saturday might be better hosted in an old warehouse. Whoever organized it did not really have experience hosting small scale events like this (for fresno medium/large scale). But they probably learned from the experience and will need to improve management. I think the idea is great.

So, Robert's mad that others are posting their opinions on the Beehive, and he expresses this by ... posting his opinion on the Beehive.

Just because someone says something on here, doesn't make it everyone's experience. This is a forum where others can talk about their experiences and opinions. You can choose to discard the information if you want, but just because you don't agree with it, doesn't mean it should be kept silent.

If you want an "unbiased" view of what happened, check out Felicia Matlosz's story.

And try to remember that this blog is about starting conversations and letting people speak their minds, a privilege we all get to enjoy -- you included.

cant we all just get along......... "rodney king"

Plain and simple my friends; the MET was unprepared for this event.

I was one of the 20 deejays who donated their time, musical equipment, public relations and promotions (including Cal State University Fresno where I attend), in an effort to share our musical talents with the masses and raise awareness for the MET.

Any educated person would know that this event would have been a success; had the MET been prepared. Our promotion team, led by Dj Bradley, continuously warned the MET ahead of time to make necessary preparations but they didn't take heed to his words.

The turnout was phenomenal and I hope to see more events like this in the near future. The way Fresno's dance community came together to support a new museum is also an epic moment in our history. They have these types of events in the thriving cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco ALL THE TIME with no problems! I wonder why?

Don't slander our dance community, we bring the culture and life to this city. A few bad apples may have given this event a bad name but that wouldn't have been the case if the MET been prepared with a proper security staff and also, if they'd utilized the 4th and 5th floors.. which would have been perfect for dancing because they're empty!

And it's too bad that the Fresno Bee would rather focus on a few negative elements rather than highlight all the positive elements that this event brought to the city. Shame.

Free speech is not a privilege, it's a right.

I think it's a shame that you guys are trying to act like this is The Beehive's or The Bee's fault. All we do is offer a forum for people to talk about what's going on in town. With that comes good and bad -- whether it's this event, everything at Cabo Wabo, local theater productions, shows at the Save Mart Center, etc.

In fact, to point the "shame" finger at us is a little weird, considering The Beehive gave a lot of love to this event last week. I even talked about it as one of the weekend highlights on the radio on Friday. But now some people complain about it on our site (and others, mind you) -- and we're all of the sudden the bad guys?

The Met is staffed by wonderful people. The Met Museum is a tremendous resource for the community, and they had a fantastic idea to show their support for the community that supports them by providing an entire weekend of FREE entertainment and amazing events. Metropolis was just one of the many things that happened that weekend. I am tremendously proud of Metropolis and felt I and the 20 dj's, visual artists, and friends that gave their talents, time and gear did a wonderful job. Could it have gone more smoothly? Sure. There's lots of mis-information floating around. I'd like to clear that up a bit:

Facts:
1. The event was a massive success. 750+ people (according to the Met's clicker count, I'm certain it was more) at the party. The fact that at least the same number didn't make it in is NOT a bad thing, it was simply a matter of the venue reached capacity.

2. Metropolis adn the other events at the Met that weekend proved that Downtown is not a feared destination. Do something that actually interests people, and they will come!

3. All associated with Metropolis DONATED their time, talent and equipment. This was a volunteer effort done out of the goodness of everyone's heart, and was a collaborative effort of 20 dj's, visual artists and friends.

4. The Met did not provide enough security. I warned the Met repeatedly that they did not have enough security planned, and warned them far, far in advance about my concerns. They did not follow my advice, but only out of ignorance about how many people our scene can reach.

4. I did NOT want this to be an 18+ event. I told the Met this. They wanted to be as inclusive as possible. A noble goal, but perhaps not the wisest in retrospect.

5. I did NOT want this to be a FREE event. I advised that a cover should be charged. Again, the Met wanted cost to not be a barrier for anyone. Again, a worthy goal.

6. Everyone at the party had a GREAT time. The music was fantastic. People with their hands in the air, smiles all around.

7. The long wait for the line was due to the popularity of the event and the need to check ID's. Want to get into a happening event? COME EARLY. Don't roll in at 1-2am and expect to cruise right in. REACHING CAPACITY IS A SUCCESS, not a negative.

8. The Met is not a nightclub. People complaining about how the front door was handled need to just accept that the Met does not have experience in this arena, and they were simply trying to provide a fun evening for an audience that typically does not patronize museums. Get off their backs, they did the best job they could. Things would have gone better had my advice been heeded, but they simply did not have experience with this kind of event.

9. METROPOLIS WAS A SUCCESS. Could the Met have handled it better? Yes. BUT IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS, let's remember that!

Regards,

Bradley

@Shant Postoyan: "Free speech is not a privilege, it's a right." "Don't slander our dance community..."

Everybody loves free speech until they hear or read something they don't like.

First of all: huge success! Obviously downtown is not scary, but over regulated. If we were to allow events of this nature to continue we would truly see a revitalization of the downtown area! All credit goes to the DJ's for recognizing the potential and making it happen.
The fact that it ended early is shortsightedness in two key areas:
First, have some real security. A uniform should not be the only requirement. Also, a little customer service on their part.
Second, basic supply and demand. YOU MUST CHARGE! It decreases demand. That the building was many times over capacity is a good problem, but a problem nonetheless. Charging a cover allows everyone who wants to come a chance to get in, provided they are willing to pay. It also provides capital to the event host that allows them to expand in the future, as well as incentives for others to enter the field and provide alternatives.
NOT CHARGING, OR CHARGING BELOW MARKET ALWAYS CREATES SHORTAGES! Everyone should have a good time, and the hosts should get paid.

@heather:

"Everybody loves free speech until they hear or read something they don't like."

such as criticism of a beehive staffer? ;)

Huge, huge thanks to Mike Oz and the Beehive for their support for the event. But the post Mr. Monroe pulled for his post entry was obviously inflammatory. Great for page views and click-thru counts however!

-b

did someone say cabo wabo?

Bradley, when I say everybody, I mean everybody -- Beehivers, too.

2 BAD

we shouted out/commended the event and the met in general over @ www.ftkconstruction.com

cha!

It's kind of intersting, reading this whole string a few thins pop out at me:

-'there was no damage that we cannot repair'
(somebody on staff.)

-various DJ's trying to communicate with the Museum, telling them they need strong security, various recommendations as far as age requirements, pricing, (etc.) that were brushed aside.

-direct comments from credible sources that the guards, (though they were a bit overwhelming towards 10year old girls
(when the party wasn't on,)
were overwhelmed by the event they were hired to
(more effectively) cover, later on.

-tons of back and forth and obvious spin,
-so that future events will NOT be immediately rejected in the future, no real 'mea-culpa's in that
(it may have been/was poorly handled.'

(Let me get this straight:

the word for the day is
'Museum (re) Openning.'
-How do the words 'damages not to extensive, drugs, and pistol flashing, (and drunk fights,)
go with the words
'successful Museum' ANYTHING, in the same sentence?'

'...well, no damage we cannot repair, but it was great success...'

-and the
(quite stable and beautifullly written letter:
'Fresno just has to learn how to hold it's liquor.'

This was a Museum... (still is, apparently.)

Did I go to this?
Nope.
Would I go to this if it happened again?
Kinda doubt it.
(Though there are DJ's from that line-up that I'd like to hear spin, (and) wouldn't mind hitting the museum just to see what they have, (and exactly) how bad the shade of green is on the walls...)

(Now I'm (and the rest of Fresno reading this crap)
-are going to fork over more than an average concert and hope that the same looser behavior doesn't happen again?)

This whole situation, puts a bad shadow on the Museum...

-Cage match in the park?
--Hell, even THEY won't write about stuff like this (drugs, drunks, fighting,)
-all we heard about there was Bard Fans getting teased,(I know the situation was much worse.)

-while we're busy trying to find someone to blame for why it was 'ghettolicious,' and all?

Newsflash?
Normal people just don't GO to museums for that...
(shocker I know.)

And the crowd you're looking to attract, (such as my friend wtih their daughters,
-rather progressive folks, actually,
VERY creative, well educated types wanting to support anything Fresno...-I think they may have been able to cope with the behaviors of an overzealous security goon and taken it in stride,

-but most people just got turned off. (They already think of Downtown as Scarey and not really safe
...hello, we got gang shootings going on this season,
(show of hands, ready?)
-how many would expect to find this foolishness on Champlain and Perrin?
(and now)
Downtown?
(Thanks, you can put your hands down, this is not a hold up.)
---Note:
I didn't say 'if it actually would GO that way, I'm saying 'perception,' (which equals reality in most folks minds,) is that 'this is what happens when you go downtown. (It's why the crap that goes on up at Riverpark is not publicized.)

-true or not:
Downtown is seen as scarey and uncontrolled.
-And only folks who want to
a. conquer that perception,
b. want to get into that perception,
c. or who know better,
are (still) the only ones who are going to want to go there,
---even with a multimillion-multimilliion dollar museum, (that has people on line selling vicodan, dealing E, and 'showing their piece, (er pistol) to Steph...')

'...Then tell those scared yuppie panty-wastes to stay the hell home and stay in NE Fresno behind their gated communities,
we don't need them down here in Downtown, we're cooler than that down here...'

(Brilliant.)
--cause the bare fact is?
That's EXACTLY who you NEED to want to go to a museum, Adults with Families and Grown-ups with Money to pump into the damn thing.

-Seriously:

-Who (was) going to take the time to drop cash and bring their kids (who will in turn, drop cash and bring their kids down the road,) to a museum in the first place?
-Who (was) going to consider booking events there, (with such tremendous security,)
-Who (was) going to think about mixing up some music, some finger food, and some exhibits, and go a little 'high-brow' at said museum?

--(ding-ding)--
no more calls, we have a winner.

That's right,
the people who learned to freakin grow
-Who are now reading all this and saying
'...oh bloody hell no,
I'm not risking my life,
my family,
my car (etc.)
just to go to a place that puts on stuff like this...'
(...Even if it never does happen again...)

(yeah, people are going to be all like
'...not true, I'd go down there, I'd book my events there,
(but you know on the phone they're like:
'...this stuff that you had happen on the openning was just a one time error, RIGHT, like, folks were FIRED, RIGHT...')

The reality of it is?
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
And this (potentitally beautiful) situation has got some pretty nasty marks on it.

(Which is why everyone with a stake in this is all
'it was a success it was a success, it was a success,(REALLY!)'
-and are trying to explain and step away from what (sounds like) a disaster staging to happen...

-I'm glad the truth's being discussed, but sorry to see that this is the reality of it.

PS:
I was on freakin' vicodan for like, a month+ post shoulder rebuild,
what kind of MORON takes that stuff as a recreational drug???
(you know what that stuff does to your stomach and lower GI?)

Idiots.

This is just jacked up on so many levels...
Sad.

To DJ Bradley: When I received the original comment from Stephen Mintz, I posted it at the top of the blog because I considered it newsworthy. It came from a named, reliable source (and frequent Beehive contributor) who was a first-hand witness at the event. His account was corroborated by several other commenters who said they witnessed underage drinking and obnoxious crowd behavior, and while no one else has stepped forward with first-hand accounts of observing drug use, as Stephen did, I have no reason to doubt him.

This was an extremely public event. There is no reason that even as we celebrate the general success of the overall Met opening that can't have a discussion about the aspects that didn't go smoothly. I'm not sure what you want: for the Beehive not to post any comment with a hint of negativity about any event that occurs in downtown Fresno? You say in your own post that the event was a massive success and then go on to detail the things that you think the Met did wrong. Don't you think that having a discussion afterward about how such an event could be improved in the future is a reasonable thing to do?

I love this - lots of conversation about a Museum!

What I really love is this: "This event was a BIG success! I TOLD them to have more security. I TOLD them to not let in all ages. I TOLD them to charge money. But having said that, it was a BIG SUCCESS!"

I also love "Mannnn, none of that stuff you say happened happened. *I* didn't see any of it!" Well, if YOU didn't see it, it must NOT have happened!

I definitely love "This PROVES that events like this will work downtown!! Why aren't there more events like this?!?"

Answer: Who in their right mind wants to do an actual event like this???? DJ's cost money. Lights cost money. Sound equipment costs money. Security costs money. Venues cost money. Most importantly, insurance costs mad money. Wanna serve booze? ABC permits cost mad money and are hard to get. Advertising! Can't forget that! Medical services on-site cost money (because contrary to *I* didn't see it happen's reports, people were mad rollin' on E and other drugs, and selling of vicodin happens, too. Need someone to soothe the mushroom trippers, y'know?

So maybe the Metropolitan Museum is an ideal place, but is Bradley gonna wrangle his team for free again? Lotta people gave a lot of themselves for nada on this one. And who was going to pay the $100 per security guard that night? There's a reason why the Met staff was at the door and trying to protect exhibits (I wonder if anyone returned the stolen dinosaur feather?).

Let's see, how about this: Everyone on this comment section who insist on having an event like this, I want you all to get together on Saturday at 2pm at Teazers with DJ Bradley. You all put together the cash, Bradley will make sure you have an amazing show! You guys pick the venue, and heck, I'll help you make the arrangements for free. Rainbow Ballroom is always nice, or maybe closing down the Fulton Mall for an outdoor event, or maybe Chukchansi Park?

Get with it, peeps who wanna blab about it. Make it happen! You draw 1000 dancefans at $15 each, you might even make some cash off of it....might.

Go for it!

@stephan:

i appreciate that you give props to all the effort I and my crew put together.

BUT.

you seriously need to chill out. no matter what perspective any poster here in this thread has offered, you managed, in one post, to deride and ridicule them all.

sure, they don't really know what it takes to produce an event of this scale, but really, it doesn't matter if they do or not. screaming at them is not going to make them understand it any better.

again, i respect the props you offer, but i refuse to accept your negativity. some behavior at the event was unacceptable which is why i accepted the Met's decision to close the event early with no argument whatsoever. I'm ready to do this again in a heartbeat...anyone wanna provide the venue? all I ask is that you trust me when i offer advice on what is needed to make the event run smoothly.

-djb

@donald munro:

First, I apologize about spelling your name wrong previously.

Yes, Stephan has a specific viewpoint since he volunteered to assist at the front of the line for the event. Anyone in the club biz will tell you that is a place place where you will see the best and the worst in people.

Bad behavior happens everywhere. It was not the Met's or Metropolis' fault that there were a few at the event....you just need the appropriate staff to manage it.

(okay, guys (and girls) serious

Before the dust settles and this becomes anchored as a bad taste:
(Just an idea, but it might be good,)
and if done quickly?
It could redeem the idea of 'events at the Museum,' and solidify it as a positive thing...

Same place (Met)

(Kinda) the same idea.

--only it's a 'wine and cheese' (your typical artschool openning type gig,)
--maybe some food, some desserts, something, nothing crazy.

--and (maybe) some sort of semi-formal but high-brow dancing (be creative, we all got some Johnny Mathis hiding out somewhere... but the emphasis is 'calm,' like 'nice,' like: 'Class.'

--Oh yeah... and everybody gets dressed up
(like, Suits & Ties:
or what Fresnans will tolerate as ties,)
(Girls look great in anything,
but I think the ladies will kind of like the idea of getting really dolled up if the guys promise to wear a pressed shirt and not pick their nose.)
(We can draft a contract to this, in fact.)

-Even Better? (maybe) kids (over a certain age, or with behavioral rules,) get in free or half price...
(maybe like a cottillion (sp?) sort of thing.
---but bring the Family part back in... (good excuse to get the kids polished up a bit...)
People tend to act like adults when they're dressed like them, (don't ask me why.)

And here's the kicker:
-Make it a fancy shmancy excuse to give money to
the Food Bank
or something,
(you need to bring an item of chow (non-perishible) to be collected at the door.)

Food bank right now IS hurtin' for cash,
--so a nice portion of the proceeds go to it...

But folks have to dress up and act like adults (mannered adults)
--nominal but not too crazy charge at the door...
Bump the hell out of it on all crossections (from the nervous 'burbs to the street-smart (abandoned) downtown...
whatevuh.

(Which folks will not balk at,
'cause it's Holiday Time,
and who's going to balk at pitching a ten or twenty towards folks who need food?
--Everybody feels good,
folks have a little light nosh,
folks even look and smell good...
Photograph it like it's an event because it IS...

(Win-Win-Deal.)

-Worst you're going to have to worry about?
Spilled stuff and hefty-middle-aged guys getting a bit tipsy on cheap-house-white (which hardly ever happens.)

--Something like that...

Combine the holidays (multi-holiday, Not just Christmas, but something incorporating all,) --and it's some sort of 'ball,' ish thing.

But it's an excuse to prove that we can
A.) support the Museum
B.) Have some class in doing it.
C.) Have some fun.
D.) Actually act like Grown-Ups

and finally?
---help make others 'this time of year,' a little less bleak...

This happens quickly, this gets promoted, ---and everybody has a nice time (no matter how 'benign' it may seem to some?)
---The place comes out smellin' like a rose, and 'krunkin' with the Dinosaurs.'
will be a thing to giggle over that was NOT the Maiden Flight in everybody's minds...

(And, fer godssakes, don't flash your piece at Steph...)
...vicodan...

-what the heck are people going to abuse next?
Metamucil?
Snoopy Bandaids?

(just an idea...)

I would like to say a couple things as I was one of the guest DJs for the evening on Saturday Night.

I drove up from Los Angeles (and yes, I too, along with all the other DJs and Video Artist, donated our talents to this event), so first and foremost I'd like to thank all involved in putting the Metropolis event together. It was ALOT of work that went into making that event happen.

Now, I don't think that ANYONE was trying to create "Club Met". It is indeed unfortunate that the event shut down early, as it DID seem that everyone in the Museum was having a fantastic time.

It was a really great thing for the electronic dance community to be invited to showcase their talents at The Met. This is a very forward thinking move to incorporate this ART as well. The Met was trying to raise awareness of the Museum to new people.

Yes, one thing I will say is that the place could have used more security, but even then there was just an ENORMOUS amount of people that were needing to be checked before going in. That size of a crowd is bound to errupt. As for the person who posted that there were several fights? I didn't see one fight in the museum, nor did I see anyone "dancing on the displays". I don't know if in fact that was true either, but I can't imagine it was.

Another thing to point out was how remarkable the Museum staff was, all things considered. It was a TRULY overwhelming number in attendance, and the staff did their best to accomodate, and they were extremely helpful and friendly to the talent that was setting up / breaking down in the Museum.

All in all, I felt the event was an amazing success, and I highly encourage those at the Fresno Met to please consider doing another one of these events. With this weekend's experience, I strongly feel the next one will be a spectalular success!!

Bee reporter Felicia Matlosz wrote a story, which appeared in today's Bee, following up on the Met's big weekend. The story addresses why the museum closed the event down early.

"You never get a second chance to make a good first impression."

"All in all, I felt the event was an amazing success, and I highly encourage those at the Fresno Met to please consider doing another one of these events."

Hmm. The museum had three years to plan this event, didn't they? It sounds like the event -- "including" underage crowd while serving alcohol, no charge, 12- 5 am, priceless museum possessions, understaffed brand new building space, not heeding dj's suggestions -- was a disaster waiting to happen. A museum can't be all things to all people. When it tries, it should know what it's doing. It's good to try new things. But this event gives pause to parents like myself whose underage kids want to attend afterhour events at the MET until they can prove they are in control of the situation.

@Heather: "Everybody loves free speech until they hear or read something they don't like."

Wrong, I love it! Yes, even when I hear something I don't like because it gives me a chance to see things from different perspectives which makes me more knowledgeable and communicative.

My comment, "don't slander the dance community", I'm simply nothing more than good advice.

where is the met at?

Had a long day but here are some thoughts in random order:

to quote stephen: "Who in their right mind wants to do an actual event like this????"

people who have a the love of the music and fellowship with friends...

....many of the fine dj's that played that night have donated their time and put in their own money to put together many events like this so people in fresno can come out and enjoy something they love. Even with such heart, there are venues in Fresno that dont charge at the door that pay CASH to have these kind of dj's play....

why? the people come out and listen to what they have passion for...and pay for drinks at the bar. Its called a business...the met does not do this type of business on a daily basis...so why are we judging it on these standards?

There is also such a thing as a cover charge...which as preciously stated was suggested to the met staff...to weed out those just looking for a free time to f**ck around.

We were proud to be asked to be a part of such a grandious openening extravaganza and gave insight on how things best be handled and put our heart and soul into it...

THis just happened to be another opportunity. The attendance shows the thirst of people in fresno for music culture such as this.

This party was a success to the point it was a lil overwhelming for the met staff...who were forewarned about lack of security. live and learn.

Despite all this nonsense, I had a GREAT time dancing along side such great history with folks young and old.

WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

u do

whatever

sooooooooooo

I went to the Met Sunday the last day of their grand opening celebration. It was the first time in ages for me that I felt like we were celebrating the Christmas season even though we havent't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet! I haven't seen such a diverse group of people in a long time. There were old, young, families, people with disabilities and all different ethnic backrounds. What really put me in the Christmas mode was how so many of these people had smiles on their faces whether they were waiting in line or outside or checking out the displays inside. I thought, what if the Met could come up with a venue for all ages to attend at least once a month and still make money? A play a musical or something having to do with the arts. It seems to me that we already have alot of pubs, restaurants or places where we can go to have a drink. Maybe some of the creative minds here in Fresno could get it together with the Met?? Just a suggestion.