The SUGAR Q&A: Sugar Sweet? We'll Find Out Soon Enough!

Here's the Q&A with the persons behind SUGAR. Enjoy!

JASON: So, is SUGAR a party night at a straight club, or a gay club? And just who owns the club? And what is their relationship to the gay community?

SUGAR: SUGAR takes place Thursday evenings at WHIM at Station Square, which is not a gay club in a traditional sense. The owner has held several events with the boys of G2H2 to rave reviews from those who have attended. The purpose of SUGAR is to open a world class nightclub and give the gay community a place to dance the night away.

JASON: Who are the promoters of SUGAR? Who’s idea was it, and how long has it been in the works?

SUGAR: The people promoting are Ron DeMino of G2H2, and Ken Huntly of AK Productions. The idea came about through various discussions between various parties of finding a way to give the gay community in Pittsburgh a top notch facility to dance and party that we felt had been missing for some time. SUGAR has been in discussion for several months.

JASON: What is the experience of the promoters in doing this type of event?

SUGAR: Both Ron and Ken have extensive experience in club, event and party planning which has been invaluable in putting SUGAR together.

JASON: Are there any LGBT persons on staff?

SUGAR: There will be several LGBT persons on staff during SUGAR in addition to Ron and Ken being present, who are both members of the community.

JASON: What will be the theme of the evening? What are the club influences?

SUGAR: There is no set theme for SUGAR and we hope the influences continue to evolve over time with whats happening globally both in terms of music and gay events. For the first time, we hope to truly bring a big city club experience to Pittsburgh. That's not just limited to those of NYC and LA, but the hottest international clubs and musical experiences as well.

JASON: What style of music will be playing and who will be the featured DJ's?

SUGAR: Again, we hope to bring not only the hottest club songs currently being heard, but those from renowned DJ's around the world. Our goal is give the gay community a musical and club experience never seen or heard before in a gay Pittsburgh venue.

JASON: Who should attend a night at SUGAR?

SUGAR: We want anyone who loves big city clubs, the hottest dance tracks, and a world class club that welcomes all gay and gay-friendly people! That can be anyone from 18 to 80. The only requirement is the desire to socialize, dance, and have an open mind.

JASON: Speaking of age, if you’re allowing 18 and up, how are you handling the alcohol situation?

SUGAR: We will mark or provide a drinking bracelet to our over 21 patrons. In addition, the club employs a highly trained and professional bar and security staff that will be responsible for maintaining the rules of the club and the letter of the law.

JASON: What can people expect on the opening evening? What will the club look like? Anything special or surprise guests?

SUGAR: We want our March 4 premier to be about several things. A world class venue the likes of which Pittsburgh's gay community has never had before, experiencing the hottest club music from all corners of the world that will set SUGAR apart from the competition, and bringing all ages of our community together for a party night that will rival any other in the city - straight or gay. We want SUGAR to be about the experience. And while we have ideas in the works for some top notch parties and performances, we prefer to let SUGAR speak for itself without the distraction of a lot of bells and whistles that can take away from what is truly magical about the club experience we are aiming to provide.

JASON: Can you describe your VIP services?

SUGAR: Details are being worked out for event specific VIP service. For our March 4 premier, there will be no specific area for "VIP" or - as we like call it - "SIP," which stands for "Sweetly Important People." We think the club and the night will make everyone feel like they are SIP's and we want everyone to enjoy themselves as such.

JASON: Finally, there are special issues with having such an event in Southside. How is parking being handled?

SUGAR: We have been granted discounted parking of $3 in the secured lot directly adjacent to SUGAR's location at WHIM.

JASON: Also, I believe this will be the first regular gay-specific party or club sponsored in South Side, with the exception of the G2H2 event. The area is known for being a party-hearty area, primarily catering to straight crowds. Can gay patrons expect a welcoming atmosphere in the South Side?

SUGAR: I think G2H2 is a perfect example of how far we have come, specifically in places like the South Side. We do not expect or anticipate any issues with having SUGAR at Station Square, but are happy to report the the staff and security are professional and well trained and will do everything to make sure SUGAR patrons have an unparalleled experience on Thursday nights.

We hope you'll come out and join us March 4. We are really trying to provide something that we feel is missing in Pittsburgh and hope the community comes out to celebrate and participate in that.

JASON: Thanks for answering my questions, SUGAR. I'm certain everyone is looking forward to seeing what you guys have put together for the LGBT community and their friends here in the 'Burgh. I hope it's a smashing success! In the meantime, with all this SUGAR talk, I suddenly have a huge hankering for a giant grape flavored Pixy Stick and some Kool Aid! Off to Rite Aid I go!


SUGAR at WHIM Station Square
http://www.sugarpittsburgh.com.
Premiers March 4th, 2010. Doors open at 9pm. 18 and up are welcome, but must be 21 and up to drink. Cover is $7 at the door, or $5 with the special SUGARCube Promo Program (see website for details).
WHIM is located at
7 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Ph: 412.281.9888 for WHIM
Ph: 412.915.5073 for WHIM Bottle Service.
For questions specifically about the SUGAR event, consider using the Contact Page on the SUGAR website.