One time when I went out and came back in, I got searched and they took something from me. It was a small box with a little glass jar of dirt from California in it. I had come straight from the air port to the club so I didn't have time to empty my pockets. Ok... I guess I can understand that. I mean, it was OBVIOUSLY just dirt. Couldn't possibly mistake it for drugs. But whatever. I let it go.

Later I went out again and when I came back in, I went in through the side door because someone opened it as I was walking up. I didn't think much about it... But 15 mins later while I was in the bathroom, one of the bouncers came in and grabbed me and drug me out of the club and told me to leave. I had no ride and everyone was inside so I stuck around and tried to talk to the bouncers. They were total jerks as I talked to them and only after about 10 mins of them verbally bashing me did they force me to apologize so I could go back in. As I was going back in, they continued by saying "This is their first party. They'll learn. Tell your crew we're serious around here."

I dunno. I guess they could be worse... But I really wasn't happy with they way I was treated and talked to. I felt like I was targetted and picked on throughout the night. At the very least, it put quite a damper on my mood, even though I tried not to let it.

They weren't special in THAT way, but they were special to me *pouts*
Quite honestly, it made such an amusing story that it was worth missing out on the buttercream icing.

Mikey it sucks that you had a bad experience with the staff. There is no excuse for security to be overly rude or touchy. But honestly walk a mile in their shoes. I did nightclub, concert and private security for 10 years. Dealing with three thousand drunk people a week will make you a little jaded. Especially when you are having to break up fights and put your life on the line every night for something like $10-$15 dollars an hour. I did this for years and then finally was almost killed in a riot at a local night club. I had my cheekbone broken, 6 teeth chipped, still have permanent nerve damage in my left hand and ended up getting arrested by the Philly police for all my trouble. We only had 5 bouncers working that night and got into a brawl with a 30 man bachelor party. I got maced in the face by my own co-worker and got the shit kicked out of me. I was able to get up and continue fighting for another few minutes before another coworker pulled out a handgun and started firing rounds into the air to stop the melee. A few of our opponents took off but the rumble continued. The manager of the club called 911 AFTER she heard the gunshots and the cops were too scared to even show up. Finally a female cop we knew showed up 8 minutes after the 911 call. (there is never a cruiser more than 30 seconds from the location of this venue EVER) Many cops dont show up for "shots fired" or "man with a gun" calls because believe it or not, they don't want to get into a gun battle. Our opponents started fighting with her too, she call "officer needs assistance" and within 30 seconds it seemed like the entire Philly police dept. showed up. They ended up arresting me, because I had a gun too, and arrested 14 of the guys we were fighting. It turned out two of the guys in the bachelor party were off-duty cops and the whole file on the incident conveniently disappeared. Go figure.

And we had brawls go down every single night i worked. I had guns, knives and clubs brandished at me. Philly used to be a much rougher town. So put yourself in this bouncers shoes.....what would you do with some kid you saw "sneeking in" the side door? You would toss his ass and send him home.

We are very fortunate to be involved in a community where the majority of our members are non-violent and respectful. With the exception of th incident that led up to the police coming to heartburn we have never had a single serious problem with anyone that has showed up to PEX. But trust me, the guys that we have doing security are very respectful and nice, but they will definitely handle business when it comes down to it. That is the reason we are all safe at PEX.

So instead of focusing on the negative experiences of one or two people, lets look at the wonderful amazing experience that Phoenix Rising turned out to be and how thankful we are to even be granted this opportunity. I know I am very thankful, and i truly believe that through the laws of attraction, our experiences with the majority of the people we encounter are guided largely through our own manifestations.

My two cents. LuvLee.

"None of them were mean to me, although my asshole is still a little sore from the frisking at the door. "

Hmmm. This is probably the first frisk I've been through that didn't have an issue. Usually I'm felt up and nearly probed. Wonder if the guys went a little more harsh.
I know I gave most of my stuff to Monk E so it was like airport security for a bit till he could unload but don't think he had any hardcore pattdown either. We both went in and out a few times....usually that means more pattdowns :-)

(Now I'm thinking of when I'd do the door security for several events - hope I didn't hurt anyones ass ;-P)