For Underground Fun, the Swing Set Goes to the Playground

Whenever a promoter insists his nightclub has a “European” or “New York” feel, it’s a good idea to approach the place with caution. The claim normally translates into a dated meat market with a tired attitude. But the Playground in Anaheim actually recalls the kind of underground clubs commonly found in the Big Apple or on the Continent, even though that wasn’t the intention of owner Javier Castellanos.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why the Playground appears so urban. Granted, the primarily Latino clientele contrasts with the typical Malibu Ken and Barbies at other county haunts. But a non-Anglo crowd socializing in a suburban club doesn’t immediately deem it cosmopolitan.

Although it sits in a shopping center, the Playground lacks the sterility that overtakes clubs in similar settings. There are no glaring symbols of commercialism such as neon beer signs or televisions everywhere you turn showing sports games. This simply decorated club exists for the sole purpose of dancing, evidenced by the 5,000-square-foot dance floor and an impressive light system. It’s been able to survive nicely without bringing in those old, overdone gimmicks such as a “Hot Legs Night” or busty waitresses selling fruity shooters.

A handsomely dressed staff, decked out in black ties and shawl-collar tuxes, keeps the operation running smoothly. There are thorough checks at the door (for proper identification and weapons), which can keep the long line outside moving slowly from 9 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m., so those who hate to wait are advised to come later.

Staffers also walk around with flashlights, making sure that no drink is taken to the dance floor or the bathrooms and that anyone holding a beer is also wearing a fluorescent wristband (placed on those age 21 and over at the door; the club is 18 and over). For those who despise being watched, security does its duty inconspicuously enough.

Those sporting the plastic bracelets can buy bottled domestic and imported beers for $3 to $3.50, well drinks for $2. Designated drivers and minors can gulp down sodas for $2 and bottled Evian (a popular beverage here among all ages) for $1.50.

Patrons seem to edge more toward the teens, but the doormen report that the ratio of teens to those in their late 20s is about equal.

Castellanos opened the Playground six months ago, next door to his family’s salsa dance and dinner club, J.C. Fandango. He transformed the Fandango Discoteque, also family-owned, into a permanent underground, complete with the playful, preschool decorations connected with rave culture. Great big stuffed dolls sit above the bar; across the way, a white polar bear swings overhead; and a kid-sized Ernie (of “Sesame Street”) keeps the box office girl company. On the walls hang graffiti-style airbrush art of fluorescent mushrooms, precocious-looking goblins and cutesy caterpillars. Oversized bean bags on a corner stage (probably once used by salsa bands) offer couples cozy comfort.

The former Latin disco now plays an underground mix that shifts slightly each weekend night. On Fridays, deejays Leon Metoyer and Da White Boy spin hip-hop, house and ‘70s disco; Metoyer (a.k.a. Mop Head) also works the turntable Sunday nights, playing a similar format but substituting house with funk.

Goers are at their most energetic and trendiest on those two evenings, especially Sunday, which remains the club’s most consistently crowded night with more than 500 patrons. The place stays packed until closing at 2 a.m. (doesn’t anyone work on Mondays anymore?). There are literally wall-to-wall dancers and very few wallflowers. There are lots of boxers peeking over baggies hanging low, backward baseball caps and, a big accessory among flygirls, beepers.

Saturday’s crowd appears somewhat more subdued, ranging from a hip chick in a tailored ‘70s leisure suit to a conservative in a sweater vest and tie. Few don the standard rave uniform of extra-large duds emblazoned with logos, although the format turns to deep house, tribal and techno delivered by deejay David Alvarado and, alternating each week, Swedish Egil (of KROQ and defunct MARS-FM fame) or Tony Largo (also of MARS).

Castellanos will add another techno night beginning Wednesday. Besides deejays Spin, Dan, Ron Decor and Swedish Egil (all four will spin regularly thereafter), opening night will feature Q Bert, who recently won an international club disc jockey championship in England, according to Castellanos. All ages pay a flat cover of $10, or $7 with a flyer before 10 p.m.

Discount flyers for all evenings can save you from $3 to $10--a plus in these recessionary times. They are available at some record stores and clothing boutiques catering to rave audiences and are distributed inside the Playground.

* Playground, 1084 N. State College Blvd., Anaheim. (714) 563-6112. 18 and over with ID. Open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: Fridays $8, minors pay $10; Saturdays $10, minors $12; Sunday $5, minors $10. (All patrons can get in for $5 on Fridays and Saturdays and $2 on Sundays with a flyer.)

MORE DANCE CLUBS:

Romper Room at Magnolia’s Peach, 600 Brea Mall Drive, Brea. Friday only, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover: $5. (714) 990-4494. First off, this is no underground club. Though it does play some of the music associated with underground--techno and ‘70s disco, for instance--for most of the evening, the disc jockeys spin the Power 106 playlist. And the decor is about as inventive as you’d find in any family restaurant. But it does offer a place for those ages 18 and up to party, and it doesn’t charge them an arm and a leg to get through the door: the $5 cover applies to everybody.