What's up with Wave?

The Blue Note stays lively on Saturdays with the musical styling of DJ Run. Whether it's drinks, disco or go-go, Wave has it.

By John Hendel

Published March 21, 2006

On Mondays and Wednesdays, MU professor Cynthia Frisby teaches an 8 a.m. cross-cultural journalism class in Conservation Auditorium. But on Saturday, Frisby wore a red mini skirt and high-heeled boots while dancing in a cage suspended from the ceiling at The Blue Note.

"Yep, I was one of the go-go dancers," Frisby said. "(It) reminded me of my younger days when that was very cool."

The Blue Note has held Wave, what the establishment calls a new breed of dance party, at 9 p.m. every Saturday. At first glance, a night at Wave seems like a standard club experience. There's a disco ball with flashing gold lights, drink specials and a few people trying to dance. Doorman Trent Rosenthal said the weekly event contained more than that.

"Wave is a spectacular DJ dance party, and since we're The Blue Note, we know how to play good music," Rosenthal said.

The stage is covered by a giant screen, which plays anything from '80s movies such as "Weird Science" to break-dancing silhouettes to funky green images. DJ Run, the DJ that most often spins at Wave, said he enjoys matching the music to the visuals.

"It can be trippy," he said.

DJ Run said that The Blue Note owner Richard King and several DJs came up with the idea of Wave night more than six months ago.

"We just wanted to come up with something alternative and cool," DJ Run said.

DJ Run used to be King's physical trainer, but a series of exchanged mix CDs led to his current job at Wave, which he said helps draw about 100 to 150 people every Wave night.

His musical range shows why. An average night for DJ Run can mean playing anything from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' latest single to The Streets to Billy Idol.

"The music's not as much like the club mix," King said. "It's different but danceable."

Several people slowly populate The Blue Note's tables over the course of an average Wave evening. Many said it was their first time to Wave.

DJ Run said the crowd varies from college-aged through people in their mid-30s, and he's used to seeing both regulars and fresh faces.

Rosenthal and DJ Run said an important part of Wave is that it often follows a concert. In fact, DJ Run said that people getting into Wave at 9 p.m. often can see the closing songs of the previous show.

DJ Run and King said Wave tries to create a fun new dance vibe for a decent price. It costs $2 to get into Wave, and King said The Blue Note receives little profit from Wave night — he simply wants people to enjoy themselves.

"If you're looking for something cheap, it's great," Rosenthal said.

Future plans for Wave don't stop at a giant screen and disco ball.

"We're having the go-go cages brought in!" DJ Run said.

On Saturday, The Blue Note held a special Wave A-Go-Go night. People dressed in retro and leather clothes got in for free and the night included a light show and go-go girls, including Frisby, dancing in hanging cages.

"I had a blast," King said. "I think the go-go cages are here to stay."