Jewel's Catch One has been in Los Angeles' Arlington Heights district since 1972 and proclaims itself the city's first black gay and lesbian disco. Today, the venue exists in two parts: a high-energy dance club and a community center. Profits from the club benefit a non-profit medical clinic, opened by Catch One owner Jewel Thais-Williams, called the Village Health Foundation.
The club itself comprises three levels, three dance floors and three bars. The bottom level features weekly theme parties and the Vegan Village Internet Cafe.
Jewel's Catch One
4067 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323-734-8849
jewelscatchone.com
A mixed crowd enjoys the dance scene at Arena, once an ice factory and since converted into a chic nightclub. The venue offers valet parking and two levels of entertainment. Clientele at Arena, especially on the club's gay-oriented "Club Delicious" Wednesday nights, comprises black, Latin and white partiers. Friday night is "dress to impress" Hollywood Live night, while "Boys Night" on Saturday is known to cater to a more exclusively Latin crowd.
Arena
6655 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-462-0714
arenanightclub.com
Held, as the name First Fridayz implies, on the first Friday of every month, this party moves from club to club. Its various locations include Club Metro and Club 3100, and some sites feature a full male revue. It boasts hip-hop music and, according to its website, an "exquisite client base of phyne African American and Latino brothas from 18 to 50." The club presents a networking opportunity for Los Angeles' gay population to connect. Check their website for next Friday's location.
firstfridayzla.com