91Èȱ¬

Well, well, well,Â…Â…I attended an event for under 18's at 'The Works' nightclub on Broad Street, called 'TeenDreem'. Why 'Dreem' I don't know, but it had a really cheesy name anyhoo!

To be honest I wasn't truly looking forward to it as I'm a 'live band' type of gal, I do like the old dance in clubs but that is usually teamed with alcohol, so I didn't really know what to expect.

Teen Dreem clubbers

My age put me off a little too, 'hmmmm'Â….I thought, I'm 17 going to an under 18s disco, I am used to being over 18 at the weekend. (Coughs).

Although I did feel a little too old to be there (As lots of 15 year old girls in tiny, tiny, mini skirts, the highest heels ever to be made by a plastic company were grinding to music) but there was a friendly, party atmosphere and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves!

My pre-conceptions were totally wrong - I really enjoyed myself and thoroughly recommend it!

I arrived armed with a dictaphone and Sarah, who was armed with the digital camera and her 91Èȱ¬ pass! We first went into the nightclub and spoke to the company promoter for these 'Teen Dreem' nights, Jeremy Knightly, who was a lovely jolly chap, and very happy to talk. (Thanks Jeremy. *Claps*).

Teen Dreem at The Works

He told me that he company promotes these nights all over the country, getting different PA's and local DJ's to perform. Acts such as 'So-Solid Crew', 'Oxide and Neutrino', and 'Blazing Squad' all started out performing at these 'Teen Dreem' events.

I was rather impressed with that and was looking forward to pestering the kids and the Deejays.

I walked into the main room where the music was and lots of the kids were hanging out and dancing. The room had a massive dance floor and two bars, (with no alcohol, of course!).

I though it was very realistic and was a good taster of what clubs are like. The first DJ to play was the resident DJ for Teen Dreem, he mainly played chart R'n'B 'chooons' which got the crowd dancing.

I spoke to some of the kids there and they all seemed to be having a good time, no one complained, except for a few lads with overly sized gold necklaces on who wouldn't give me there names or let us take a picture in case I gave it to the police, (wow, the bad asses!).

These girls liked the music but thought the talent was dry

One of the girls I spoke to Danielle, 15, who is from Weoley Castle said "It's great for us, as it's the only thing about for teens in Birmingham'.

This statement was made by most of the people I spoke to, they all wanted more events like this in Birmingham for them, and I agree, I feel they are appreciated greatly and there was no trouble either.

I also asked about the ticket price which to my surprise was £10, I thought this was a little steep, as in my experience usual entrance fees range from £3-£5, but you did get drinks free and a whistle, so it was rather reasonable, and most people thought it was good and didn't mind paying for it.

Roxy at Teen Dreem

Sarah took some photos, and we had a mooch around, it was great - me and Sarah could go anywhere we wanted, I'd never been so excited about walking up some stairs with a barrier in front!

I had a wander around and I saw the bar woman look a little bored as the flurry of teenagers after a beverage had now left to dance, so I went to pester her, keep her busy. Her name was Vicki Holland, who was 20 years old and has worked at the club for 1 and ½ years.

I asked her how this compared to a 'real night', she said 'obviously it is quite realistic, apart from the alcohol, people are here to have a good time and meet their friends.' I think this statement summed up the night rather well!

NowÂ…Â….the actsÂ…Â…Â…I thought the acts were rather good, and would attract lots of people, but most people I spoke to didn't know who was playing. I feel this could have been promoted more to attract more of an audience.

Monroe girls and Roxy

Oxide and Neutrino are well known, and to be fair have produced some good garage music, as well as some commercial rubbish, but overall are good DJs. Some lads from 'So Solid Crew' were at the club and JD aka 'Dready' was MCing.

The girl group Monroe who I honestly have never heard of before performed there, they were rather good too, so over all there was a wide array of live and DJ sets.

I went into the backstage area, yes, the backstage, (well a room with trendy sofas and a bar in, but it was backstage in theory.) There I spoke to some of the DJs and JD who is originally from Birmingham.

JD gets friendly with Roxy

I made them talk to me in the mighty dictaphone (which the batteries kept coming out of, may I add.) I had a soft spot for Mr Oxide so I shall save him till last, bless! SoÂ…Â…JD, he was also a happy chappy, who kept playing up to the camera! Very helpful though.

He told me he used to live in Handsworth and he used to go to the Dome nightclub when he was a teen which was similar to this night. He said he first started MCing when he met So Solid, then got into producing; he told me he has produced the Lisa Mafia song; 'All Over', and some songs from Miss Dynamite and Misteeq.

JD lovin' the camera!

He was a bright soul with a bright 'bling' coat to match. He really got the crowd going and was a good entertaining act.

Oxide, bless him, was on his tod as Neutrino was 'ill'. I saw a lad in a parker coat sitting on one of the sofas with a music box with him, I couldn't believe that was him, what a little cutie!

I don't suppose he would be happy by me saying that as he was the 'Laandan' accent type of lad who was 22, but looked like a bad ass 15 year old wannabe, bless.

Roxy meets Oxide

He was really nice, but blatantly was only there to promote his new song 'A Brick in the Wall', but that's fair enough, we all have to make a living!

I spoke to him about how he first go into DJing and he said the he started on a pirate radio station and then just made contacts. I asked some of the DJs if they had tips for any of you budding Deejays.Â…..their advice to you isÂ…..dun dun dunÂ…Â…is to make lots of contacts and try to get as many gigs as possible. Thank you!

Well that was my night pretty much, stayed a little bit listened to some more 'choons' then went offski back to my humble abode! I had a big smile on my face all night, as I had a really good night and definitely recommend you to go to the next one on Tuesday 31st August, there isn't as many live acts but it is the 'Ibiza foam partaay' so it will be good just for novelty value anyway!

If you want harmless fun and fancy a boogie, this is definitely the place to be!