Scores to take over Aqua
Aqua, the popular summer poolside club at the Merritt Athletic Club in Canton, is back for another season.
But this year, it's being run by Scores, the gentleman's club at 615 Fallsway.
No, there won't be strippers at Aqua, which, due to a partnering with Van Gogh Blue vodka, has been renamed Aqua Blue. That's according to Sean Lewis, the general manager of Scores and now a co-owner of Aqua Blue.
"It's so busy at Scores already that none of the girls could [work at Aqua]," Lewis said. "All of our staff is here on a Saturday night." ...
Lewis said Scores will be hiring a whole new staff of people to run Aqua Blue. In fact, they're holding open auditions this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the pool.
Aqua Blue's grand opening is June 6, and it's almost sold out, Lewis said. The lounge will be open every Saturday through the end of the summer and have a $10 cover charge. Each week will feature a different theme, he said.
"We're moving it up a notch this year," he said. "We're trying to price it Baltimore -- not over the top. ... We're just trying to get the right group of people in -- good, fun people."
(Sun archive photo)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Terrible. How much money can you possibly make at a gym turned club? Merritt must be needing the money.
Now excuse me, but I have a date next Saturday night with a lats machine at Golds.
Posted by: hmmm | May 27, 2009 2:32 PM
I've never been to the old Aqua. Can people who have been there comment on what it was like, crowd-wise. Should I waste my time trying the new Aqua?
Posted by: BaltBabs | May 27, 2009 2:41 PM
I went to Aqua twice last season. the concept is not as bad as people think. the pool and the floating lights was cool to look at and, I think, calmed people. It was friggin' crowded with muscle dudes in tight shirts and party girls. If that's your crowd, you'll like it.
Posted by: redman | May 27, 2009 3:22 PM
I think it's so awesomely Baltimore that a gym pool turns into one of the city's most exclusive clubs once a week.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | May 28, 2009 9:36 AM
I've never been, but can't knock it until I try it!
Posted by: BaltBabs | May 28, 2009 2:33 PM
HEYBABS,ISAIDTHESAMETHINGABOUTREDBULLANDNOWICANTSTOPTYPINGAAAAAAAH
Posted by: Sam Sessa | May 28, 2009 2:35 PM
Aqua is by far the best party in Baltimore every Saturday in the Summer. Anyone who's anyone is there...it's a real see and be seen type of place w/a great vibe that no other club can ever seem to create throughout the year...can't wait for the 6th!
Posted by: Anonymous | May 28, 2009 5:32 PM
It is certainly a different scene than anywhere else in the city. It really isn't that different than clubs in Miami. I'm not sure where the clientele comes from but I haven't seen them anywhere else in Baltimore. If your idea of a great night is drinking a six pack of Boh with your friends than this isn't the place for you - you can go to one of the 9435 corner bars in this town instead.
Posted by: T | May 28, 2009 6:26 PM
One word to describe "club" Aqua: UGH. As a Canton homeowner and someone who has been a member of the Canton Merritt since it opened, I have an issue with paying a cover at a place where I pay an overpriced membership fee each month.
I think the owners have lost sight of the fact that the facility is supposed to be a GYM. In the past couple of years, it has been the norm to find used condoms and broken beer bottles in the parking lot. It's disgusting.
And for what they are charging new members -- which they haven't needed for a couple of years since the place is overcrowded as it is -- I have a hard time believing that the Merritt Corp. is so desperate for money that they are forgetting why they're in business to begin with.
I can only hope "Aqua Blue's" new management can do a better job.
Posted by: Jewcy Bits | May 28, 2009 11:08 PM