Marquee is one of New York’s most elite nightclubs... 

Thursday night I finally got my chance to experience the exclusive and elite Marquee. Though Marquee’s outside appearance can be quit deceiving, never judge a book by its cover.  To onlookers, Marquee may look like an abandoned warehouse, but once the door opens you will be surprised by its majesty and elegance.

Well, that’s if you get past the doorman.  Guys don’t come without any girls or there’s no chance you’re dancing your night away at Marquees "Our House Event." The impeccably dressed gatekeeper of Marquee, Shu de Jong, gave us a brief glimpse into the world of celebrity  nightlife.  Bring your sister if you need to, just don't show up stag.  Shu likes to keep the girl to guy ratio 60:40 and isn’t scared to turn someone away even if voices begin to escalate. He is the brand manager, the one who upholds the reputation of Marquee.  The Director of Marketing, if you will.  On Thursday nights he has the last say so I got the inside scoop from Shu about who gets in and who doesn’t!

Joonbug: What do you think about the overall club scene in New York?

Shu: I think it’s up-and-coming and has become more creative over the last few years.  People are taken more risks and chances.  Innovative thinkers like Noah and Jason have stepped out of their comfort zones and created an upscale, exclusive nightclub like Marquee.

Joonbug: What are your stipulations on letting people in?

Shu: It’s all about attitudes.  I am a positive guy.  It’s not hard for someone to ask me how my night is going and to be cordial.  I don’t want to see people that look like they just rolled out of bed.  I expect people to dress their best.  In the business of longevity I have to find a balance between ultra exclusive and to be a little more lenient on certain nights when it comes to dress codes.   

Joonbug: What do you look for on a Thursday night and what kind of dress code? 

Shu: I want people to push their fashion limit and to behave and respect the club.  Thursdays in summer is a younger crowd because colleges are out.  Because of this we have to adjust the dress code a little bit to cater to Marquee’s younger demographic on a Thursday night.  We adjust the rules a bit without bringing the wrong element into Marquee.

Joonbug: What about a Saturday night?

Shu: Saturday is money night.  We want to capitalize on bottle service and selling tables.  We treat this as real estate.  The crowds on Saturday nights are an older, sophisticated crowd.

Joonbug: What night do you reject the most people and why?

Shu: Probably Thursday nights.  Like I said college is out for the summer so a lot of underage people expect to get in.  I don’t want Marquee’s door to become a turnstile door.

Joonbug: What makes this door unique compared to other nightclubs in New York?|

Shu: Hmm. I would say that we’ve been here for 7 years and have become an anomaly in the nightclub industry.  It’s hard to find a nightclub in New York open this long.  It’s an honor working here.

Joonbug:  What celebrities have you seen recently at Marquee?

Shu: Well, recently Lebron James was here for an event and Mary J. Blige and Lil Jon were here.  Marquee is a safe haven for celebrities because we never exploit them to any media. 

Marquee's vibe on Thursday night was young and hip.  House music was being played so loud you could feel the floor shaking and everyone in the nightclub was feeling the music.  The bartenders were the best I have ever had and I would suggest getting a vodka, sprite, sour mix from the bartender, Monica.

Though the outside may look simple, inside it’s far from it.  Its chic vibe will surprise you and definitely won’t disappoint you.