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The Rise and Evolution of DC Nightlife: A Tribute to Ronn Gee and the Art of Street Promotions

WRITTEN BY KENDESI MOHAMMED 

There was a time when Washington, DC, was the epicenter of nightlife in the Mid-Atlantic, where the lines were long, the velvet ropes meant something, and knowing the right people was the key to entry. Before social media redefined social currency, real-world connections ruled the scene. It was an era when exclusivity, VIP sections, and bottle service were symbols of status, and the city’s top promoters were the gatekeepers to the hottest venues.

I grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, but I partied in DC seven days a week. My friends and I made it our mission to know everyone—the promoters, venue managers, and club owners—because relationships were everything. One name stood above the rest: Ronn Gee, given name Ronald Goodman, a true pioneer of DC’s nightlife scene.

For over two decades, Ronn Gee has been synonymous with premier events at some of DC’s most legendary venues, including Fur Nightclub, Ibiza, Zanzibar (also known as The Water Club), H2O, Lux Lounge, Oxygen, and Red Lounge. He didn’t just throw parties; he created experiences, built communities, and set the standard for what it meant to be a promoter in a city known for its fast pace and ever-changing social scene.

Ronn Gee once told me, “Everything starts in the streets—from religion to politics, to events and business. Yes, there’s the online world, but people must still be able to shake your hand and speak to you. This is why street promotions are powerful.”

His words resonated with me because they spoke to an era when influence wasn’t measured by likes or followers but by who truly knew you. It wasn’t enough to just “know of” people; you had to be in the mix, present, engaged, and respected. That’s how I learned the game—by following Ronn Gee and helping with promotions, witnessing firsthand how the nightlife industry was built from the ground up.

The Evolution of DC Nightlife

Over the years, DC’s nightlife has transformed. The rise of social media has given everyone an online persona, making access to events more democratic but also less exclusive. Today, club culture has shifted—many venues have closed, and experiences are now curated for Instagram as much as for the people actually in attendance. The VIP culture still exists, but the energy has changed.

Back in the day, going out wasn’t just about showing up—it was about being somebody. There was a hierarchy, a sense of prestige that came with being on the right guest list or knowing the right promoter. The streets dictated the culture, and the promoters who mastered street-level engagement were the ones who thrived.

Can DC Reignite Its Nightlife Glory?

The question now is whether DC can return to the golden era of nightlife. The city still has the energy, the talent, and the demand for premium experiences, but the approach must evolve. Street promotions, in-person connections, and exclusive events must be reintroduced in a way that complements today’s digital landscape.

Ronn Gee remains a testament to longevity in an industry that is notoriously fickle. He has continuously reinvented himself, proving that true influence is about relationships, reputation, and reinvention. As nightlife continues to change, the principles he built his career on remain relevant—personal connections will always outweigh digital impressions.

For those looking to build a lasting presence in DC’s nightlife scene, the lesson is clear: You can know a lot of people online, but the real question is—do they know you?