Between flashing multi-colored lights, the twirling of glow sticks, the sweating, heavy breathing glitter-dipped club kids, and the beating throb of the techno music pouring out of the speakers, one might assume that they have wandered headlong into Denver's latest rave attempt.

Instead, they have entered the world of Club Synergy, one of Denver's after-hours clubs.

Opening its doors in September 1995, Synergy has provided the party-goers of Denver with a place to turn to when the Lower Downtown bars shout last call and turn them loose on the streets.

Much to the dismay of some of the crowd, Synergy does not provide alcohol to quench the thirst of the sweaty dancers that crowd their two dance floors. Instead, they give their thirsty patrons a "smart bar" that is filled with herbal high-energy drinks and pills that keep the party going long after last call.

Manager Elysia said that contrary to popular belief and other newspaper articles, everything that they serve is perfectly legal.

"We're really excited about some new products that will be coming in the next few weeks," she said, stressing again that all products they sell would survive any inspection by the police department.

However, what Synergy is most proud of is the change in their Friday night lineup, which they affectionately call "Friday Night Fusion." Every other Friday, Synergy will be bringing in a headlining DJ from out of town to dazzle the party crowd with their unending talents.

This change is not the first time that Synergy has attempted to give out-of-state music to the party kids of Denver. Last year, Synergy, with the help of Bo Basic productions, brought many headlining DJs to the area. Unfortunately for the after-hours bar crowd, Synergy had to raise their usually reasonable door cover to around $25 to afford to bring in the talent.

And so, the hardcore party kids who were willing to shell out the greenbacks to hear their favorite DJ that Synergy brought in to town, but the bar crowd that packs the dance floors could not afford the prices.

This time around, Synergy is taking matters into their own hands.

"Now," said DJ Stan, "We can provide great talent, without the high prices." Charging their regular door price of $7, they can now fill their club with happy party people and they are able to pay all the bills needed to house the guest DJ.

On Mar. 3, Synergy welcomed DJ Enrie from LA. Judging from the reaction of the crowd, it was a brilliant choice.

"Most of the kids have come out just to see DJ Enrie," said DJ Stan. "He has quite a following here in Denver."

The crowd joyfully skipped, flowed, twirled and grooved along with the dynamic tunes that exploded from the huge speakers lining the front room.

Screams and cheers were heard almost every time one tune morphed into another. Hands and faces were turned up to the DJ booth in a gesture of respect and euphoria. It was truly an ecstatic crowd that frolicked throughout the club that night.

In LA, DJ Enrie has no claim to residency, but he does have his own radio station on which he mixes a variety of tunes from disco to house to hip-hop.

Instead of residency, Enrie spends his time traveling around the nation, spreading his music in different clubs and venues around the country. According to DJ Stan, the pro-motion manager, this is highly unusual for a DJ.

He also has his own Web site, djenrie.com, on which he provides his listeners with mixes, editorials, giveaways, chat rooms, free e-mail and a DJ diary.

This was DJ Enrie's second trip to the beautiful state of Colorado. His first stop was at Tracks 2000 earlier this year for his CD release party for his "CD Mixes Vol. 1."

Party kids should look forward to having DJ Mark V, who is venturing into the wild, wild west on Mar. 17, and DJ Michael Trance on Mar. 31.

How does this change in the lineup affect the resident DJs that call Synergy their home?

DJ Foxx -- who moved to Denver five years ago, finishes the evening on Friday and has played at the Church, Vinyl, and other clubs around town -- said the resident DJs welcome the change as long as the DJ in question hits the crowd with great music.

"It's cool to have big headliners come in," said Foxx, "but with the less-known DJs, you really have to listen to them before you judge them."

Foxx also thinks that Synergy handling its own promotions for Friday Night Fusion is a lot better now than it was last year.

"Now, for $7, people can come in and listen to good music and have a good time," said Foxx.

Denied. Gov's Park, as the regulars call it, was packed inside and out. There was no line to get in, but there was a two hour wait for a table. We decided to stand, and after acquiring a few 22 oz. pints of beer began to look for some empty air to occupy.

Gov's Park is divided loosely into four areas: dining, bar w/dining, bar w/pool, and patio. For the life of us we could not find a place to lurk without being completely in the way. Finally our rescuers came in the form of co-workers playing pool, who were kind enough to spare corner on a crowded table for us to set down our beers. Just in time -- my hand felt like it was getting frostbite from holding the glass. The beer at Gov's Park is definitely served cold.

There was a friendly, fun atmosphere with people smiling and introducing themselves. Soon everyone in the tightly packed corner knew each other and was helping clear a spot for a pool shot or flag down the server. The bartenders and servers did an excellent job of keeping on top of things. The wait for the next round was never long.

Perhaps it is good planning that helps to keep things rolling along smoothly at Gov's Park. Happy Hour runs Monday through Saturday, 4-7 PM, with drink specials consisting of two-for-one margaritas, long island iced teas, and draft beers which are served in the large 22 oz. size. The longer hours eliminate any feelings of being rushed, and the large-sized cans keep you :in the beer" for quite a while before needing a fill up. Gov's Park offers 22 different beers on tap ranging from Bud Lite to Guinness, with the house beer being Big Nose.

The downside to consuming oversized two-for-one drinks is inevitably long lines for the bathroom. The solution that evening appeared to be to convert one of the restrooms into a unisex area, giving the women a bathroom and a half to work with. Although there were some jokingly derogatory comments by a few of the gentlemen, there were twice as many invitations to the women standing in line to share space. There were a few brave, drunk, or possibly just desperate souls who took them up on the offer and emerged with relieved smiles on their faces much quicker than those holding the separatists' belief.

Back at the pool table, the effects of happy hour were becoming more apparent as the evening wore on. Relatively mediocre pool players had become either pathetic or rivaled the skills of the black widow. The fun and friendly corner became increasingly flirtatious and there were plans being made to meet at a later time in the evening. (Brian, we still don't believe you are an attorney!) It seemed that nothing could ruin the glow of the evening, not even the tragic server and pool shark collision that ended in many a fermented beverage being mopped up from the floor.

Happy Hour ended at some point during the festivities. No one was sure when, and if it weren't for prior commitments, we may have been there long enough to partake in the second special of the evening which runs nightly from 9:55 to 11:05 -- buy a small get a tall. Gov's Park is certainly reaching out to everyone it can with inexpensive happiness in a glass. But alas the golden chariot awaited, and we would need to pick this up at a later time, a later date. Perhaps we could return for the live trivia on Wednesday after happy hour. Perhaps if we ever get evicted we can simply move in there. Perhaps we had way too much fun and it was really time to go!

Gov's Park is a fun, friendly bar with a casual, youthful atmosphere, great drink specials, and excellent service. The only fatal flaw is one repeated around the city of Denver -- lack of food specials. Gov's literally gets a standing ovation for being able to handle a crowd that large without making one feel like a sardine. It is definitely a place not to be missed. A