Cool nightclub 20 Below gets hot

Launched just two months ago, Maricopa’s Club 20 Below has become a regional sensation and essential destination for dance and music fans under age 20 from around Pinal County and the East Valley, according to club founder and impresario Daniel Agloro.

“We have people coming in from Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Tempe and Chandler all the time, as well as from Florence, Coolidge and Casa Grande,” said Agloro. “We are averaging 110 people a night.”

Held on Saturday evenings from 8 p.m. until midnight at Mariscos El Pulpo Loco restaurant on Marciopa-Casa Grande Highway, the club features an impressive roster of live acts and top DJs. Agloro said he plans to book 104 acts in the first 52 weeks. “The music is what you would hear on the iPod of a typical teenager – dance, hip-hop, some Spanish Reggae – but no gangsta rap.”

Agloro said he mainly books Pinal County acts that have a following in the area. “They are bringing in the crowds,” he said. “I turn down bands from Phoenix that want to play the club all the time because they have zero penetration down here.”

Agloro stresses that the club is a safe alternative for kids, not a place where they are likely to get into trouble.

“Club 20 Below was created to alleviate the kind of problems you can get at house parties where there may be alcohol, drugs, guns and knives,” Agloro said. “I estimate that there are approximately 2,500 teenagers in Maricopa. That’s a lot of kids with nothing to do. We provide a safe environment where they can socialize and have fun.

“We have two security guards plus seven other adult staff and we check people’s belongings as they come in. We don’t allow gangster attire or anyone over 20 in the club, nor do we allow any outside drinks, nor do we allow re-entry without penalty of double cover to avoid people hanging out in the parking lot.”

One of the club’s hosts is Tycoon, also known as Rodney, a Maricopa resident who was a 2010 West Coast Hip Hop Artist of the Year nominee. 

“He is a very great artist, friend and dedicated person,” said Agloro.

Other upcoming artists include Mav, who will be filming an E-documentary on site; Pacman of Get Money Entertainment in Maricopa and Shaudy and Twizzle of DNA Entertainment in Casa Grande. DJs include Agloro, AKA DJ Fresco, DJ Nicky Nic and DJ Showtime.

The club is sponsored by Crunk Energy Drinks, Jesta Fashion Wear, Purgatory Tattoo, Mariscos El Pulpo Loco and Inner Mind Elite Radio podcast.

“Admission is $8 for guys,” said Agloro. “The first 20 ladies get free admission and ladies get in for half price before 9 p.m.”

There is a dance contest each Saturday night, with a $2-per-person entry fee and winner-take-all prize.

At a glance
What: Club 20 Below
When: Saturdays from 8 p.m. until midnight
Where: Mariscos El Pulpo Loco restaurant
44630 W.  Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway
Who: Dan Agloro, Fresco Entertainment
Contact: 602-505-2729 or [email protected]