Scene Ultra Lounge recently opened in the East End, in the former Hush space adjacent to Anchor Bar. The nightlife scene surrounding the East/Alexander intersection is ever-changing, and Scene hopes to continue that tradition with fresh ideas and an ambitious owner.

"We are trying to create a South Beach/Miami vibe here," says owner Mike Collichio, who also owns the neighboring Anchor Bar. Scene's atmosphere is like that of a big-city club, including multicolored lights flashing in time to music spun by a DJ, a wraparound bar, and private VIP areas. "We want something more upscale to draw in an older crowd," Collichio says.

I visited Scene on a Friday night. The club has two levels with 12 VIP tables available for bottle service. There are two entrances to the club, one that spills directly on to the dance floor and another with a red carpet outside the doorway. My friend and I entered via the red-carpet entrance, expecting a cover charge, as is characteristic for most clubs in the area. "No cover tonight," said the security guard, explaining that Scene is usually no cover, save for certain special events. Per Scene's website: "There is never a cover if you are dressed to impress." Ladies and gentlemen of Rochester, take note.

Scene plays host to a range of events, from professional networking nights to special DJ performances. On Friday, May 6, Scene will present Roc Social, an invitation-only professional happy hour. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the evening will include live music by Jennifer Heieck, hors d'oeuvres, giveaways, and drink specials. On Saturday, May 14, Scene will present DJ Colleen Shannon, dubbed "The World's Sexiest DJ," a former Playboy Playmate. Shannon will spin a mix of electronica, house, and Top 40.

When I visited the club, the music was supplied by DJ Designer Junkies, located at a private booth suspended over the dance floor. The music was primarily Top 40 club remixes such as Rihanna's "S&M." The crowd was varied, although it was mostly people in their 20s. Scene enforces a dress code of "fashionable dress and nightclub attire." A few guys wore jeans, but all were paired with button-down shirts or a suit jacket.

"I have the best job in the whole world," said club photographer Peter Maggipinto as he snapped pictures of women in mini-dresses vamping for the camera and men striking breakdancing poses. The patrons at Scene want to be seen, and can find their pictures posted regularly to the nightclub website or on Facebook.

The club's upstairs level holds up to 80 people and is open during special events or can be reserved for private parties. There is a separate bar and tables, and overlooks the dance floor area, giving patrons a closer view of the multiple glass chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling.

Scene Ultra Lounge and Nightclub is located at 359 East Avenue and is open Thursdays through Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The club is open to women 18 and older, men 21+. For more information on upcoming events, photos, and more visit sceneultraloungeny.com or call 520-9008. You can also find Scene on Facebook and Twitter. For an invitation to the Roc Social on May 6 e-mail event organizer Diane Gibson at dianegibson1278@yahoo.com.