Weekend of May 6-9 - All together now

Actually started my hangout a day early. Was invited out to have a few with a few friends. Went to Stonewall and sat in the back where my friend knew the bartender. It was Happy Hour so everyone had a little buzz and was very talkative. Every topic from real estate to allergy season was touched on and briefly noted. The Live show that they put on was cool and I even watched and sang along with the Lady's rendition of "Under the Boardwalk". When the live show was not going on there were music videos playing on the TV's and over the speakers. Nice MTV type music from Missy Elliott to Outkast. After our party decided to go their separate ways I decided to barhop and make an appearance up at my usual haunt Splash. For Thursday they were hosting a viewing of the final episode of "Friends" for the happy crowd in attendance and then segued into some video clips just like the other place (guess it's a Thursday thing). Except for the video content (more MTV type dance mixes) it was more of the same theme. I got to see my bartender (Brett) promoted to his new home at the front bar and vowed to see him again the next night when I would normally be there anyway (That is to say Friday Night).

My Friday marked the end of my long and trying week and was very happy to dress for the occasion (which is to be comfortable, upbeat and danceable) and make my way in to see the boys at Splash. Brett gave me a spotlight hello and all of my crew came over to proceed to party in the front. We proceeded to tip multiple dancing boys and drink many a drink. A few trips around the club and through the place to get the feel of the crowd and to enjoy the beats laid down by the DJ, a new one named Bill Bennett, who using plenty of danceable vocals, to bring the boys into the evening followed by some harder house beats to carry us into the evening. I made one extended box appearance (seemingly reserved all for myself), one stage appearance and enjoyed the darkened interior (which some seemed to put to far too much use and had to be escorted out). Anyway, I left around 3pm and got home with plenty of time to sleep and plot on the next day.

I skipped going to see softball as it was a little more chilly than necessary and stayed in house where it was warm. I caught up on some DVR'd movies and cinema and kept myself hydrated. Saturday night rolled around and we started off the night visiting my friends at their new place in Clinton Hill Bklyn. The neighborhood is still up and coming, plenty of toughs on the street, but the building itself was very modern with a video camera entry. To say the living room was spacious is to severely limit the idea of space to be had. Very high windows, High ceilings and two full bathrooms (always important) and plenty of room to grow into. All in attendance commented on the possibilities and look forward to a happy upcoming summer hanging with the full blown gang. After we stepped out into the night it was time to head into the city and make an appearance at Roxy.

DJ Peter Rauhofer was re-celebrating his release of his CD Live at the Roxy 3. The boys seemed to have anticipate a stellar time as the line was down the block and Doorman Derek had his hands full directing us into the door and inside to the party. Once inside just before 1am we immersed ourselves into the crowd and proceeded to get our signature drinks. Stoli Orange and Red Bull for myself and Ketel One and Cranberry for my cohorts. Later on of course we all changeover to my drink but to start with everyone has their own flavor. Peter once again blew the boys away with a great evening. Changing songs and tempo often, along with a live show from Jahkey B "HeartAttack", the party definitely kept the boys yelling for more. I even got to snag myself one of the CD giveaways, which along with my recently purchased CD "Higher" (from A/X website)has me full up on new DJ tunes to listen to on my Ipod. (Unlike my Manny Lehman CD which is copy-locked and can only be listened to in the CAR). We stayed at the party until around 4:30 and then made our way back to the environs of BK. The new cab fare now means the price home went up 3 dollars and we will be driving into the city more often now since we usually pay to park for only $15 dollars.

Anyway, shout outs to Phil, Ernesto, Ricky Thursday and Ricky Friday, Steve, Jimmy, Pais, Q and of course me and all of the boys that made my weekend a unique and fun experience.

April 30 - May 1

Another weekend comes and with the days getting longer it is warmer too. We no longer have to deal with coat check. I like it a lot.

Friday night came sort of leisurely. It was raining out but not overmuch and parked on the same street as the club. Got inside Splash and checked out the lay of the place. DJ Max Rodriguez had the boys enjoying themselves but alas my bartender was not in attendance. I made do with some other rather charming and always muscled bartenders that helped me drink the good drink and enjoy the party. The music for the evening was done well. Nothing too old, nothing to high, just a lot of vocals and plenty of men to dance with. The last Friday of the month is supposed to be the BIG party. Which for me was all good in the neighborhood. From the thick new bartender in the front to plenty of 6 foot plus in attendance it was a nice change from the usual Chelsea party boy flavor. We stayed until after 3 and then drove home with another nice evening under the belt.

Saturday brought another afternoon of softball. I enjoyed the sun through clouds, took some pictures and had a good time watching some great games. BASL is a fun way to spend part of your summer (if you are able to get up early enough). Where do some guys find the energy? I get just enough sleep and make sure I take a nap afterwards and so far have been able to do okay. After the games, ordered in Italian for dinner (Chicken Parmesan) and hung out until the clock reached that certain level of lateness.

Now I was going to not be too excited over the Roxy this past weekend. DJ Chad Jack was scheduled to spin and though he is a great DJ, he has not in the past proved to be as fun or upbeat as Manny or recent parties with Peter. Well call me surprised once again. Maybe the springtime is good for the DJs too. I felt the party start on a good note and then proceeded to get only better. I was rating the latter half of my night well into a Level 4. Chad kept us interested, while still layering his mixes and playing some original stuff. We were still treated to some great vocal and Tribal mixes that kept the crowd way into the party and (myself included) dancing until late in the morning. Me and mine stayed until around 4:30 and then wandered outside to hail a car home. (last night for the old fare, hello new price list.) It was a long night but we made it home safely and were happy that we made a go of it.

Much kudos to the DJ much love to all of my friends who hung tough and kept it fun. So glad we all enjoyed. See you all next time (comes sooner than you think). Now back to work...

April 23-25
The Summer is coming. I can taste it in the rain. Some days you need to work. But then the night comes and you only need to play. I wonder sometimes what makes some people need to get out. Some do it because they just want to drink. Some guys don't want to be alone and need to hang with an upbeat crowd. Others want to hear the music and need to dance. I think I have a little bit of all three myself. Feeling irresistably drawn to a good time with an irresistable crowd to do it with I set out. The weekend started off as usual at SBNY which had a nice size crowd in to dance to the beats layed down by DJ Mark Tarbox. The vibe was very fun and continued to be so even when they turned out all the lights and made it look kinda sexy inside. I was even set upon by out of towners (from the Bronx) but eventually they imbibed enough that they saw fit to move on and left me and mine alone. Me and my friends danced until around 4am and enjoyed every minute of it. I left in the rain but caught a taxi kind of easy. Was like it was arranged just for me. And of course I slept like a baby.

Saturday I spent just lazing about, until finally the daylight called to me and I went shopping. Gotta keep the look fresh and clean. Was a good trip if I say so my self and was glad I got out into the sun. Don't wanna go turning into a vampire and all, even though my most active time is usually after dark. Got back in time to eat and take a disco nap and then suited up and ready to step out.

Me and mine arrived at the place to be, The Rox, around 1am and of course the music kicked up just as we stepped up to the floor. Peter Rauhofer was celebrating his Birthday and the beats of the year were all set and premiere for another great Saturday night. Can't wait to get both of his new CD sets as well as look forward to dancing at many more happy parties such as this. I was just as happy two weeks ago the last time he played and he made sure it was not a fluke. I don't know if he has just changed moods or took a sabbatical to listen to some new music but I was
definitely on to level 4 and beyond. I danced on the stage, in multiple boxes and only had one low point (lost a handheld light into the crowd) but all is still well with the world. Was in the place to be until after 4am, and made sure I was well and truly ready to go. Looking forward to all of tomorrows parties with all of my friends from yesterday, today and tomorrow. Keep it hot dudes

Weekend of April 16-18,
The Days are getting longer and the crowds are getting restless. Or something like it. Always a good thing if you can get it.
Started off my Friday at SBNY. Had other invites but I went where I knew what to expect. Max Rodriguez was our DJ for the evening and was doing his best to mix the current with the classic vocal and diva hits of the past few years. Part of my crew only stayed for a little bit before calling it a night but I forged ahead and kept my barman Brett company as the night progressed. Some of my friends decided to change their look for the evening to a more rough look and was highly praised for making that leap of faith. Looked good enough for the crowd as many people did not recognize at first and yet praised the change. It is always a good thing to step outside yourself and see yourself as more than you have been. I try to do that all the time, but I want to be practical too. I am not Madonna and will not reinvent myself just because I can, but rather, because it is time.

I could not stay out too late as I had much to do the next day but got home at a reasonable hour and woke up at an ungodly hour (9:30am) and made my way to the killing fields, I mean softball fields. Cheered on the boys and kept score as the two sides clashed. Was a great day in the sun for all involved and quite a few got caught by surprise as the sun proved hot enough to burn for those pale few. But enough aloe and other creams were spread around to heal those so touched and prepare for the evening to come. After the games I went to see Kill Bill 2 which I very much enjoyed. Not as much action as last time but that movie was hard to top anyway. Much more dialogue and backstory in this one though so it was a great saga as a whole. Good to see all those loose ends tied up and so much shock to be had.


I made sure to rest up and prepare myself for the coming of the Rox. After preparations were complete we got there in plenty of time to see the party kick off and get started. We even had a few surprises in our own crew as those who supposedly were too busy to party ended up in the place and ready to dance. The crowd was there for Manny Lehman and he was definitely there for them. I had a great time with it. A definite level 4 and refused my first offer to leave as I was not done with my dancing yet. I later succumbed to the need to go home and rest up since I had family obligations to visit but was very happy with myself just the same.

Now with all this Easter candy I've been gifted I will have to be sure to shake it extra hard next weekend. Got to keep the energy moving. Sugar in, sugar skin, my what a sweet one. Yes indeed.

The Weekend of April 9-11.
What can I say, this was a very needed weekend. Still have allergies. Still had other minor aches and pains. But the weekend has arrived and it is time to relax, hang with various relations, and release some tension. Started out at Splash a little bit later than usual, around 12:30. And me of all people actually had to wait on line while they did something to the cash register. But since I'm not a tweaker the wait wasn't that bad and I made my way inside with plenty of time to hear Billy Carroll lay down the beat. Once again, what is old is new again as Billy brought his small room circuit sound to the overjoyed men and boys in attendance. I gave him the thumbs up, (and got a queens wave in return) as I took to the stage for Veronica "Someone to Hold". My tribe of friends grew larger as the evening progressed and we definitely enjoyed ourselves overmuch. Left the space around 4 and all was right with the world for one more night.

My alcohol recovery time is greatly improved with the Vitamin Shoppe supplement of Milk Thistle. No real ill effects and plenty of time for thoughtful contemplation as I geared up for the second rush of the one-two punch that is Saturday Night.

This time we arrived much earlier than usual and had plenty of time to find a parking spot, wait out the line at the door, say hi to Doorman Derek, and pay our entry. The coatcheck was much less hectic than the week before as the flow of people was kept to a far more manageable level. Coatcheck staff as nice as usual and then we stepped into the room. The scales were definitely tipped further towards the out of town or newbie visitor so early in the eve but as usual all of the New York crowd showed up fashionably late and the place got downright packed. I found myself doing just as much talking as dancing as I met up with friends got drinks and found my way around the club more than once. Peter was in rare (pretty much unmatched) form as he decided to twist the party into its own special time and place. Of course the beats followed me wherever I went and when I made my way down to the dancefloor in front of the stage he proceeded to throw on some of the hottest tribal beats ever heard at the Roxy . Songs I had never heard before (CD Release Party anyone?) had the crowd screaming and he only got better and better. He gave us a few vocal interludes that kept us going with Madonna "Nobody Knows Me" and "Nothing Fails", Beyonce "Naughty Girl", and his own take on Janet "Just a Little While". If the tunes played last night are any sort of indication we have a great club year ahead of us as I danced my ass off not just once but multiple times as the night moved towards the day.

Also, before this weekend I had set up my own clubbing good time barometer, or a ratings scale of how much I enjoyed myself. From 1 to 5,
1-On Standby, 2-Autopilot, 3-Taking Off, 4-In Full Flight, and 5-Warp Speed.
(I know its kinda corny but it makes sense and it fits my mood).

My Friday night definitely started out on AutoPilot but Billy made sure it moved into level 3 with his boundless energy and his varied selection of CDs and Vinyl.

Peter definitely ramped up the party into level 3 and then quickly moved into level 4. Except for having to find my boys Jimmy and Pais a few times I definitely felt the mood touched level 5 for some brief moments. Now 5 is usually reserved for stage appearances at circuit events, like the vibe I have gotten this year at Manny's last trip to the Roxy, and during the final moments of DJ Paolo at the Black Party. My White Party appearance was just a 3 that segued into a 4 at the end right before I left. And even my last Alegria after the Black Party was only a 3 going into 4 as well.

But last night was off the chain as Peter surprised us and had us reminiscing about our classic club moments of years ago. I haven't enjoyed myself like that with such runaway abandon since my first few forays into the world of the bitter pill 3 years ago. I don't do such things anymore since I am content to stay with things more natural and more quality controlled. I plan out my partying with far too much care to burn myself out at my ripe age of 33. Seeing all the boys in attendance I know I still have plenty of time to party and see no reason to end it too soon by sidetracking into the illicit that can make the party far too sketchy to be fun.

Special thanks to all of my friends for grounding me and showing me all of the different sides I can offer in return. All of my buds both new and old, both planned and surprise make the good times that I have that much more special. If you can't share the fun with someone then it must not be all that fun to begin with. Loud shout outs to Steve, Rickey, Q, Pais and the Jimmy. You were all there with me and I hope you had a good time too.

I was told that my last dance mix CD (My Black Ice Mix) has been a hit with my friends and their friends that have heard it. Hopefully I will get one or two more hot mixes out before the summer arrives. As long as the DJs and Producers keep pumping the hot material it should not be a problem.

Peace out. And until our next level 5... I'll see you there.

April 2-4
Another classic weekend.

Stepped into the night on Friday wanting to dance. Arrived at SBNY at midnight and squeezed through the crowd at the door and made our way inside to the music. DJ Alex Lauterstein was keeping the boys happy with some Old School clubbing beats, happy and upbeat but not too hard... yet. The crowd was kept simmering until the club boiled over into an explosion of tribal house. Keeping the feet happy as always. He made it easy represent for those on stage, on the dancefloor and of course on the speakerbox. We couldn't stay too long, plans the next day, but time was definitely well spent. Our barman Brett kept the drinks flowing until we had to go and I left the place in a great mood. Way to start a weekend.

The next day was busy for a Saturday, all kinds of family events mixed in with some shopping but it was all wrapped up with plenty of time to get back home for a disco nap. The night was kicked off with a birthday party for my friend "Q" and the usual cast of dozens that was all too happy to show up at the Chelsea jump off. Conversations were spun, introductions were made and house drinks were imbibed. I even got my first taste of Michelob Ultra, not too bad, went down real easy. So easy in fact that I was finished almost right after I started. A beer without its kick, I guess it has a place, when you don't want to be distracted from your partying by your drink. Hmmm. Anyway we stayed at the party until 12:30 and then made our way over to the "Rox" for another great time that was waiting to be had. Hardworking DJ Chad Jack kept the multiplexing beats flying with sounds both premiere and familiar. We danced to some all-new versions (at the Roxy anyway) of cool beats from Janet, Chads own version of "Just a Little While", Kelis "Milkshake", The always popular Monica "Get it Off" and quite a few other excerpts of dance classics spun over some totally danceable beats for a DJ design that was most definitely on point and in the house. Even off the clock Barman Brett chose the right one and made Roxy drinkmeister Barker his drink mixer of choice. The early drink cut off made it hectic at the end, as to be expected, but a timely announcement at 3:45 and of course great party placement and movement by yours truly made sure we had our drink allotment well in hand for the evening. We still stayed well into the night to enjoy the show that Chad put on for us and danced until we couldn't dance no more. Even birthday boy Q enjoyed the mix and our posse of partners that came along for the ride enjoyed another great Roxy Saturday. We exited the space into a whirl of sprinttime rain (remember That season?) and found ourselves a taxi that was just unloading someone to take us back to our native environs. A nice sedate ride home to decompress and another clubgoing weekend is wrapped up. Classic.