July 9 -11 - Feel the Energy... Remember the Dance

Another short workweek thanks to July 5th off work. Then back into the weekend for us. Back from the gym, grab a quick steak dinner, touch up the haircut and make sure all is set to go for another Friday night. Arrived at the place to be around 12:15 and watched as the new till boy (cashier) held up the line as he got used to keeping up the flow. Despite the wait we eventually made it inside and enjoyed the sounds at rolling out at Splash with DJ David Knapp. Surprisingly some of the songs I had already tagged and are on my last Summer Mix CD were played live for the boys to kick and groove. Both Rickey and Bartender Brett commented on the great music selection and the upbeat vibe of the evening. From the Stage next to the DJ booth. The space near the front bar and speakerbox with a great groove for the boys all the way up till 3:45am.

We didn't have to wake up early as there were no softball games (our opponent team was forfeiting due to lack of available players) and we determined instead to have a day of hanging out, shopping, fixing up the house and resting ourselves up for our Saturday night out. We got to hit off Century 21, The Vitamin Shoppe, KFC, and Modells. My only dark moment of the day was a run in with a crack head old lady in the depths of BK While I had a bottle of soda in one hand and 3 shopping bags in the other she accused me of hitting her. She chased me across an intersection and told me "I'm not your mother" and then hit me with her paper crack bag. I was shocked. I'm used to people giving me space and not being accused of wild mess in just about all situations. Only in Bklyn and only with crazy crack women running the streets talking to themselves. Even Pais called her out after we got into the car and drove up the block. Even old white ladies can have issues. I will definitely retire to my dancing shoes before I crack like a DDT egg. Don't wanna burn it all out too soon. Take your lessons where you find them. Now into the night...


With some new clothes and some new kicks we headed out into the city and after finding a great parking spot down the street on 10th Ave. we arrived at the place at 12:20. Walking into the Roxy is always an event and after a strangely involved wait at the door while various discussions happened, Doorman Derek parted the velvet rope and we made our way inside. For some reason the coatcheck-turned-wristband wrap was right near the door but it was no big deal and afterwards we made our way inside and headed into another stellar night in and around the dancefloor. DJ Peter Rauhofer segued into the night with some classic house ala-Peter and then began with his now trademark hip and fun groove that had the place packed by 1:30 and totally alive by 2am. We started out at the front with my best Bartender Barker and began to circulate as the night progressed. We checked out the area in front of the DJ booth early in the evening and saw how the crowd was picking up on the cues thrown out by the lights and by the DJ and then hung out by the back bar. We met up with Troy and discussed upcoming circuit events (this Fall , The Black and Blue) as well as checking out why my laser pointer was not shining as brightly as usual. After a quick shaking in my pocket after a nice dance in the asian section the clear green line was visible once again and our friend Dwayne was a happy light boy for a little while. The drinks were flowing and the boys were dancing as I felt drawn to the dance multiple times over the course of the evening. Our out-of-town friend Tony from Boston gave us his new cell # as our party lasted long into the early. We stayed until 5am and while we left bro Jimmy to stay inside, myself, Pais and Steve caught ourselves a cab ride home and arrived home safe and sound to have a nice quiet Sunday at home. A nice brunch at Jacks and then we were able to catch up on some DVD movies and housework.

Another great weekend... And we still have 6 weeks of summer months left. Me likey... :o)

July 2-4 - Welcome to the Boys of Summer... Let's Hang Out...

Was a thankfully short work week (3 days) and then a 3 day weekend. Was looking forward to hanging with friends and seeing some new ones from all over. Headed into the city on Friday night and made an appearance at Splash. The crowds had receded from last weekend (Pride) and the boys were inside enjoying the sounds of DJ Brett Henrichsen. I Hung out with Pais, Rickey and our girl friend Grace who went up to meet the DJ and we all got to say hi. I even told the DJ that I met him last year on our Atlantis cruise. Bartender Brett kept the drinks flowing as we grooved to a continuous mix of vocal house and hard dance beats. The night went by nicely but we couldn't stay out too late. Had to be ready to run to the fields and see the boys of softball.

The Playing for Life Tournament in Central Park had our team on the field and ready to go at Noon. The BASL sponsored event was cool as we got to meet boys from Tampa, Boston, Virginia and a few other states that brought the boys into town to swing some bats. In between games we hung out, journeyed to the bathroom over the hill, shot some hoops on the court, and paid $2 for bottled water from the rip off hot dog carts. Our team played 3 games on Saturday, won 2 and lost 1 but it was all fun (until poor Chris had to get stitches after a third base collision) but we still had a good time and left later afternoon to finally have dinner at Dallas BBQ on Eighth Ave. We finally headed home and got some rest. Pais had to stay in so he could be on the field the next day at 11am but I decided to go out and see the Boys at The Rox and see what the boys would be doing over the long weekend. Despite the boys outside who drove by the corner of 19th St chanting "Go to Spirit!" I ignored all attempts at distraction and headed to the only party that I knew I was going to have a good time. It was the premiere of Steve Travolta in the large space and I was wondering what he was planning to do with the crowd. At first I was as clueless as the next guy as the evening started with a mix of old-school house and dark but catchy dance rhythms. At first I was wandering the place alone but then let myself get lost in the crowd and by the time my friends Steve and Rickey (and a few friends of Pais) showed up I was well on my way to having another great night out. As the place filled up gradually the mood built into a great House Dance Party with the lights synched with the music most excellently as the boys ate it up like candy. By 2:30 am the crowd was hanging on every beat and the mood was definitely a great energetic pulse beat. Definitely a 4 out of 5. I broke out of the party to get home sooner than usual around 3:45am but I was very happy that I came out and saw and was seen by happy club crowd.

Sunday was spent hanging and waiting for the afternoon. Got out and went shopping for some house stuff and prepared to have friends in for The Fourth. Cooked up some taco salad, made sure we had plenty of Heineken and Molson Canadian. As the friends came over, Phil and Kev, the boys from the Isle of Manhat as well as Gary and Mina we hung out watching VH1 Classics and then headed upstairs to view the show at the Seaport and the Statue of Liberty. The display started at 9:25 and continued until 9:50. The climax was not as much of a buildup as last year but the show was still good and poor Steve arrived before the finale and got to see what the view was all about. Afterwards our little party broke up and we all headed out for our own little plans. Myself, Pais and Steve headed into Avalon and met up with Rickey and saw the boys from the BASL hanging at the afterparty for the Tournament Closing ceremonies. We wandered through the place trying to pick up on the vibe of the place and while there appeared to be a healthy crowd because of the day off for Monday the Debut of DJ Scott Thomson was not "all that" as far as I was concerned. We wandered from room to room, even venturing up to the newly opened Spider Room but failed to find anything to enjoy or want to move with. When both second rooms are playing Rap music (Rapper's Delite and Jay-Z) and the main room is playing Euro Dance and Rave music mixed in with remixed 80s Dance music you know the night is going no where. I thought it rated a 2 out of 5. All of us ended up leaving at 3am and calling the night a bust. But thinking back and seeing that in all of the nights that I have gotten to go out and only having one night where I should have went somewhere else I guess it was bound to happen sometime. Until next time out with the guys. Keep it moving. And look out for the quiet ones that are always trying to walk up on you and squeeze your buns when you are not looking. Guess somebody's gotta do it.

June 25-28 - I am just so Proud of my weekend, you go Pride...

I was looking forward to this weekend for so long. Whirlwind shopping, Hitting off Century 21, JCPenney, Macy's and the Duane Reade to make sure that I had everything that was anything necessary to get through my weekend. The shirts, the socks, even the shorts. From Armani Exchange to Nike, from South Pole, to Old Navy, from Speedo to Calvin Klein. It all came together for a new look and a great attitude. Finished off my CD Mixes to gift-give and test listened every CD so that no one got a dud CD (like some of my blurry test mixes) and made sure I hit off the ATM on Friday night before I left work. The preparation was set and everyone was due to arrive. Now into the weekend.

Friday Night, got home too late to get at the gym but did the dumbbells at home and prepared to make the night another good one in NYC. Started off and got into the city with plenty of time to find a nice space up the block from the club and walked up the street to see a line that went halfway down the block. Fortunately that line was not for me and after a nice wave at Doorman Ray we made our way inside to dance with the boys inside of SBNY. DJ Alex Lauterstein was spinning for the Futuropride party and we definitely fell into the groove with the quick beats and the pounding bass of another highly danceable night moving it along. On one of my trips outside to the pizza place I was able to save Rickey from his wait on the line outside (he arrived late) and brought him in past the doorguy to get inside and enjoy himself before too much time passed and too many songs were missed. Rickey also made sure that he did not start drinking until he had actually arrived at the club, to protect from any accidental overindulgence. Not all of us have a Milk Thistle quick filtration going to prevent next day hangovers. During the eve we ventured out onto the dancefloor, circled the bar a few times and even handed out gift CDs to our friends, Brett the bartender, Steve, and Rickey. We stayed and danced until around 4 and got home with plenty of time to get a nice sleep on and prepare for the next day.

Saturday I watched some TV while I mixed another on-demand CD for one of my co-workers. After having listening to my Retro CDs he asked for something newer. I finished off his mix surprisingly quickly which whet my taste for completing my next sets. My next two mixes I am already planning will be a chill-out compilation and a peak-hour mix. For pride weekend we had a break from softball and made sure we stayed energized with enough to eat (Pizza for lunch and then Japanese for Dinner) and enough Water, Juice and Diet Soda to stay fully hydrated.
Before we left the house, I made sure to take an Aleve, a Claritin, and an Ibuprofen to make sure I would suffer no ill effects of my extended dance later on that night. Having bought our tickets ahead of time we did not expect to have to stand on line but after meeting up with some friends we were able to get in at the VIP entrance and waltz right in to Roxy. The entranceway had sand beach equipment and Palm Trees and once inside we were treated to maps of Fire Island, Lifeguard stations on the boxes a closed off stage for when the performance occurred later. Even the dance floor had palm trees and beachwear to make it one of the more impressive decorating feats seen in the place in a very long time. The large wall between the stage and the boys rooms had a projection of the ad poster and the mood of the whole evening was definitely upbeat and on point. DJ Peter Rauhofer gave us another one of his all fun all the time nights with a most excellent set which had us dancing at all parts of the place and finding many a happy moment to move ones feet to the beat. Pais and Jimmy had a new outside smoking buddy with Chris who appeared to be overcome by the fun early on but made a good recovery as the night progressed. I can always appreciate someone that while visiting their own private Idaho, is not messy and at the same time, not a mean drunk. If only they were all so pliable we would all have much more fun at the club. I was able to sit him safely in the asian section while I put on a show on the boxes for the boys on the floor and then retrieve him nicely and bring him over to friends at the bar for a change in scenery and some water. Before that I was able to dance with Steve and his friend Tommy in the back lounge before taking a quick run through of the back balcony to see they had removed the seats (hmm wonder why). Great sight lines all over the place and another great night had at Roxy. We stayed until 4:30 and easily caught a taxi home to get back to BK.

Sunday woke up happy and ready to take on another great weather day. We journeyed over to Wendy's for lunch and after an aborted trip to Westchester decided to shop for the makings of an afternoon barbecue. We enjoyed Macaroni and tuna salad, hamburgers and Sabretts and the excellent view as we prepared to watch Six feet Under on HBO. Another cool episode, (more poo and other cute shocks) and then it was time to clean up and prepare for one more night of music. This time it was off to the Alegria with DJ Abel for another night with the hottest boys in all of NY clubland. Definitely the tallest and the widest but also some of the highest and most haggard. The crowd definitely ran the full gamut. Older women, a few straight boys and girls and all of the notables of all of my many circuit outings were in attendance as I proceeded to wander the entire width, breadth and height of the club (with the help of my handy VIP band) while hearing sir Abel put on another excellent night for all to enjoy. I arrived at 2am and grooved to Janet Jackson "Dance All Night" and even heard word from the boys that she had made an appearance at the Pier Dance. I was definitely a dancing boy for the majority of the night and tried to pay attention to my surroundings and surging bodies as much as possible. Many a swaying body and overheated dance boy was seen and I was seen at the VIP station refilling many many times over the course of the eve. Q arrived at 5am and we danced some more until my feet began to hurt. After a bathroom break I lost them in the crowd so after taking over one of the better sightlines on the stairs between the lounge and the upper balcony I then proceeded to light up my hands and give the boys one final dance as we all grooved to the opening bars of Evil Stepsister "Desert Sands". After I had shown off all I could do with my own glow I decided that 5½ hours was enough and I left at 7:30. Cheers to the organizer for the great looking sets and the multiple costume changes (spacemen, rainbow sprayed bubble butt dancers and then later even, blackclothed neon stick figures). I was able enjoy another night and make it home safe from the madness once again. The trip home I was able to decompress and be happy that I had made it through. Thanks to all of the boys that took the promoters words to heart and made sure that their friends made it through too. We don't need friends every minute of the day but when we do need them those minutes are precious and fondly thought of long after the moment together is spent. I was glad I saw and knew so many people and was happy I got to hang with as many people as I did. I do once again say that when I do arrive at the party without Pais the mood is darker and more armored for me but at the same time being able to move among the boys as the mood strikes and keeping in constant motion, so as to see the party as a whole, was also a great experience.

I wish all of the boys another great year and now I will spend my two days of vacation in rest and recuperation. Until next year... Have another happy.

One Weekend Older, so what? Bring on the Party.

For the weekend of June 18-20 I was being worn down from my workweek, recovering from an impromptu couple of drinks and a cute little hangout at the Ole Tex Mex Bar afterwork with my coworkers. But with the appearance of the Friday have to put our dancing shoes on once again and step out into the night. I was looking forward to another Friday Party at Splash with our DJ for the evening Mark Tarbox. My regular bartender was away this weekend so I made friends with the other guys all over again. DJ Mark always likes to keep the dancing fresh so instead of the dancing vocals he went more into the deeper night with high energy grooves like "Let's Do It" by Erik Reyes and "Dance to The Rhythm" by Friburn and Urik. It is always cool to hear new music but when they rap the new tunes around your old ones you feel all fresh and fluffy again. Not that older and wiser doesn't have it's place but nostalgia is the thing this year and until something better comes along I'll take that song and play it. As Pais had an early start with his co-workers and a Brooklyn birthday party he had to retire from the party and I had to save myself up for my long weekend so we danced and swayed until it was around 3am. But the cab ride home was quick and the sleep was uneventful. Until the next day...

Finished off my CD Mixing and mastering for the weekend and happily finished the second part of my two disk set. Nothing like a nice long stretch of great grooves to make the last year seem like only yesterday. Got in some decent Italian Chicken Parmesan and a little spaghetti to keep everything in balance and then a quick change and then we were ready to head out into the night all over again. We left the house around 11:40. Got out of the car around 12:15 and after waiting on line and buying our pre-sell tickets for next week got into the main place at around 12:35. The Roxy was already piling the people in and after my first two Stoli Orange and Red Bull I was into the groove nice and smooth. The theme for DJ Peter Rauhofer for the eve was a Madonnathon and while I did not notice any full on Madonna anthems I heard some great beats and Dance grooves that had the faint overlay of some classic (and new) Madonna lyrics mixed in. I thought the night went over great and after several floor appearances, saying hi to the boys outside, and buying a ridiculous amount of drinks I was happy that we all enjoyed ourselves most fully. We hung out with Steve and Jimmy and laughed and talked and danced, all of the things you're supposed to do at the club. We stayed at the party until around 4:30 and then made our way out and pointed towards the house. another Saturday night all wrapped up and put away.

Sunday arrived and after some nice freshening up and some Domino's Pizza, a quick rest and then out into the city to see the Folsom Street Fair, now in front of The Eagle. We picked up Q on the way in and listened to the second half of my Retro CD Set as soundtrack for the trip. Despite some Holland Tunnel traffic and the usual city driving we arrived easily enough at the street fair that was mercifully in the shade among all of the leather boys, daddies and ladies. We saw a few friends from softball, the usual tourists and club boys in the daytime and wandered into the relative darkness of the bar to pick up some water and soda. Shortly however we had to leave so we bid Q adieu and hopped back into the car and headed off to have dinner with the family. Happy Father's Day and all that comes with. Gave out 2-CDs to a cousin from NJ and then headed back into BK to chill out and watch Six Feet Under on HBO. Another cool episode and another night preparing to step out (for my Birthday, had to do it sometime) and decided to head out to Avalon. Arrived at the place at around 12:05 and was surprised at how empty the second lounge was (maybe it was the Air conditioner on 20 degrees blasting) but I guess that was to keep the kids packed onto the main floor. DJ Alex Lauterstein really picked up the grooves by 1am but the place never really filled up and I felt bad that the summer hits places like Avalon so hard as the tourists go all over. I guess its better when people don't have to go to work the next day.

I stayed until around 3:30 and headed back home a little older and a little happier. I can see the sunset in the mirror image of the sunrise and I know that I won't be a party boy forever. But with the summer rolling in full blast I know I will not get over it all that soon. And as long as there is good music I will have to find my space and get out there and dance. Until next week, when all the boys come to NYC and show off their happiness and Pride. Keep it moving...

Summer is Near, More Beer Please

Sorry for the Delay, Have been working and hanging and doing all of those things that a person does when they do in fact have a life. Life gets in the way of blogging but the blog does have to get done (like so many things).

So let's get down to business. Day 1, Friday, June 11, DJ Bill Bennett (B squared tour), free shirt, Cool crowd at, Splash, and it was a good time had by all. Finis.

Just kidding. I prepared as usual with plenty of rest, much hydration and a plan to shake it where the boys are. So I went to the club and had a few. The cover was $12 but I didn't pay attention to such things (VIP at large) and wandered in.
Mr. DJ was throwing down some classics to start off the eve and even my bartender was noting that he wanted to hear something more recent. I knew however that it was just a warmup for the kickoff and I was definitely right as Bill kicked it up a notch at 12:59 and proceeded to take us down a nice musical journey that touched on multiple high notes and cool bass tones to keep the boys happy till late in the night. We left around 3 but not before much Pizza Place Drama, hanging out on the curb, street sickness and getting home in a rush. What we call a regular Friday Night. Kudos to the guy with the lights. The put upon pizza place guy, Pais for getting us to and fro and Rickey for remembering the low points. Thank God we live to see another day and wake up on a bright and sunny Saturday

Get up, wash up and rush out for the boys in NJ as we head out to Bloomfield to play softball. The Boys of BASL where ready to throw some balls and me and Rickey had to be there to cheer them on. Nothing like open spaces and athletic bodies to get the juices flowing and the good times rolling. We got there early afternoon and only had to stay for 1 seven inning game (not two) as the second team forfeited. The freaky bike riders were in effect making indecent proposals and the porta potty even saw some use as hydrated people had to shed some water at the facilities. The first game was close (but no cigar) and with the non-existent second game we were able to make it back to the city with time to spare. Dined at Dallas BBQ (honey bbq and ribs) and then rushed home to freshen up. Our plans for the eve included DJ Remixing, Cleaning Up, and Resting Up as we planned to enjoy the sunset on the rooftop. After the arrival of our friends Phil, Kevin, Ernie, George and Steve we enjoyed the view, smoked a few and watched the mysterious building with the letter E (even took pictures). Of course our boy Ernesto noted that it must be in his honor and we readied ourselves to go see the parade. We met Q on the ave as we picked up some slices to munch and then watched the episode that was... The Brooklyn Pride Parade. From the Borough President in a lit up car and the karate lesbians putting on a full-motion demonstration we enjoyed nighttime cool and enjoyed the scene. Of course it was over too soon (short parade) but we were glad that we showed up and represented and saw the crowd. After pickup up our obligatory questionnaire and safety packs (those handy handouts) we went back home and readied to shift the space over to Kevin and Phils. Half the crowd rode the in the Town Car and half rode in the Pais express (9 people, to small a vehicle). Arrived at Phil and Kevins spacious abode and danced to some Retro Metro Mixes (courtesy of yours truly) while sampling the Coronas and lounging in the softspace of the living area. Much picture taking, drink spilling, gossip spreading, question asking and a cool time had by all later we readied ourselves to step out and enjoy the scene on the Isle of Manhat. Pais decided to bail and so me and Steve had to catch a ride with the car service into the city.

Feral pitbulls, shady video stores, ride price discussions, and a bumpy ride into the city later we arrived at the place to be, Club Roxy in the club district of the downtown west side. After arriving I realized my folly of not visiting the ATM ahead of time and proceeded to have my drama phone moment of phone-a-friend. Pais came through in the clutch however and showed up late but always on time. DJ of the night was James Anderson and he kicked the party up with a never predictable groove that had all of the boys hopping. We definitely enjoyed our time with friends and mad shout outs to bartender Barker for keeping it real and making sure we stayed well hydrated. After that, another restful Sunday, refilling the fuel tank (eating), visiting friends (Cherie) and giving out belated gifts. Nothing like a trip to the depths of "Six Feet Under" and the finale of "Deadwood"

Another weekend lived through. More good times ahead. Stay tuned.

Cool City, Hot Nights

Back in NYC, nothing like out west. Since Tuesday, the weather in the city has been under the normal. Nice during the day but too cool at night. As the weekend rolls in we always look forward to some heat but it all seemed to be a long time coming. Friday Night and into eve we go to see what the city boys are up to. To start off our evening we met our friends over at Club G and heard DJ DeMarko keeping the boys smiling, at the space you can't dance at but definitely get a drink. The press of people looking for something to gaze went all the way to the walls as usual. We met up with our friends both visiting and the live-ins to throw back a few and then take a short walk outside before hitting our next bar hop stop. Shout-outs to Ernesto, Billy, Ian and all of our friends who decided to call it an earlier evening than myself, who of course needs to go someplace that I can dance. Dodging cars and even a few buildings we made our way over to 6th Ave and then onto Splash on 17th Street. Having repacked my party wallet I forgot to carry my SBNY card and had to pay the full door price. The infamy and travesty of it all, me of all people, one of the famous faces in the space having to pay full price to get in. C'est la vie. But we still got to go somewhere to get our drink AND dance on. So into the place 2B we go and with heavy beats thrown down by DJ Billy Carroll and a muscle-show put on for all of the partying guys to admire some real beefcake there was plenty to see and do for everybody. Even though Pais couldn't stay for the whole night of revelry I made a point to stay on and have fun with my pal Ricky and my Bartender Brett and whoop it up on the stage, on the speakerbox and even approach the DJ to tell him he was doing good and ask him the singer on the last track played. It's always fun till somebody falls and busts something but thankfully that somebody wasn't me, even though I have no idea how much money I gave the cabdriver to bring me home. Well maybe next time I will deal with smaller bills...

But anyway as Saturday rolled around I was all into the mix. Yes once again I spent the day setting up the spin on my newest dance mixes for the summer party season and of course enough for any road trips that we have to go on. While Pais went off to play with the boys of the BASL I rested and plotted out the layout of the mixes that will be my summer soundtrack. Above and beyond all that once the evening rolled around it was on to planning for other things, namely our night out for Saturday. With an Italian Dinner out of the way we could make sure we stayed hydrated, took our Mega Man Vitamins, and prepared to own the night once again. The air outside was cool but we were looking for a hot time at Roxy with our DJ for the night, DJ Chad Jack. Like our other rotating Roxy DJs, he has seen some steady improvement since the beginning of the year as the discovery of new music and some fun beats have started to make the parties all new again to us truly jaded clubgoers. He proceeded to keep it hot from the moment we hit the door and even enticed me out onto the dance floor with "Strict Machine" before I had even finished my second drink. Definitely at a Level 4, the evening was an event we were all glad we attended. We all had a fun time hanging with old friends (Will), older friends (Jim) and everybody that slowly filled the place up until the place was more packed than we had expected when we first saw the space at 12am. I got a severe talking to that I haven't been giving enough shout outs to my crew so guess what, No more veiled references to my running buds. Even as more people seem to want to read the blog more people will be known by the blog. We stayed until 4:15 and were some happy people for the whole night through.

Most interesting quotes from past parties:

"So sayeth the highest bitch, so it was written so shall it be done."
"Do you wanna be one of the people that says I wish I had, or one of those that tells your friends yes, I did it. And what!"
"My phone is ringing in my ass".

I am sure through all of the memorable pairings and meetings we have seen, there will be plenty of time to hear some more wild mess.

Keep it coming...