May 21-23 - Hot Time in the City

So much to do. Never enough time to do it in. Waking Up,Working late, Working out, so now the weekend arrives and we gotta work it out.

Despite getting home late, and wolfing down my dinner I still had to answer the call and head out into the night. No rush to the club. Got in easy, paid my way and then stepped into the party. The heat was definitely on for the evening, or at least the air conditioner was not but that was quickly fixed by the management and the boys at Splash celebrated by doing the usual shirtless thing. Our DJ for the evening was Marc Tarbox and the night started off high energy and stayed that way for the rest of the night. The DJ gave the boys a heady serving of vocal dance music that definitely had all the kids kicking up their heels and dancing long into the night. Before the night was through I was able to claim a speakerbox for myself, perform an impromptu light beer taste test, Have two shots (mine and someone else's when they couldn't finish it) and take some digital pics outside with friends. A very full night and a very fun time was had by all.

Had to wake up far too early on Saturday to get out to the Softball field. Forgot to charge up my ipod for my listening pleasure while watching this weeks games but was able to charge it off of the car battery (preparation for every eventuality is key). The first game was forfeited after not starting on time but the second game was played. What started off as a thriller ended up being a blowout but it was definitely entertaining from beginning to end. Got back to the land of BK by way of Manhattan and had a Wendy's lunch. Then was pleasantly surprised that the supermarket was not that packed on a Saturday for a differently scheduled day of shopping. Packed everything away, cleaned up, stuffed my face and prepared to head out into the city with the boys.

We headed out a little earlier than usual and arrived at the place 2B at Midnight. I felt that the change in the weather warranted a chance to finally wear shorts out. I almost wanted to change my mind when I stepped into the cool of night, 60s it was, but was happy later on when the heat turned up on and around the dancefloor. Our Roxy DJ for the night was James Anderson and I was happy to see him back at the wheels as we geared up for another night of dancing. One thing that we come to expect with James is that is not going to play what you expect and at the same time bring you just what you want to hear. He has no formula except that he wants to make you have fun. The timing slid a little when we had to temporarily pay attention to the live performance but the performance was good and the boys were loving it from beginning to end. I got my fun on, my drink on and fill of the hottest (and highest) that NYC had to offer. You just can't get this vibe at a party anywhere else. Got home safe and sound and got plenty of sleep. Sunday makes for a great day of rest. Plenty of stuff to watch in the DVR anyway.

Random quotes of the weekend:
"Ghetto bitches just can't see the big picture"

"Listen kids, Don't do drugs... without me"

"Look at him over there. Listen. He had just 4 1/4 inches"

"I know what would make that scratch back there all better."
"Some Vicodin?"
"No... Lube"

I could list more but I forgot to bring my pad along with me to remember it all. I am sure we will plenty of time to do and say more fun and funny stuff very soon.
Next week a road trip...

May 14-16 - Close Spaces and Open Places

I rushed home from work on Friday, trying to get to the gym before it was too late. They close early on Friday (10pm), and anyway don't want to be eating dinner too late either. Mission accomplished, Workout worked in, Dinner eaten and another night off to a good start. Left with plenty of time before midnight so no last minute rush for the door. Parked right around the corner, got my startoff $1 bottled water and followed my man-on-the-scene into the party. The lights were flashing and the mood was upbeat for a different kind of Friday Party at Splash. Our DJ for the eve was Susan Morabito. I had not heard her spin on a Friday in a very long time and I was interested to see what kind of vibe she would bring for my Friday Night hangout. She is not a favorite DJ of everyone but I can see what some people like about her flavor of party. Me myself felt she waited too long to play something recognizable. A lot of the songs seemed like tea dance filler and I did not hear something I recognized until around 1am. I think that the New York club-going kind of person likes to hear stuff they recognize so that they can sing along and dance to what they know. Susan seems to feel that the goodness of the vibe and the classic beats will bridge the gap between the hardened club kid and the still dancing oldsters of classic parties of the early 80s. Myself, I was just looking to dance and while I will admit that the lights of Liz Ligouri definitely add to making the dance experience one with the fascinating light show. The party as a whole was missing too much. Overall, I think that it took too much effort to enjoy myself. I'll say that I like to dip into the classics just as much as the next one but I think the New York scene has moved past that type of music as a rule, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. Remembering what happened at the Black Party this past March I felt that Susan played what she thought people would be into at 7am rather than what they wanted to hear. I thought the music she chose to start off that night was just empty beats and no substance. While the Friday night mix had substance it was more of a classic confection and not the kind of body moving grooves we have grown to love in our recent past year of clubgoing episodes. The hottest beats right now meld what is hip, what is tribal and electronic and at the same time embrace what started it all. All that said, I will probably choose to miss the next Friday night party with the same host.

Saturday woke up feeling fine and did some music mixing of my own. I went on a tear and was able to slam together the entire CD in one afternoon. Can't wait to premiere my new sets (1 current mix and a 2CD retrospective mix) for my friends next month. As the evening rolled in I rested up for an early start on the night with a party in Chelsea for one of my friends. It was supposed to be a house party that spilled out onto the patio outside but ended up being just a spill as the weather conspired to keep us all very soggy. With only a brief respite during the walk from the car, it was thunder and lightning and all that rain to keep all of the party inside and not out. The overworked apartment was far too hot and too small to contain it, so the party spilled onto the stairwell and the hallway downstairs. It was still a good time though, with a lot of conversations had, cigs smoked and hard lemonade guzzled as we wished our friends well and then headed into the night. The after-the-party was of course at Roxy as we danced down the street, in between raindrops, and arrived at 12:45 at the spot that was and is the place 2B. DJ Manny Lehman was on the decks and the crowd was definitely in full effect for another truly electric mixdown. I walked into room to Beyonce (Naughty Girl) and the party beats were all over the place. I danced from the front to the back and even danced a floor show in the lounge area in the back with a nice open space to show off to Monica (Get It Off). Our crowd of friends grew only larger and the music got only better as we proceeded to once again have a stellar Manny evening (a consistent Level 4 throughout). I even ventured into the asian section and made a speaker appearance without knowing what was coming on next. Of course I knew that with a diva currently playing that the next song was going to be straight up tribal and of course, it was. Despite the momentary misses and burnouts of the evening it was all right for the boys in the house that night. We stayed in till around 4:30 am and caught a car home without too much drama. Sunday day is another day of rest and recovery and of course shopping. Another weekend over and done and we are closer to the summer with each passing day. Yes, yes, Spring is here. Rain, allergies and breaking out the short pants. As Kelis has stated, "The Boys are waiting... "

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...