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...

Vegas Baby, New York Boy, Too Fun

Yes I took a trip. Sorry it took so long to chronicle it all but I have been busy doing all kinds of stuff as well as recovering from the rigors of jet lag. Went to work on Thursday, May 27, having packed everything Wednesday night and made preparations to travel and be off most haste. The ride out to the airport was uneventful, however we arrived as all of the concessions shut down and were unable to purchase any mags or papers for the reading on the way out. However Song Airlines (from Delta) with their Dish Network Television and a good novel (Michelle West) and I was good to go. The wind was against us and we arrived 30 min late but in the only other city that never sleeps (a whole other level of insomnia) we were able to check into our room at The Aladdin and then check out the scene in the casino. We walked over the Bellagio, admired the architecture and stayed out until 3am just wandering around. Since that was 6am NY time we definitely wore ourselves out. Talk about the walking dead.

Woke up the next day (Friday) and as the weekend crowds had not yet arrived we were able to hit up the buffet and enjoy a hearty repast. A nice little wander up the strip and we took in the view at Caesar's Palace and the mall inside. Looked at the aquarium, visited the Niketown in house and saw the talking statues. Also saw a lot of construction, as Vegas cannot seem to have enough Hotels. They all seem to be expanding. Walked by the front of the Venetian and then took a cab ride up to the Las Vegas Hilton to see the so-called largest sportsbook. It was not that impressive to look at and we ended up just viewing the regular gambling (the only place we left with $7 in chips saved up for next time). While we were there I enjoyed the Star Trek attractions and both rides were definitely entertaining. The actors involved with the rides were very in character and fun to watch. Pais even went on the second ride with me and the ride was reminiscent of the T2 Ride at Universal, complete with 3D glasses and flying make believe debris. The moving seats were a nice touch as well. A quick nap in the afternoon and a nice meal and then we prepared for the first party of the weekend. A nice ride up to Wet & Wild and DJ Manny Lehman getting the boys all worked up in the bathing suits. I even went on one ride before I realized that some things should not be done after drinking a few. Despite the frozen park employees and the ever present darkness, I made it out alive and proceeded to dance the rest of the night away, at least until 1:45 since the party was over at 2am. Since I was still far too awake to go to bed, I changed clothes and while Pais hit up the casino I hit up club Curve. At first I had shoe drama as I was not wearing appropriate footwear but thanks to another crowd ahead of me with the same issues I was able to win over the door staff and make my way inside. Nice cozy place and a happy crowd. Dancing girls on boxes dressed in spandex and platform boots and a classic KTU kind of DJ. Dancing to Prince "Erotic City" and 50 Cent "In Da Club". It was a cool way to pass the time until after my second Smirnoff Ice and the thinning out of the crowd so I decided I should take my leave. Was definitely a great Friday to start off the weekend.

Saturday had a planned tour out to the Hoover Dam and could not brave the line at the buffet. It was all good however at the main floor restaurant and we were able to get out in time to wait for the tour van. It was an out of the sun wait however and after we saw the Vegas traffic we understood why. The thoroughly verbose tour driver kept us enlightened and entertained as we learned about Vegas, Paradise, Boulder City and the Hoover Dam. The Art Deco design of the dam buildings and the impressiveness of the dam itself made for a very worthwhile trip. One of the dam staff made the elevator ride down to the turbine room very entertaining with her cute quips about "no one say leaking or gushing... maybe you can say seeping and anyone saying otherwise would be taken away for 10 days of... re-education." It was fun while it lasted (and Thank God for Sunblock) and we got back to the hotel in time to have a great steak dinner at Elements, a top ten restaurant in Vegas and the best damn steak I have ever eaten. Filet Mignon to die for and applesauce mashed potatoes that made me believe in mashed potatoes again. Of course this was just a warm up for another evening out at a party at the place no one knew about. After a horrible hour of adventure trying to get a taxi in Vegas (Yes there is a reason why people rent cars out there) I finally thought of going to a club to get a taxi as there are people getting dropped off so they must have empty cabs there. I barely remembered the address of the place and was able to then get us there after Too Much Drama. It was definitely a buzzkill and then arriving to a kind of sport arena warehouse that was only half full did not improve ones mood. After some discussion we determined that we had arrived and should make the best of it and so did. The shows were good and the fact that the drinks were full size, we proceeded to enjoy a cool time with DJ Brett Henrichsen while the fun lasted. Around 4am we decided to leave before it was too late and ended up taking part in the ongoing saga of no taxis in Vegas once again. After a nice walk through the desert (yes kids, an honest-to-goodness walk in the wilderness for yours truly), we were finally picked up halfway back to the hotel by a cab driver on his way on-duty. Never enough on duty cabs in Vegas of course. Another night of adventure over and a low point in my Viva Las Vegas itinerary thankfully put to rest.

Sunday arrived with myself a little tired and a little wiser. Pais and I hung out in the Bellagio and found out that the best odds were at Video Poker (and Blackjack) and we were able to have some fun before resting up for our final night of partying. The MGM Grand backlot hosted a combination indoor and outdoor music fest with Warren Gluck from NY and Joe Gauthreaux, a west coast DJ that played NY music. With the converted movie theater acting as our dance floor and the strangely two level dance floor (thankfully no one fell to their death) and wildly strong drinks I ended up enjoying myself far too much. I was entertained by a cool live show with spinning acrobats and sat in the rooms remaining movie seats watching the whole scene like the party was there just for us. After visiting my own private Idaho and reaching a nice level of inebriation we proceeded to make our way over to the afterparty at club Ice. The DJ listed on the monitor was Jason G and after an extended intro and a nice upbeat start to the party, we proceeded to enjoy the scene and get our last drink on at 7am (the town of no drink cut-off... sweet). Afterwards, a short walk up the block back to the Aladdin and the party weekend ends for yours truly. Definitely saved the best for last.

Monday was a nice day of just hanging in vegas and spending the day aimlessly throwing away money at different pursuits the city had to offer. A nice dinner at Outback Steakhouse and the recovery continues.

Travel day was Tuesday and after a nice trip through the airport with the slot machines and a airplane ride with the boy who peed twice (sitting next the window, oh the humanity) as well as the deadly exploding ginger ale that made the flight extry spicy, we flew towards home. Despite the mishaps I always enjoy flying on JetBlue and the Detroit Pistons beating down the Indiana Pacers was definitely entertaining to watch as well. Thank Goodness I took off from work on Wednesday as well so I could get over my jet lag. The boys are back in town, New York that is, and its like we never left. Until the next good time, which of course only happens once we get there, Keep it popping guys.