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.

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...