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.

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... "