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By Matt Kalkhoff
Friday, August 08, 2003
New York takes pride of place among Pride celebrations, but it’s interesting
to compare various cities. Naturally, New York’s has always ranked among
the biggest and best, and this year was no different.
Yet despite such occasional stellar weekends, our overall nightlife options
continue to dwindle here, leaving the once-thriving scene to struggle as if
on life support. So at the urging of a couple friends living abroad, I finally
decided to cross the Atlantic for London’s recent Gay Pride festival
to see what all the hype was about.
I was utterly blown away by the sheer magnitude and superiority of London’s
dynamic club scene. Of course, clubbing in the U.K. is generally more accepted
by society (and the government) as a respectable form of entertainment, unburdened
by the stigma and moralistic and legal crusades so popular here.
Amazingly, on any given night — Pride weekend or otherwise — there
are probably half-a-dozen major events from which to choose, some accommodating
thousands of revelers.
Saturday’s colossal Pride in the Park festival in Hyde Park (their Central
Park) left this conceptually brilliant production a muddy mess. Ironically,
that was the only day of hideous weather; my only true regret was missing Bananarama’s
performance on the main stage.
That was just one of many parties I attended throughout the week under the
expert guidance of my gracious hosts, Chris & David. Three ranked among
the best I’ve ever experienced, all within a single 24-hour period no
less.
This transcendent triple-header began early Sunday morning when I finally
got to witness firsthand one of the world’s most notorious after-hours
soirees, Trade. Held beneath a restaurant in a cavernous subterranean club
called Turnmills, Trade was an intense exercise in sensory overload that pushed
even this seasoned veteran’s endurance to the limits. With two separate
dance floors, a stunning central bar area aptly referred to as “Muscle
Alley,” and copious little alcoves to explore, I was mesmerized on every
level.
The underlying sound was definitely as distinct as it was vigorous. With a
relentless, driving energy that never really slipped into the monotony I had
feared beforehand, each song offered multiple layers of complex instrumentation
that rarely gave way to those dreaded drop-outs.
Much like the music, the vibe of the crowd always seemed perpetually peppy,
refreshingly vibrant, and oh-so chaotic, yet in an oddly organize and controlled
way. Friendly smiles and Old World politeness permeated every dance floor.
Later that evening we made our way to the Salvation party at Café de
Paris. Held monthly in an opulent two-story restaurant complete with dramatic
chandelier and ornate décor, every aspect of this event was top-notch.
After working the room and grooving to some serious sounds on the dance floor,
we finally departed after enjoying an elaborate Vegas-style show that culminated
in an orgy of sequins, headdresses, feathers and flesh. Quite a spectacle,
indeed.
Our next stop was DTPM at the renowned Fabric nightclub. This remarkable industrial-styled
space was clearly designed and custom built to provide the ultimate nocturnally
charged experience. Even the unisex restroom labyrinth was more lavish (and
larger) than many clubs I’ve been in.
A wall of enormous video screens projected trippy images to form an innovative
backdrop in the main room while a mélange of musical styles cascaded
over the club’s other two mid-sized dance floors.
 |
| N.Y. clubs could borrow a page from London promoters’ marketing
methods. Take, for example, these walking billboards at the city’s
Pride celebration. (Photo courtesy chrisgeary.com) |
With the comfortable seating and chill-out areas, I was truly impressed by
the appointment of comfy beds accentuating the rear lounge area. Imagine lying
down, closing your eyes, and surrendering your senses as you embark on a seductively
hypnotic journey.
To see pictures of London’s Pride and party scene, check out TradeUK.net;
Salvation-London.com; DTPM.net; PrideInThePark.com; Skrufff.com; ChrisGeary.com;
and SeenQueen.com.
While I am optimistic that New York City will one day reclaim its status as
Nightclub Capital of the World, I can’t help but feel somewhat cheated
by the current state of nightlife. I’m hopeful it’s just part of
the cyclical and temperamental nature of the “hotspot” phenomenon,
and that whatever catalyst is required to help usher in Manhattan’s next
era of legendary nightlife is just around the corner. (Spirit? Crobar??)
J Records managed to squeeze out one last record before parting ways with Deborah
Cox. The “Remixed” album features fresh interpretations of all
her hits continuously mixed in reverse chronological order. Check out FlyLifeMusic.com.
Unfortunately, the CD begins with her cheesy cover single of Phil Collins’ “Something
Happened on the Way to Heaven.” The other songs are far more palatable,
even if Al B. Rich (a.k.a. WKTU’s “DJ Riddler”) doesn’t
put forth much effort in his mixing.
The prolific Peter Rauhofer continues to pump out a plethora of new music
via his Star 69 Records label. “Peter Rauhofer: Live @ Roxy Vol. 2” miraculously
manages to outshine his first effort in the series, while Saeed & Palash
share mixing duties on the label’s latest compilation, “Addictive
Beats.” Please visit Star69Records.com.
Last but not least, ex-Exit DJ Junior Vasquez will celebrate his birthday
on Sunday morning, August 24, at what is apparently our community’s sole
remaining large dance venue, Roxy. Ticket info at JuniorVasquezMusic.com.
Until next time — Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Yourself.
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