New York Nights

The First Annual Nightlife Culture Expo Special Coverage

2012-03-30T18:38:00.001-07:00

By Gamal Hennessy

Your nightlife is an important part of why you live in New York. It gives you a chance to connect with others, escape our normal routines and express our creativity. The Nightlife Culture Expo is a celebration of that part of your life. As the president of the Nightlife Cultural Initiative I’ve tried to collect a diverse blend of attractions, performances and parties for you to enjoy. Here are some highlights of what we have for you if you join us.

The Performers

Little Louie Vega & Kevin Hedge: They created a signature blend of house and Latin music that has helped define the New York dance scene and they have agreed to kick off the Expo in a big way at Cielo.

Maor: The emerging artist will bring his music and his message about gay bullying and discrimination to Stonewall Inn as a part of the LGBT Appreciation Event

Paige Turner: This established queer icon graces the stage for a night of music and comedy as the headline act of the LGBT Appreciation Event

Rakim: He is one of the most respected names in hip hop. His Paid in Full album is a soundtrack its golden age and he will be performing a rare New York set at Sutra.

Rob Swift: The legendary DJ for the X-Men will return from his performance tour of Asia to provide the right music to celebrate nightlife culture and end our Expo on a high note at the double seven.

The Venues

Pleasure Palaces: Bars and Clubs as the Cradles of Nightlife Culture- The spaces that bars and clubs inhabit that become the frame and canvas for every other aspect of the nightlife experience. We have five very different venues all over downtown Manhattan spread out over the four nights

The Speakers

A discussion about the importance of nightlife culture is vital to this type of event. I have collected a panel of very well connected and insightful nightlife minds to discuss this topic during our brunch at Affaire. The panel includes

madison moore: Fashion and Fantasies

Paul Seres: Nightlife operator, advocate and President of the New York Nightlife Association

Shonali Bhowmik: From Nashville to New York

Steven Lewis: Celebrity Waitresses, Sex and the Sin Effect

We hope you will decide to join us for the first of many nightlife culture events. For more information and tickets, visit http://nightlifeculture.org/events/

Have fun.

G

The CBGB Festival, The Nightlife Culture Expo and the Subculture of Bottle Service

2012-03-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

The Nightlife Culture Review for March 21, 2012

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

The Nightlife Culture Expo 2012
From hip hop icons to house music legends. From underground artists to well known operators. From historic venues to the New York’s hottest clubs, New York has a treasure in its nightlife and the Nightlife Cultural Initiative is proud to announce the Nightlife Culture Expo. Visit our site to order tickets to shows featuring Join Rakim, Little Louie Vega, Rob Swift and more http://bit.ly/FRVLvO

Discussions with the Nightlife Think Tank
One of the highlights of the Expo will be a brunch seminar discussing the importance of nightlife culture to New York City. To explore this important subject, NCI has assembled prominent thinkers in the field. Here is a taste of the unique perspective each one brings to the table.

Steven Lewis: Celebrity Waitresses, Sex and the Sin Effect: http://bit.ly/yQsc7Q

Michael Moore: Fashion and Fantasies http://bit.ly/xo03pK

Shonali Bhowmik: From Nashville to New York http://bit.ly/zmDP0Y

Culture

CBGB returns to NYC in July as a music festival instead of a music venue. http://bit.ly/yrvwim

Literature and liquor mix on the Lower East Side. http://nyti.ms/FQAyQU

Steve Lewis takes a roundtable look at the subculture of bottle service. http://bit.ly/xxSEKo

Have fun.

Gamal

Join Rakim, Little Louie Vega, Rob Swift and More at the First Annual Nightlife Culture Expo!

2012-03-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Nightlife Culture Expo 2012

We've got hip hop icons and house music legends.

We've got dance floors open all night and burlesque brunches during the day.

We've got underground artists and well known operators. We've got historic venues and today's hottest clubs.

We have four nights of nightlife culture and you can have it too.

Just click on the flyer, pick the events you want to attend and join us...

Michael Mele, the Metropolitan Museum and the Mystery of the Male Bottle Servers

2012-03-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

The Nightlife Culture Review of March 8, 2012

Prince of the City

From Nashville to New York: A Nightlife Culture Interview with Shonali Bhowmik http://bit.ly/zmDP0Y

Crime

Michael Mele gets 23 years in prison for taking Laura Garza out of a club and killing her in 2008. http://nydn.us/w1cBCG

Culture

Does New York nightlife need more male bottle servers and hosts? http://bit.ly/wlt8JZ

A new art exhibit explores drag culture in New York nightlife. http://bit.ly/zDEuVJ

The Metropolitan Museum attracts young patrons by reinventing itself as a nightclub. http://bit.ly/y1vrH2

The New York Historical Society is offering students a free course in hip hop this month. http://bit.ly/z9vNDz

New Venues

Mother's Ruin, Bas'ik and Wayland are among the best new venues in New York nightlife. http://bit.ly/zw2SYa

Have fun

Gamal

Steve Lewis, High Technology and the French Invasion of New York Nightlife

2012-02-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

The Nightlife Culture Review for March 1, 2012

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City

Celebrity Waitresses, Sex and the Sin Effect: A Nightlife Culture interview with the legendary Steven Lewis. http://bit.ly/yQsc7Q

Why Do You Enjoy New York Nightlife? There are seven major reasons that lure us into the night. What moves you? http://bit.ly/w7puVN

NCI: Improve your nightlife. Join the Nightlife Cultural Initiative. http://bit.ly/yuXX7h

Culture

Partez vous Francais? The New York Times writes about the growing French trend in New York nightlife culture. http://nyti.ms/zZzpYt

Is Big Back?: Are the megaclubs ready to return to New York nightlife? And if they are, how will that impact New York nightlife? http://bit.ly/yX8lJn

Music

Hip Hop Holiness: What is the relationship between religion and hip hop? How do express their faith or disparage another in their lyrics? http://bit.ly/AwSU9k

Mind Over Money: A new article looks at the transition of hip hop from social awareness to capitalist excess. http://bit.ly/AxaEkE

Technology

The Liquor Locator: Will the new NYC liquor license map help or hurt New York nightlife? http://bit.ly/xgXi3I

Who Watches You Go Out? Can facial recognition apps help you find the perfect club and crowd every night? http://ti.me/AEgK2K

Have fun.

Gamal

Guns & Roses, New York Fashion Week 2012 and Gay Marriage

2012-02-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

Nightlife Culture News for February 15, 2012

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Nightlife Culture Review

Fashion Week and New York Nightlife is a case of Love at First Sight, but why? http://t.co/mYskPZ5K

Improve your nightlife. Join the Nightlife Cultural Initiative. http://t.co/n2dKDmnd

Venue Reviews

We have new insight on 2A, One & One, Blue Smoke, Felice and Lucien plus info on 115 other venues. gamalhennessy.yelp.com

Culture

The LGBT marriage equality victory in California sparks a celebration at a landmark of LGBT history, Stonewall. http://t.co/6NpLiLYa

Are NIMBYs resorting to vandalism to chase new bars out of NOLITA? If they are, it will be like pro-life advocates killing abortion doctors because they think abortion is murder. http://t.co/RFWL2LVQ

Music

EDM: Can XL bring dance culture back to New York nightlife or has bottle service and cocktail culture cleared the dance floor? http://t.co/bAgFKozP.

EDM: Question: What's the best way to ask a DJ to play a song at the club? Answer: Don't. If you’d like more DJ etiquette, read on. http://t.co/YBNNlW9H

Hip Hop: An insightful review of the new global hip hop book Close to the Edge. http://t.co/hwefNVNy

Hip Hop: How has the financial crisis impacted hip hop lyrics and perspectives? http://t.co/QTAvpCZs

Rock: Can Guns & Roses start a comeback with their New York nightlife performance? http://t.co/SrmkzKI0
Have fun.

Gamal

Jay-Z, Bi-Sexual Rappers, Beer Pong Laws and the Evils of Bottle Service

2012-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

The Nightlife Cultural Review for February 8, 2012

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Improve your nightlife. Join the Nightlife Cultural Initiative. http://t.co/n2dKDmnd

Prince of the City

Sexy, Rich, Creative or Connected: What is Your Best Nightlife Resource? http://t.co/67boTkf0

New Elite Yelp Reviews for venues including Norwood, Yotel, and Imperial No. 9 gamalhennessy.yelp.com

Music

Hip Hop: Jay-Z brings the heights of hip hop to Carnegie Hall. http://t.co/XYr3GmJm

Hip Hop: Is New York hip hop ready for a bi-sexual female rapper like Azealia Banks? http://t.co/FLaLXv4b

DJ: Veteran DJ Seth Clark Silverman has advice to improve the music in New York City nightlife http://t.co/apGn6bvA

Law

Liability: NY court rules that bar operators are not liable for beer pong related drunkenness. http://t.co/q6GAtRwW

Opinion

Bottle Service: Transworld News viciously attacked the exclusive club scene in New York nightlife. http://t.co/w769V54N

54 Below: Nightlife maven Michael Musto opines on the new cabaret 54 Below. http://t.co/LHp2cYrk

Have fun

Gamal

CBGB, XL, Ice-T and Meleni Smith

2012-01-31T20:29:00.000-08:00

Nightlife Culture News for February 1, 2012

Complied by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City

My Heart in Focus: A nightlife culture interview with Ms. Meleni Smith http://t.co/KsbfLSrf

Culture

CBGB: Would the revived punk rock venue be a great revival of punk rock or a sad tourist trap? http://t.co/7HeVmxNr

Reborn Dive Bars: The recently shut down Mars Bar is reborn as an art exhibit. http://t.co/nGTkblUX

Music

Hip Hop: A review of Ice-T's hip hop documentary Something from Nothing http://t.co/QAmJ7REk

Opinion: DJ Stretch Armstrong rejects the concept of the celebrity DJ. http://t.co/9G346Vof

Technology

NIMBYs get a new tool to track their complaints about New York venues. http://t.co/gmKCH4Se

New Venues

The Time Out hotel and its XL dance club made a massive splash in New York over the weekend. http://t.co/N4ep2JLc

Have fun

Gamal

Tiesto’s New Video Series, Garza’s Killer Confesses and Drinking with Your Eyeball

2012-01-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

Nightlife News for January 25th, 2012

Nightlife Culture

The Nightlife Cultural Initiative attempts to bring more life to nightlife. http://t.co/3qAQMcp7

An architectural firm in Hong Kong has designed a nightclub that isn’t connected to the ground. It stays up by hanging from surrounding buildings. http://t.co/9cId6IIz

Drinking

An in depth essay on the Social and Psychological Benefits of Pre-gaming. http://t.co/0Edm5Uky

Is the CDC exaggerating the rates of binge drinking in the US? http://t.co/8raHzxNA

More female sommeliers are becoming prominent in New York nightlife. http://t.co/sljz6oIn

Eater offers some good advice on how to order a drink based on the type of bar you visit. http://t.co/BkRFu28d

Are you bored with just drinking your drink? If so, check out these eight strange new ways of ingesting alcohol. http://t.co/kcU6tv4A

Crime

Michael Mele admits to killing Laura Garza after taking her out pf Marquee in 2008. http://t.co/DtANKybC

Politics

Brooklyn NIMBYs attack rooftop and outdoor bars. http://t.co/ZhYDLjwf

Are anti-nightlife sentiments rising in Hells Kitchen? http://t.co/4XDPn469

Music

A new university course explores hip hop as a teaching tool. http://t.co/u1uc7LBB

Tiësto launches a new web series to document the life of the DJ. http://t.co/SGi8ExCu

Live Music Apps, Pitch Black Dining Rooms and Whiskey in a Can

2012-01-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

The Nightlife Culture Review for January 11, 2012

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City

How to Find Live Music in 2012: There are hundreds of live musicians playing in New York nightlife every week. Here are a few apps to help you find the ones that are right for you.

New Elite Yelp reviews for 2012: including UCB Theater, Henrietta Hudson, Sons of Essex and Cellar 58.

Culture

‎(From @DNAinfo) A landmark Harlem firehouse is going to be reborn as Afro-Caribbean Cultural Institute. Hopefully it will include exhibits on the contributions jazz, reggae, salsa and other art forms had on nightlife and New York in general.

(From @nightculturenyc) One photographer documents how social media has impacted nightlife.

Crime

(From @VoiceStreet) A cab driver was recently arrested for the rape of an early morning passenger. There is no indication from this story that the alleged victim was coming from a club, but it is a scenario that could easily involve nightlife patrons so awareness is key, even after you leave the club.

(From @nightculturenyc) Michael Mele: The alleged murderer of Laura Garza goes on trial this week. Garza was last seen leaving Marquee.

Drinking

(From @nightculturenyc) Is a can of whiskey (that holds 8 shots) for $5 a great idea or a disaster waiting to happen? You can’t close a can once you open it, so the incentive to drink all 8 shots at once will be very strong. Who knows what your incentive might be after that…

Music

(From @nightculturenyc) Hip hop: Emerging artists from NJ prove that local artists continue to influence East Coast rap.

(From @nightculturenyc) DJing: The Respect the DJ movement brings the spotlight back to the people behind the decks.

(From @CMJnetwork): Artist submissions for CMJ 2012 are open now via @Sonicbids

Venues

(From @EaterNY) A new high end spot called Dans Le Noir offers patrons the chance to dine in a pitch black room. Candle lit tables are romantic and sexy, but how dark is too dark?

(From @nightculturenyc) Is the case against Escuelita bar about public safety or anti-gay bias?

(From @nightculturenyc) This recent retrospective looks at the historic evolution of Julius, one of New York's oldest gay bars.

Have fun.

AeroShot, Angry Drunks and the Worst New Year’s Eve Ever

2011-12-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

The Last Nightlife Culture News for 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Nightlife Culture Year in Review: The Twelve Major Stories in Nightlife Culture for 2011

Nightlife Industry Year in Review: From the fine folks at Eater.

Humor: Do you want to have your worst New Year’s Eve ever. Here's how to so it.

Drinking: Hangover Patches: Do They Work?

Drinking: Here’s how to spot an angry drunk before the fists start flying.

Drugs: Is AeroShot going to be the club drug of 2012?

Venue Reviews: I've finished 101 nightlife reviews covering three cities in 2011. That should be enough drinking for one year, right?

Trends: The busiest (and most amateur) nightlife nights of the year.

Beyond New York: The New York Times looks at the underground nightlife scene in Los Angeles.

Music

Hip Hop: Is hip hop finally ready to shed its homophobic image?

Hip Hop: A compelling argument that New York hip hop isn't real hip hop.

Hip Hop: How do racial and gender diversity in hip hop performers impact the musical form?

Comedy: Why is the open mic scene so dead for aspiring New York comedians?

Have fun.

Champagne Bars, Fireplace Hideaways, Fashion’s Night Out and New Orleans Nightlife

2011-12-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

Nightlife News for December 20^th 2011

Complied by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City

‎Reviews: I’ve put up the first set of reviews from my trip to New Orleans. There is plenty of stuff down there to make a New York nightlife native happy. gamalhennessy.yelp.com

Last minute Gift Idea: Looking for something to give the person who loves nightlife? Give them my book Seize the Night. http://amzn.to/rONKHy

Culture: NYC had 50 million visitors on 2011. No doubt many of them came here to sample our nightlife culture. Hopefully our next mayor will see the connection in ways that Bloomberg doesn’t. http://t.co/RaEhUWgA

Fashion: Fashion Night Out is coming back in 2012 in spite of very little popular demand from fashion retailers. http://t.co/BZjb3eMo

Drinking: Discover the allure of luxury champagne bars. http://t.co/nbyAjnrF

Interior Design: NYC has plenty of fireplace bars to help you escape the cold this winter. Find some with this list. http://t.co/FSiVgVP2

Politics: Harlem community boards consider attempt to close bars at 2 a.m. Hopefully they will fail like many of their colleagues downtown. http://t.co/QPHVnQOv

Sex: How often do men and women really think about sex? The answer may surprise you. http://t.co/RYZ5isBh

Have fun.

Gamal

Madison Moore, Larry Levan, Don Hill and Parisian Nightlife Culture

2011-12-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

Nightlife Culture News for December 13, 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City: Review: On the Make: Nightlife as a Lifeless Sham: http://t.co/WChaVBLg

Academics: NYU takes a long hard look at Madison Moore and his nightlife culture course at Yale. http://t.co/FA9lDQgK

Culture: A comparison of nightlife culture in New York and Paris. http://t.co/ShHQBrLm

Sex: A swingers party pops up at Pop Burger. http://t.co/xR586zbz

Health: Would NYC be better off with public toilets in nightlife areas? http://t.co/UP8Jfh8U

Health: Journalists put three hangover cures to the test http://t.co/FWTsOj5x

Graphic Arts: A collection of art dedicated to hip hop pioneers has just been released. http://t.co/frt4DlkO

Music

Hip Hop: Members of Black Sheep and A Tribe Called Quest form a group to produce a song dedicated to Occupy Wall Street. http://t.co/2vM95r3y

House: NPR remembers the DJ pioneer Larry Levan. http://t.co/e3NQ8qHf

Rock: Irving Plaza plans a memorial concert for legendary nightlife operator Don Hill. http://t.co/inCmiTt6

Drinking: Bartenders offer good drinking advice. Read this to improve your holiday experience. http://t.co/EdT0H7p4

Drinking: Barstool Prophets tell the story of #nightlife from serving behind the bar. http://t.co/xKI8mjMZ

Crime: FBI makes several arrests linking organized crime to NYC strip clubs. http://t.co/75TnEeAH

Tourism: ‎Closing the Tavern on the Green was a multi-million dollar mistake for NYC. http://t.co/oduEyawi

Have fun.

Sex Lies and Holiday Parities

2011-12-06T20:06:00.001-08:00

Nightlife Culture News for December 7, 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City: A holiday gift idea for the nightlife native; Notes from the Night. http://bit.ly/uog9OO

Dancing: An argument for the artistic merits of lap dancing is going to court in New York. http://t.co/cdtWLNbj

Dating: Tips on how to get back into the dating life after being out of the game for 5, 10 or even 20 years. http://t.co/NfFcJVmB

Dating: Is online dating just for free meals the best way to deal with a bad economy? http://t.co/A4l1A1v9

Fashion: Do we judge a girl's intelligence and sexual experience based on how short her skirt is? http://t.co/VqXndzjs

Health: New survey from condom maker Durex points to a high degree of risky sexual behavior in the US. http://t.co/mFfnp6Fv

Health: Will the FDA approved hangover cure Blowfish change the way we drink? http://t.co/5xa5ecT1

Sex: People can accept the idea of comfort food. Can they accept the idea of comfort sex? http://t.co/LeNhxUc2

Trends: The rough economy has taken the extravagance out of holiday parties recently, but they are making a comeback this year. http://t.co/RT5hdTUt

Have fun.

Arab Hip Hop, Jewish Hip Hop and the Importance of Nightlife Culture

2011-11-28T20:29:00.001-08:00

Nightlife News for November 29^th 2011

Complied by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City

‎A new essay from @NightCultureNYC explains Why Should You Care about Nightlife Culture? http://t.co/cKRIwtLV

Culture

Academics: I gave you a link on the various classes universities are developing about nightlife culture. Here is a feature story on Yale University's course. http://t.co/oPpcVLDH

Nightclubs: There are many misconceptions about what nightlife is really like. @clubplanet runs down the list of nightlife myths that need to be busted. http://t.co/54gcb8wP

Reviews: Over 85 Yelp Elite reviews of local nightlife venues including new reviews of Double Seven, the Night Hotel and Elsa gamalhennessy.yelp.com

Music

DJing: A few tips for breaking into the DJ industry. http://t.co/q1IWEBA5

Hip Hop: Arab American hip hop artists create political rap inspired by the Arab Spring. http://t.co/hTdqfiQz

Hip Hop: Are we currently experiencing a Golden Age of Jewish hip hop? http://t.co/Z6ELtqxA

Rock: We like to think that the indie rock scene and the hip hop nation are completely separate, but @SPINmagazine provides a timeline that shows the creative crossover between the two genres. http://t.co/eEktwl2x

Have fun.

Gamal

Juliet, Fire Island and How to Stand in Line at the Club

2011-11-16T20:58:00.001-08:00

Nightlife Culture News for November 16^th 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City: Nightlife as a Marketplace of Transgression: http://bit.ly/rvb6Cm

Drinking: Experts suggest that women should drink more whiskey. Of course the experts are selling whiskey, but that is beside the point… http://bit.ly/vb1UHg

Nightlife Rituals: We don’t endorse standing in line, but if you have to do it. @clubplanet: offers some Do's and Don'ts of the Nightclub Line - http://ht.ly/7vyGf

Music

Hip Hop: @villagevoice: profiles Ralph McDaniels one of the pioneering figures in New York hip hop culture bit.ly/uuIWV6

House: 2011 was the year when EDM took over the American music scene. http://bit.ly/vv3lBs

Opinion: The lounges in New York according to @clubplanet: ht.ly/7sU3l

Crime: People were shot and one man was killed in Juliet this week. Will the supperclub survive? http://bit.ly/tmHblU (Note: Anyone with information about this crime can contact the 10th precinct at 212-741-8245)

Disaster: The center of gay nightlife on Fire Island was destroyed in a fire. No one was injured. http://bit.ly/uIWeTc

Have fun.
G

Heavy D, Jay-Z, Kascade and Living with Your Hangover

2011-11-10T20:50:00.001-08:00

Nightlife Cultural News for 11.11.11

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City

Sutra: Seven Years as a Hip Hop Icon: http://bit.ly/skg1WD

Nightlife Culture Initiative: NCI is a nonprofit company founded to elevate nightlife culture. Find out more here. http://t.co/lEGG2eTq

The definition of nightlife culture: http://bit.ly/ttrMKK

New Reviews from Yelp Elite: gamalhennessy.yelp.com

Dating

A recent program to combat dating violence has cut instances of abuse by 50%.http://t.co/AP03pFTV

‎In support of the single guy from @PsychToday http://t.co/iWaHj1VW

Dancing

Burlesque: Can burlesque performances be a form of feminist expression? http://t.co/EJySsfCM

Burlesque: Is Red Hook's Paris Cabaret a burlesque lounge or just a plain old strip club? from "@Gothamist http://t.co/Fp3tnddj

Events

New Year’s Eve: Club Planet offers four tips for having a successful New Year’s Eve. Remember Tip #5 kids: Don't be an amateur. http://t.co/33HEpa0E

Humor

A good life lesson, brought to you by @ThoughtCatalog: A Conversation With Your Hangover http://t.co/YMjDXnnh

Music

Hip Hop: A new documentary called Rubble Kings explores the origins of hip hop. http://t.co/1CNfVJpN

Hip Hop: Jay-Z Talks About Hip-Hop's Impact on Culture from @vibemagazine. http://t.co/nMljnP2q

House: An in depth look at the mega DJ named Kascade from ‎@nytimesstyle. http://t.co/HScjTk4k

Jazz: 1959: Documentary revisits Miles Davis & Mingus from @openculture. http://t.co/9FjNrPdN

Rock: Rolex donates $3.5 million to bring rock music to the New York Public Library. http://t.co/yVGlxiex

Obituary

Heavy D: One of the most exuberant MC’s from the Golden Age passed away earlier this week. http://t.co/jhQIgw8C

Have fun

Sugar Daddys, Humor Boom and Hip Hop as a College Major

2011-10-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Nightlife News for October 20^th 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Events

CMJ 2011: Visiting artists who are performing at this year’s indie music marathon compile a list of the best venues, snack joints and hangout spots in NYC: http://bit.ly/nV35uJ

Music

Hip Hop Higher Education: Last year I did an article about the erosion of hip hop heritage (http://bit.ly/br15tn ). This year, America’s dominant music form is being recognized by prestigious institutions. Georgetown is now offering a course on Jay-Z and the sociology of hip hop (http://bit.ly/rmGEWn). Not to be outdone, NYU is attempting to create a hip hop studies minor: (http://bit.ly/n2IqLH). Maybe hip hop history is safe after all.

Frankie Knuckles: The Guardian talks to the DJ icon about pioneering house music, having a street in Chicago named after him and losing his foot. http://bit.ly/oGah04

Erick Morillo: Pacha interviews this leading DJ about his new projects, his collaborations with Pitbull and Busta Rhymes and America’s new interest in house fb.me/1888qKF1S

Drinking

Wine: Are you thinking about going back to school? Are you thinking about getting a degree in wine? Eater asks the experts if all that education is really necessary. eater.cc/op5vIA

Tequila: If you are in the mood for tequila (and I know you usually are) check out this list of the NYC tequila offerings from Guest of a Guest: ow.ly/6VkBh

Sexuality

Sugar Daddys: Time Out New York explores the sugar daddy subculture in New York nightlife: tmout.us/nnqVFv

Communidating: Guest of a Guest offers modern ladies some tips for dating in a digital world: http://bit.ly/qXXfqC

Sex Trends: Time magazine reports on a recent survey that shows decrease in teen sex, increase in condom use http://ow.ly/6ZEw5

New Venues

Humor Boom: First we had underground cocktail lounges, now Thrillist brings us a secret underground comedy club. ow.ly/70VvS

Opinion

Michael Musto: The Village Voice’s resident nightlife icon picks The Best of NYC Nightlife http://bit.ly/pqmfLR

Have fun.

Diplo, Def Jam at 25, and One Night Stands

2011-10-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

Nightlife News for October 11, 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Crime: Gothamist writes about a bartender who is stabbed by a fanatic patron on the Upper East Side http://bit.ly/oqa9AL"

Customs: Clubplanet tries to explain why some people dislike the nightclub scene. http://ht.ly/6S14F

Customs: Live the Lush Life and the New York Times offer tips to get a bartender's attention without getting on their nerves. http://nyti.ms/pQQaUR.

Drinking: New York City Sidewalker showcases the Ultimate Blast cocktail event going on this Friday. Oct 14^th: tinyurl.com/3mfhsu4

Interview: GQ offers an interview and photo shoot with international DJ Diplo http://gqm.ag/ni8wqW

Music: NPR introduces a new book that looks at the first 25 years of Def Jam music and its impact on hip hop. http://bit.ly/qjtvTr

Music: The CMJ 2011 performance schedule is out. Plan your week accordingly: http://cmj2011.sched.org/venues

Music: On the Eve of CMJ. Spin publishes an article on the state of homophobia in indie rock. http://bit.ly/qdzXQV

Reviews: Gothamist offers a list of the 10 Best Beer Bars In NYC bit.ly/mZPGVk

Reviews: Prince of the City offers new venue reviews including Winston's Champagne Bar, Marble Lane, SoHo House, Fontana's, and B.B. Kings: http://bit.ly/nt4iwG

Sex: Clubplanet offers ladies in nightlife tips on how to turn the tables on men and enjoy a one night stand; http://ht.ly/6S16N

Venues: Urban Daddy previews The Fulton, opening in the Financial District this week. http://bit.ly/nDtLfb

Have fun.
G

Burlesque, Prohibition, Club Culture and Culture Club

2011-10-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Nightlife News for October 5, 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City: The Art of the Nipple Pasties: Burlesque in New York Nightlife http://bit.ly/prmtmr

Literature: Societe Perrier lists the 10 Best Books about DJ/Club Culture http://t.co/MxXpIGNI

Social Interaction: Club Planet offers some advice for meeting ladies on the dance floor. http://t.co/E3XLZ2CL

Television: The famous documentary director Ken Burns turns his lens on the origins of modern nightlife: Prohibition http://t.co/SKqt4eic

Opinion: GoG provides a guide to speakeasies In New York City: http://t.co/kjiRcZd8

New Venues: Culture Club tries to bring us back to the 1980’s http://t.co/5FIB3B5B

Health: Can a "Stay Sober" pill give us the ability to drink and never get drunk? http://t.co/WARR7vFg

Have fun.

CMJ, David Guetta and the Toughest Doors in New York

2011-09-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

Nightlife News for September 29, 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Prince of the City

Tough Doors: The Most Dangerous Place in Nightlife http://bit.ly/oMJjRi

Music

America's top live music venues, as picked by musicians: http://t.co/alT4gBwY"
An open house is coming up at the DJ school Scratch Academy www.scratch.com
Nearsay looks at the resurgence of burlesque in New York nightlife.http://t.co/ePKJCKrV
An interview with David Guetta, the house DJ who took over mainstream pop music http://t.co/otAy1Bno

Events

CMJ: Almost 900 acts added to this year’s show: http://t.co/MZlhji9E
The Ultimate Blast cocktail, beer and wine show hits NYC on October 14^th: http://t.co/ZOQWqWd6

Opinion

Everything NYC offers a list of The 50 Best Dive Bars in NYC http://t.co/GUpU96LY"

New Venues

Salon Hecho brings a little bit of Mexico to the East Village http://t.co/08B5fIu1

Have fun.

Sports Bars, Craft Beer and Fashion Week Fallout

2011-09-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

Nightlife News for September 20, 2011
Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

New Reviews:
Read the five new reviews on my Yelp page including Cibar, Cienfuegos, East End Tavern, Public House and Summit http://bit.ly/oWv7rS

Prince of the City:
The Import Lesson of Fashion's Night Out and Fashion Week.http://bit.ly/qhxvUr

Events:
NY Craft Beer Week 9/16-25. http://bit.ly/reHP5k

New York Fashion Week: D.J.’s Make the Music to Move Fashion Shows http://nyti.ms/qCHSPf"

Fashion's Night Out: Was 2011 the last year for FNO? If so, the city wide party burned out in only three years. http://bit.ly/poxMXj

Health: Smoking in NYC is down to 14%, but the remaining smokers are using different tactics to keep their habit. http://bit.ly/nsxImg

Music: Def Jam Records has been around for 25 years. So much for hip hop being a passing fad. http://ti.me/n0WktV

Politics: NIMBYs sue Liquor Authority for renewing a license. Instead of filing a lawsuit, why don't you just move? http://bit.ly/owO92T

Sports Bars: Sheckys offers a list of NYC home team sports bars for every NFL franchise. http://bit.ly/rhUDHP

Have fun
Gamal

South Beach, Fashion’s Night Out and the Sex Lives of Bartenders

2011-09-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Nightlife News for September 6, 2011

Compiled by Gamal Hennessy

Events

Fashion’s Night Out (Thursday, Sept. 8^th)

For the third year in a row, fashion destinations throw parties to celebrate Fashion Week and start the fall season.

Prince of the City

South Beach Nightlife Review

I’m back from summer vacation with a nightlife travelogue for our sister city down south.

Opinion

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Paul Seres, the head of NYNA and a prominent member of community board 4, speaks out on the relationship between City Hall and nightlife.

Culture

Working While Others Play

A recent column looks at the sexual benefits and liabilities that come with being a bartender.

New Grading System Bans Dogs from Bars

The new restaurant/ bar health grading system put into place earlier this year prohibits dogs from venues, even the ones with outdoor space.

Crime
Bathroom molester sentenced
A fanatic who sexually attacked a young woman in a bar for refusing to dance with him was recently sentenced to 16 years in prison. Now he will be the one molested in the bathroom.

Obituary

Nick Ashford

The Motown songwriter, signer in the classic group Ashford and Simpson and owner of New York’s Sugar Bar passed away over the summer after a battle with throat cancer.

Have fun

Measure Twice Cut Once

2011-09-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

By Paul Seres

The following is an op-ed piece from an operator, community board member and leader in the nightlife industry about the way local government relates to nightlife.

Growing up I’d be at my father’s side on any household project he felt like undertaking. Helping where I could, I found my place learning the basics of simple carpentry by observing him. Until I was old enough, the closest I got to power tools was helping him measure before work could begin. “Measure twice, cut once” was drilled into my brain to insure we could be as efficient as possible.

Somehow, many of the powers that be that run this City never learned that lesson when it comes to nightlife. The nighttime economy of New York, or as we like to call it, the "Other Nine to Five", is a powerful economic engine that provides more jobs and revenues to the State and the City than any other form of entertainment, including Broadway and all of the sports teams combined. And yet with all of that economic activity, the industry as a whole is often treated like a red headed stepchild when it comes to meaningful planning for nightlife activity.

In the never-ending cycle of gentrification, nightlife establishments play an important role in becoming a catalyst for future real estate development. In most instances it works likes this… In areas with warehouses or commercial or manufacturing zoning, one or two brave nightlife entrepreneurs will set up shop, hoping to attract the trendy and the elite. Next comes a few more nightlife establishments followed by restaurants who come in to capitalize on this new found flow of foot traffic. The galleries begin to move in followed by the trendy retail shops. Finally, the new residential development arrives cashing in on the newest trendy area. And that’s when the quality of life complaints begin, even though the nightlife establishments were there first.

For the better part of 20 years, Jim Peters of the Responsible Hospitality Institute has been dealing with this very issue in other municipalities who welcome a strong and burgeoning nighttime economy. His teachings are simple, almost obvious practices that are seldom ever followed, Plan, Manage and Police. If a city plans for the late night businesses, and sets up proper infrastructure to better help them manage, then the easy part becomes policing.

New York has become such a vast and expensive treasure trove of real estate valuations that not many people are thinking past tomorrow. New York just doesn’t plan and has no system of managing nighttime businesses. So it is left up to police to function in a way that is not productive as policing cannot make up for the lack of prior planning and managing by City government. This is exactly what is currently happening in the Lower East Side.

Cities such as Seattle and San Francisco, who recognize the importance of a vibrant nighttime economy, have set up governmental agencies to act as a liaison to these businesses. New York has an office for the film and television industry, offering tax incentives to attract productions of a variety of types and formats. So why can’t New York City, “the city that never sleeps” have someone representing the thousands of employees, business owners, and the millions of patrons who travel not only from other states but from all over the world to experience New York City when the sun goes down and the lights come up. This is something the New York Nightlife Association has advocated for years now.

New Yorkers are forced to deal with an ever increasing amount of issues that affect their daily lives, so wouldn’t it be in the city planner’s interest to measure twice and cut once? Shouldn’t there be designated nightlife districts that would make planning, managing and ultimately policing these areas so much easier so there wouldn’t be these constant clashes with quality of life issues. If my father was smart enough to impart the wisdom of measure twice and cut once, I think those that we select to represent our interests should do the same.

Paul Seres is the President of the New York Nightlife Association as well as being on Manhattan Community Board 4 where he co-chairs the business licensing and permit’s committee for licensed establishments. He is also a Partner in Patuá, a roof top restaurant lounge in the Fashion District set to open in 2012

Culture Fix, Pop Up Clubs, Rebel Art, and Nightlife Culture

2011-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

Prince of the City
Defining Nightlife Culture
The bars and clubs that you go into are more than watering holes and meat markets. They are one of the sources of modern art and culture. Exploring this world makes you more than a consumer or a clubber. It gives you a chance to alter society and the way it sees itself. All that, and you get to have fun too!

Politics
Culture Fix
The story of a little bar that stood up against NIMBY’s and the NYPD…and won.

Culture
The Rebel Art Collective
A pair of brothers from the South Bronx attempts to rekindle the social activism that was entrenched in the origins of hip hop but has faded with the rise of commercial music.

Are Pop up Clubs the Next Big Thing?
In a response to both NIMBY community boards and fickle patrons, operators are taking the pop up model that has worked for retail stores and translated it into nightlife. Now dim sum parlors, strip clubs, Midtown offices, vacant warehouses, waterfront parks, and school playgrounds could be your next venue. Is this a sign of things to come, or is it Rave 2.0?

Tech
Scene Tap shows you where the ladies at.
Making a love connection is one of the reasons we go out, so it makes sense that you want to know if there are a lot of boys or girls in a club before you go in. Well, there is an app for that. Scene Tap claims to use face recognition technology to tell you how many boys or girls are in any given venue. It’s unclear if this technology works in dark rooms or how much of a time delay exists between the app update and the time the people are actually in the room. It probably can’t tell you if anyone inside is cute or not, or get you into the club or tell you what to say when you are surrounded by the gender of your choice. You’ll need to get a different app for that…

New Venues
Pour George
A new gastropub drops into the Village

Maison Premiere
Williamsburg gets all the absinthe it can handle

Have fun.
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