GAYLETTER

Don Pedro, for those of you that don’t know, is a performance space/Mexican restaurant. It’s in Brooklyn, of course (I mean, where else would you expect a performance space/Mexican restaurant to be?) This Wednesday they’re throwing their new party, VMA and looks like a big ball of fun. It’s hosted by Mark Dommu and Rify Royalty and features a whole slew of hosts and performances by Gabe Gonzalez, Momo Shade, Ethan Weinstock, Lady Simon, Cheno, Aja and Boywolf. Music for the whole night is by Shedontstop, which is officially my new favorite DJ name. The VMAS are always way more exciting than the Grammys, obvs, so we’re expecting this to be a good night. I want snakes, I want Madonna finger-banging Britney and Xtina on stage, I want tears, I want rappers fucked up on sizzurp, I want Pink dangling from a scarf above the audience looking butch with her chest all red, I want Kanye stealing Tom York’s award and throwing it to Beyonce. I want drama, and music and the most magical night of my fucking life!!!! And then I want a chicken burrito with extra guacamole. Cheers  —tom

This party created by Joey Labeija has been around for a few months now at the Camero Gallery. We haven’t been able to attend, but we heard great things about it so far. A few of the things we heard: “It hit capacity within less than an hour of opening its doors,” we also heard, “honey it gets turnt,” “it’s Aaaeverything!” Sometimes rumors are true, sometimes they’re bullshit, but there’s only one way to find out. Go and experience it for yourself. It sounds like it could get Beyonce (I’m using “Beyonce” as an adjective, specifically referencing that interview where Barbara Walters said to her “You are Beyonce,” and she responded with a smile and “Thank You”...trust, it’s a compliment). Music for the night is by Michael Magnan, Ni** SKY, Riobamba, BBYMUTHA (NYC debut) and Joey himself. I mean with these bitches how could it not be legendary?  —Abi

Another anniversary! Occupy the Disco are celebrating 3 years of their party Paradisco. We have a lot of respect for parties that last more than a year, we all know how quickly New Yorkers get bored of things, which is why our Interracial party basically happens whenever we feel like it, or when we have time, that way it’s a nice surprise when it pops up. Anyways, here’s some more info about the group: “Three years ago, we started a little party to remind us of hot summer nights dancing in Fire Island to tide us over during the cold weather months, aptly named Paradisco.” This is the official kick-off of their “third season” — you know these days parties have seasons like TV shows. It’s gonna take place at Le Bain at The Standard High Line which we hear they’ve just renovated the rooftop of! It was already great, so I am very curious to see what else they did to it. The Occupy The Disco DJs are Josh Appelbaum, Ru Bhatt and Tad Haes. They will be serving “a unique brew of new and fresh disco and house tracks along with classic favorites to keep you all warm...” Sounds delightful.  —Abi

Spank has been around for seven years? Jesus, I feel old. Spank started as an artsy small format magazine, but has lived on as a party with original founders Sean B. and Will Automagic DJing all around the world. Here’s what Sean told us about the anniversary: “We consider ourselves mega-lucky to have survived seven years of shows, scenes and crazy parties in NYC, we’re gonna celebrate in a BIG way at the massive Bell House.” Spank’s parties are famous for their wild installations by Jeffrey Owen Ralston and we hear this year is no different. The only thing different from previous parties is that they’re moving it back to Brooklyn. It’s at The Bell House (as Sean mentioned), a legit party space (previous spaces haven’t been so “official.”) The Spank boys will of course DJ for the night and we’re sure it will be populated with plenty of cute queer kids. This is not a stand-around-and-look-bored-event, be prepared to dance your little feet off. Congrats boys, here’s to another 7!  —tom

Paul Leopold (Boywolf) brought to my attention the launch of his new monthly party that started in December. This is the second edition of JACK and I was told that it’s a party “strictly about music...Techno, tech-house and bass...” I hope it’s also about other things, I couldn’t attend the opening night because I got constipated the night before from all the eating during the holiday, kidding —  but Paul told me that the kickoff was strong. “Last month was so sexy with a bunch of shirtless boys dancing to some serious deep dark techno in a friendly and warm basement that felt like a gay raver’s wet dream come true...” Talk about knowing how to sell a party! DJs for the night are A Village Raid, DRFNKNSTN, Joshua Steers (pictured) and Shedontstop. A new party that you haven’t been to is the best party you can go to, you’ll have a new experience, hopefully meeting new people and getting rid of your FOMO. And the best part is “No list, no hosts, no ghosts, just dance…”  —Abi

I find that the super long full beard + the “perfect” groomed hair look annoying — it’s really starting to get tired, and I’m hoping that it’s going to die in 2015. I don’t really find any individuality in embracing that look just because everyone is doing it. However I am cool with men that embrace their hairy chest, and I am referring specifically to the otter community here. Which brings me to this brand new party presented by Shameless and Jem called Otter Box!. Music for the night is provided by DJ TR (OTTER) and a boylesque performance by Rify Royalty (who’s not hairy). I chatted with Shameless (pictured) about this party, and here’s what he had to say: “Lately I’ve been embracing more varying aspects of queer culture including my own body type which happens to be beefy and furry...so basically this party is geared towards furry gays...” I find it weird to make theme a party about men that have body hair, but on the other hand it makes it easier to know what you are getting  before you go to. I guess if you want to join the party put on some fake chest hair or wait until the guys are very wasted and everything feels hairy to them, I am not angry it’s 2015!.  —Abi