Earlier this fall, we told you about a rumor that Limelight/ Avalon nightclub might be turned into a shopping mall.  Today, it looks like the rumor is true. 

The landlord of the historic church turned nightclub says he is tired of the ups and downs of the nightclub biz, and now he is turning it into a retail space.

Rudy Klotsman, a spokesperson for the landlord, released this statement:  "We're looking to create a first-class shopping center to match the changing neighborhood.  We're looking for a single tenant or multiple tenants.  The slate is clean."

The changes could come as early as next year.

H&M, Borders, and Whole Foods are evidently all on the "wish list" to become possible tenants.

Posted by Charles Winters at 8:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (55) | TrackBacks (0)

Avalon is taking another stab at a Jay Z party.  The last time Jay Z tried to throw a party at Avalon for the release of his new album, the police raided it and pushed everyone out on the curb.  Well, they're going to try again... this time it's a celebration for big daddy's birthday and a release party... Take 2!

The "birthday bash" will happen on Sunday, December 3rd.  They're also advertising this as the "Jay-Z Album Release Party."  But like I said earlier, we all know what happened the last time they tried to have a Jay Z release party. 

The promoters are also advertising a one hour Armand de Brignac Champagne open bar which is the brand that was spotlighted in his video for "Show Me What You Got."

I do, however, find it funny that they haven't tried to make good for leaving the gays without a Sunday for three weeks and standing in the street on Halloween night.  Such is life I suppose.  GS

Posted by Charles Winters at 8:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1021) | TrackBacks (0)

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm constantly screaming for something NEW NEW NEW!!!  I moved to New York for the glitz, the glamor, the hot parties!  I've know for almost as long as I've been alive that I'd make the move from Dixie to the Big Apple, and I'm very vocal that I want my expectations met.

I want trend setting fashion, I want a loud sexy crowd, and I want unique new parties.. so of course, I want to be the first to tell you about some new events I've heard about for fall!

Continue reading "Nightclub Gossip Party: Are some new parties on the horizon?" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (56) | TrackBacks (0)

Avalon was seized and closed on Wed. Sept. 13th for non-payment of taxes and now belongs to the state of New York.  This comes less than one week after JOHN BLAIR, BETO SUTTER and ALAN PICUS moved their packed Sunday night party back to the historical venue.  The pictures pretty much say it all....

UPDATE:  I spoke with Alan Picus today, and he tells me that the venue has paid its bills so the party goes on this Sunday!!

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

The summer season is always a great time for nightclubs and promoters to try new things especially in the gay scene. If you're just coming back for the fall semester, then I've got tons of changes to tell you about. If you plan on partying hard this fall, then keep reading and keep this as your nightlife survival guide.

Continue reading "Gossip Party: Nightlife Edition -- The Fall Party Guide" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

If you've fallen in love with Sundays at Spirit, we've got some bad news for you!  It's closed for good.  Every cloud has a silver lining though, John Blair and Alan Picus are taking their Sunday night soiree back to Avalon.

They'll be taking this weekend off, and the new party starts one week from Sunday. 

John Blair is no stranger to the former Limelight space.  Back in 2001 we partied under the lights at Limelight to his Sunday night sea of Chelsea boys properly labeled, Drama.  Then Blair moved his Drama party to Centro-Fly and announced "major renovations" for Limelight.  In 2002, while remodeling the space; Blair and his colleages came under fire for working with nightclub villan, Marvisi.  Marvisi is most popular for being Peter Gaiten's competition in the club kid days, and he isn't too well liked or respected in the nightclub community.  However, before his fall his empire was nice... we could go on about him, but we'll save it for a different time. 

Regardless Blair reopened Limelight as Estate turned Avalon as the "Managing Partner," often accused of being nothing more than Marvisi's figure-head.  Blair publicly distanced himself from Marvisi saying the two weren't partners insisting Marvisi was simply the Promotional Director, there to boost straight party attendance. 

In 2005, Blair announced he was leaving Avalon and moving to his one time competitor, Spirit.  Police closed Spirit on Friday, August 25th for alcohol and drug violations. It will interesting to see how Mr. Blair will fit back into the Avalon picture, but you can guarantee its going to be exciting!

This could just be the boost that New York's gay nightlife scene has needed.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)