There’s something magical about Williamsburg. I’m trying to put my finger on it. Could it be the variety of food found on Bedford Avenue, the countless thrift and vintage clothing shops, or the abundance of parking all within safe walking distance of your destination? These are all nice perks, I thought, as I pulled my Thunderbird into a spot that gives me parking til ‘whenever I feel like moving it.’ (Not to mention, I’m technically on a date right now and also about to go to work. What better way to see if he’s a keeper than to throw him to the dogs on our first date and see if he comes out alive?) There’s something else. The nightlife scene. It may not be as plentiful as it is on the island across the water but it packs a punch and it’s nights like this that showcase Brooklyn’s ability to compete with some of the top players in New York City.
This past Saturday night saw the American PUSSY FAGGOT! Realness event thrown at Public Assembly on N. 6th Street. For those of you not familiar with this kind of event it really is a sight to see and remember… or not depending on your level of consciousness by the end of the night. There are two large rooms, the main hall and the back room, which house impressive sound systems and fully stocked bars. Depending on which scene you preferred, all you had to do was stand in the hallway entrance and give a listen to the goings-on in both and make haste to the one of your liking.
In the main hall, our DJ for the evening was Lady Miss Kier and the lovely Sophia Lamar played hostess. For those with a more retro or vintage taste, the DJ talents of Andrew Andrew did more than fulfill a gyrating crowd in the back room (who else could get away with jumping from 50’s/60’s Doo Wop to 80’s New Wave in one song?). Penny Arcade’s biting and truthful tongue acted as our hostess for this scene. She even called out people she felt were rude to talk loudly during performances: “People who will find themselves living in the suburbs in ten years… Shut Up!” Did I mention open vodka bar was from 9-10pm and hosted by GAYLETTER and Paul Iacono? No? Well, I just did now so shush. For those who love those flashing lights, you had the chance to jump in front a camera for your fifteen minutes all thanks to Liz Liguori and an installation by Allan Herrera of HomoChic.
Performances throughout this eight hour showcase included the richly talented Joseph Keckler singing about a bad drug trip in the form of an opera, Cheese on Bread, Faye Driscoll… (ok, time for a cigarette. I dash outside). I pass MargOH! Channing and Man-EE Champagne, who decided to stop by, as I made my way to the segregated smoking section. So far so good. This date of mine has not run the other way yet. Wait, I think he’s actually enjoying this. A few puffs later and I’m all nicotine infused and ready to continue drinking. I see that Sophia Lamar has decided to do a piece in which she continuously calls us in attendance “shitty faggots.” (How vile. I love it. A friend even told me that the more horrifying the name of the event, the better. I agree in this instance.) Gio Black Peter, I later found out, was the one who donned a costume of silver garland looking very much like a glamorous ‘Cousin It’ while Tyler Stone worked the DJ table.
Cigarette break again. This is becoming more insane as the night goes on. I showed up early and by 11pm the line to get in is around the block. “Hey, you crazy bitch,” I shout at columnist and nightlife photographer Gerry Visco as I fight may way to get outside for a smoke. “Hey, shithead. You didn’t come by for dinner,” she screamed. In tow was a most impressive cameleon of fashion, Leo Gugu. Christ, I need another drink. Returning to the back room, I quickly spotted Ladyfag in one of those “blinked and you missed it” appearances. There’s really way too much to recall about the night that I could turn it into a book if needed but for now we shall leave it at this. Special thanks goes out to Earl Dax, who was one of the hardest working men of the night, and to the other performers including Corey Dargel, Jeremy Wade, Bora Yoon, The Dumpsta Players from Philly, Farrad, Dynasty Handbag, and many others. Extra sweet special late-night cameo by Krystal Something-Something. Here’s to all of you… ‘clink, clink, another drink!’
