JODance Life

New Years Eve parties 2011

2011-12-28T16:38:00.004-05:00

This year has been filled with so many different events this year that I can't wait to see what is in store for next year. The two memorable things for me that occurred in New York was :
1.Everyone living in New York City can get married no matter the sexual orientation (and I'm a sucker for weddings so that's a big plus)
2. Former New York Senator Anthony Weiner was so proud of how well he was hung that he sent it to the entire Twitter world by "accident" (Senator..."How you doing?")
To celebrate the end of the year I'll be doing something calm and low key. However, that doesn't mean that I will leave you in the dark for where you may want to be when the ball drops. Hope this countdown to the new year serves you well and here's to making it count in 2012. Have a Happy New Year, keep living, keep dancing. It's Jodance Life.

12. World yacht
- There are many cruise that are setting sail to ring in the new year, but of course I'm shouting out World yacht because I can guarantee that the experience aboard this boat will be spectacular.

11. City of Lights
- Selector Sean and the Federation are doing a party at KC Hideaway in Brooklyn. This party is for Islanders and those who want to catch a little Island Fever. I've been to a party where Selector Sean has played and I must say he is definitely a party starter.

10. Champagne Splash
- Two people who I've gotten to know throughout the past years or so are working together at a party at Loft 34 in Midtown Manhattan. Dj Spynfo and Dj Royal among five djs will be spinning the turn tables to get you pumped for the new year. This is for lovers and Hip Hop, Reggae, Soca and a mixture of Top 40s.

9. Oceana Hall
- The thing that I love the most about this party is the chance to make some money as you party into the new year. A money machine will be in placed with $10, 000 for a few ticket holders! But this party is sponsored by party promoter NYC Compton alongside 7Days 7 Nights. If you don't want to venture into the city and stay in Brooklyn, this may be the place to go.

8. Bell House
- There is another place in Brooklyn that's having a simple party before new years eve. In case you want to get the party started early, why not try this space first...slow and steady, then on the 31, fast and hard...?

7.Touch
- I like Touch, plain and simple. For new years there's promise of champagne toasts, good djs and a surprise guest and some party favors (hmmm...'tis the season to be jolly)

6. S apphire Lounge
- This place is throwing a party for EVERYBODY. I mean it is having a mixture of package deals, an assortment of music with special guest appearances and it's sure to be a lot fun.

5. New York Road Runners
- This one is a fun one to do with friends. I've done and unfortunately this year I've lost my stride due to work, but I will tell you that if you want to try something different this is a good one to do for the new year. Fireworks are set to start you off right as well as some Emerald Nuts to give you that immune booster you may need to start the new year off right.

4. New Years Eve Fire Works
- This one is for all of you who might decide to start the party early in Brooklyn or decided that you want to party when all the parties are overpriced and you are looking for somewhere to be to just in time to countdown to the new year. This is happening in Brooklyn and well there are various locations for you to be in order to see the sparks fly (while you get some started on your own).

3. No Cover Bar from Time Out New York
- Time Out New York is a great source for events in general, but I like that you can find a small space to go to during this time and Time Out provides a list of places you may want to check out while you're painting the town red.

2. New Years Eve Washington Square Park
- This is sooo awesome. 14 years in the making and I'm learning about it now. But that means that next year I'll be aware of where to go just in case I change my tone next year. But I love that it's a party, a parade and there's fire works and picnic wrapped up in one big night of festivities for the new years. Who knows what will happen out there?

1. Ball Drop
Of course, this would be the greatest way to celebrate new years at least once in your life time. The celebration starts late, but it works best if you get there as EARLY as 3 in the afternoon. It is an experience that is to be had as celebrities are abound and if you position yourself right you may be able to enjoy a concert or two. I have mixed reviews about this event, but it works because at the end of the day it's a still an experience that you will not forget within your life time.

Let's Talk About Sex at Oral Fix Cafe

2011-12-14T12:09:00.013-05:00

A restaurant that has caught my attention recently is the Museum of Sex’s Oral Fix bar. Upon looking for a restaurant that is unique to someone’s sexuality and may provide “sexy” food and drinks, I came across this café that is known to provide aphrodisiacs to its patrons. What a genius idea! I searched and asked others if they happened to know of any other aphrodisiac restaurant, bar or lounge that may be in existence in New York, and no one seem to have a clue. I have been to the Museum of Sex with my roommate before and had a wonderful time, but did not know about the bar until my search. I decided that I needed to know more about this unique and hidden New York secret. I got the opportunity to speak with the Administrative Assistant and Events Coordinator of the Museum Of Sex, Yari Perez about it. Our talk made me learn so much regarding sex and aphrodisiacs than even Dr. Ruth could dare tell me about.

JoDance Life: What was the decision behind the Oral Fix Café from the Museum of Sex?

Yari Perez: We are the first aphrodisiac bar in a larger scale. It’s an extension of the museum as an exhibition. This is an educational experience for our patrons. We are starting the conversation. Of course you can come down here and have a few drinks with your friends, but we want to start that sexual dialogue.

JoDance Life: There are few aphrodisiac bars/ restaurant established in the city or other parts of the world, why do you think this is the case?

Yari Perez: We’ve been the first of many things. We are the first in the nation to have done something like this. We would hope that people expand and create their own version from it. Of course there will never be something like this ever again. I think other variations would be a definite possibility. It’s something that is important; sexuality as a whole and aphrodisiacs is a big part of that. If someone else decides that it’s important enough that they want to open up an aphrodisiac bar, then we have done our job.

Jodance Life: Dr. Ruth, the famous sex therapist says that sex is more in the head than in an aphrodisiac such as food. What would you say about sexuality and the use of aphrodisiacs when it pertains to sex?

Yari Perez: A lot of people believe that. But we look at it in a physiological way. A lot of it comes from different cultures and if you believe it will work, it will work for you. Cinnamon for example increases your desire to participate in sexual activity. But all these ingredients do have a natural effect on you sexually.

JoDance Life: What is the aphrodisiac that appeals most to patrons and why do you think it has this appeal? What is your favorite aphrodisiac?

Yari Perez: Persephone— which is known for fertility— is very popular. I think people are afraid to try something like cardammon and cinnamon. As much as people want to try something adventurous, they go for something that is safe. It’s made out of pomegranate juice and mango and is very sweet. Mine would definitely have to be the Lucky Devil which has the Cardammon and Cinnamon and is known to excite and stimulate joy.

JoDance Life: How does the mixologist determine what ingredients would be helpful for certain sexual stimulants when making these drinks?

Yari Perez: Our bartenders are versed in the ingredients. They are trained to know the different types of aphrodisiacs and what it is known for. Our curator did a lot of research on traditional aphrodisiacs known around the country and around the world. For example cinnamon stimulates the blood flow and stimulates the heart rate and so naturally it makes you feel sexual.

JoDance Life: Does the Museum of Sex along with Oral Fix promote any events that the public should be aware of?

Yari Perez: We have Wide Open Wednesday Open Mic Night. It takes place every first Wednesday of the month. We have people who come in and perform poetry, tell stories or sing a song. It doesn’t have to be about sex, but most of it is.

I must say that I attended Wide Open Wednesday or W.O.W and had a wonderful time. One thing that I appreciated was the sentiment that everyone there was considered family as there was no judgment towards the performers and everyone felt comfortable in the space. At the end of the night, we had to be sternly told to leave because after the event, people were very much engrossed in their conversations with each other that they did not want to leave.

The bar’s décor is centered on intimacy and has stools along the wall, as well as boudoir benches for couples or strangers (if you want to) to cuddle and take in the performers’ performance. It has a dungeon ambiance due to its brick walls and the industrial lights that easily set a sexy mood when you get in. Of course, the draw is also the drinks that are offered, which are reasonably priced. There are also little treats such as truffles and marshmallows for you to nibble on. I left the night knowing that I will be returning the following month.

You might be inclined to seek this space out when visiting the museum or you just want to go and have a drink with friends as it opens during the operation hours of the Museum of Sex. Events are held throughout the months and you can find out more by going here. Until next time: keep eating, keep dancing and keep looking for new ways to make love. It’s JoDance Life.

The Art of FROYO competition

2011-10-10T13:41:00.006-04:00

One of the greatest things I love in this world is eating ice cream. Unlike a “stereotypical depressed woman” who will indulge herself with a bucket of ice cream in front of the television, I will happily go to my corner store and purchase a 5oz Haagen Daz Swiss Almond, finish it and purchase another the next night just because I can and it makes me happy. During the summer I was happily working with World Yacht, but because it was a seasonal position, I began to look for another position in the food industry (extensive experience is a big necessity in any industry and in the food industry it is no different. My business timeline is short and I intend to speed up my experience so help me).

I was fortunate to hear that a frozen yogurt shop was hiring and took the opportunity to apply. I received an interview and was able to get a position as a counter help for the froyo store Berrywild. (YAY!) It is owned by restaurateur Sam Marelli and provides eight different flavors of frozen yogurt (Berry Smooth and Kinda Icy flavor categories) which for me is better than the popular froyo chain Pinkberry or Red Mango pay per flavor choice. One of the lessons I am learning by working at Berrywild is that the customers come first. Without their patronage the business will not thrive. They take great pleasure in the counter help remembering what their regular orders are, giving suggestions to something that they might enjoy or doing something they may not have expected.

Working at Berrywild also had me thinking about business competition. One of the things I’ll sometimes hear customers say is, “this is so much better than Pinkberry!” “What’s the flavor that’s similar to Pinkberry?” “16 handles has better options” and on and on. Since the business thrives on customer satisfaction, I decided to do a little snooping to find out what makes Berrywild a worthy competitor in the froyo competition. Here’s how the competition stacks up according to my findings. What do you think about the competition? Get out there and sample a few local frozen yogurts before it gets too cold and let me know. It’s Jodance Life.

16 Handles

- Positives:

1. 16 choices of yogurt, kosher, fat free

2. This is self serve yogurt, with cornstarch spoons, biodegradable cups

3. There are 11 locations in the US and counting; Each new franchise helps plant 16 trees every day

- Negatives:

1. The flavors changes daily depending on the location

2. 49 cents per ounce with or without toppings which at the weigh in may be a bit expensive

3. Fend for your yourself while waiting on line in a crowded establishment

Soft Serve Fruit Co.

- Positives:

1. Made with natural ingredients: water, cane sugar and fruit

2. Fat, sodium, cholesterol and gluten free

3. More than 24 toppings free of nitrate, coloring, additives and preservatives

- Negatives:

1. More sorbet, than frozen yogurt

2. Only 3 US locations in 2 New York City and one in the Hamptons

3. Fruit choices changes according to the season

3 . Tasti D-Lite

Positives:

1. Highest calorie count is 100 (Yearlong Tasti Habit Health prize winning program)

2. A large variety of flavor choices (100+)

3. Large range of customer choices ranging from drinks, cups, cones, cakes and pies

Negatives:

1. Not considered frozen yogurt or ice cream

2. Secret formula makes some wonder what makes Tasti D Lite tasty

3. Monthly featured flavor is only at participating stores

Dance and Write about it at Ink 48's Press Lounge

2011-08-15T21:54:00.010-04:00

So it's been a while since I've discussed a party rendevous I've been to. Well I went to a party this Saturday to celebrate one of my high school's friend's birthday. It was at a spot I've never heard of before and when I saw the invite on Facebook, I went to the link she posted on her invite and fell in love with what the visuals offered. I will be telling you about my experience at Ink 48's Press Lo unge and why you need to go there at least once in your life.

When I first got the invite, I thought that this place was just a regular rooftop lounge like the one I went to at 230-5th or the rooftop lounge at the Empire Hotel. Ink 48 is known to be a part of the Kimpton Hotel group located in Hells Kitchen in NYC. I saw the pictures online and couldn't wait to see what it had to offer once I got inside.

My friend was inside at 11pm with her friends and family. I got there around 12 and waited about 5 minutes on line. The crowd on the line were casually dressed and were very calm, most were tourists waiting to get in. I approached the doorman and he guided me to the front of the line ( I guess because I was solo on the line) to the elevator that took us up to the 16th floor of . Once I got up there, I heard ambient music. I saw a great looking medley of people standing by gorgeous blue bar and some people outside. There was no dance music, but the chatter sounded so great that I got sucked into the whole "cool" vibe that the lounge was giving off.

I located the birthday girl who was in high spirits from two cranberry vodkas. I went to the bar and ordered a glass of chardonnay. These days, I have become a wine-o and have been moving away from the cocktails and beers. My eyebrow raised a little when I was told that one glass was $15. I guessed I should have ordered a cranberry vodka as the more you ordered them, the stronger they got. Talk about a bang for your buck(?). I went outside on the rooftop and had my breath taken away by the panoramic view of the city and the opposite side of the Hudson, the New Jersey skyline. It was definitely a wonderful view with no obstructions. The clear glass exterior makes you see everything easily. I liked that each side of the roof had a different decor and setup while still giving off an intimate feeling for each section. What attracted me the mostto this roof top lounge is this fountain that has blue lighting and seems to be laden with white stones for its bottom. My attention to small detail is just wonderful isn't it?

The positive outweighs the negative, but these are some things that I did not like about the Press Lounge. I noticed on the website that the lounge was open from 5pm to 2am on weekends. I did not like that it closed so early, but I ignored these facts because I liked the visuals and it was my friend's birthday. The next thing that I did not appreciate besides the expensive drinks were the bathrooms, which got backed up even though there were about six or more stalls there and were a bit far from the lounge's interior. On this Saturday night, there was a torrential downpour which forced most of the guests inside the lounge, so it downgraded the outdoor experience of the rooftop. But overall it was a great space for a bar and a place for "cool" people to gather.

I will definitely be returning to Ink 48 Press Lounge when the weather is more favorable. Since it's opened for happy hour, I will be taking advantage of this locale before the summer is over. I suggest that if you haven't discovered it yet that you go and experience what this place is all about. Until next time, keep dancing, drinking and lounging. It's Jodance Life.

Broadway Night Out and a Filmmaker You Should Know

2011-07-21T14:48:00.013-04:00

Something that I happen to like about NYC is the fact that recently I have been running into a lot of familiar faces. I think that it is a good thing when you see a face you haven't seen in a while. Facebook has this feature called "People you May Know," which is based on the mutual friends you have. Well this person has been showing up in "People You May Know" and I didn't pay attention because I didn't know who he was. *I for one think that it is unwise to randomly"friend" someone unless you have met them at least once in your lifetime. So, it was not until I received an evite from Broadway's Night Out to the Filmmaker's View:

"If you’re serious about your craft, then you take classes, sit in the front, ask question, learn what's needed. So you need to attend Broadway Night Out’s “The Filmmaker’s View” speaker series TOMORROW Tuesday, 6/14, 630p at NY's National Comedy Theater (347 W 36th St, btw 8th & 9th) with Writer/Director Rashaad Ernesto Green. "

I thought to myself, the name sounds familiar. I went to the Broadway Nigh Out website and saw Rashaad Ernesto Green's picture and said to myself, "he's been popping up in my "People You May Know" feed. When Raqiyah Mays asked me if I would like to interview him, I thought well this IS a person you HAVE to know and accepted the opportunity to speak to him.

I took the time to get to learn more about Rashaad Ernesto Green and was impressed with all that he had accomplished within a short amount of time. I was very interested in his past life because it explained a lot about where the source of his vision cam from to create his works. The work that is being focused on at the moment is Gun Hill Road which will be screening in New York August 5th through the 11th. I appreciated the time I had to talk to Mr. Green and here is some of what he had to share with me and those who attended the Filmmaker's View:

Jodance life: Why did you decide to write the story that is in Gun Hill Road?

Rashaad Ernesto Green: It’s what I was exposed to in the Bronx. Someone shared a story with me and I wanted to share it with others.

Jodance Life: Some are saying that Gun Hill Road is a good feature for the LGBT community. When writing this film did you have a certain audience in mind?

Rashaad Ernesto Green: It’s not targeted towards the LGBT community. It’s for parents. It’s showing the relationship between a father and his son. It shows the struggle of a father coming home from prison to a family he does not know. It’s not what the community wants to see but what I have experienced meeting a boy who went through this experience. I didn’t know what to do and I just wanted to explore the idea.

Jodance Life: You worked on the documentary Belly of the Beast with the International Theater and Literacy Project in Tanzania. Did you use your experience there to help you create your films?

Rashaad Ernesto Green: I wouldn’t say that the experience influence my film. I would say that the experience changed me as a person and as an artist. The pen is a powerful tool as well. If you can get people to read or recognize your work, it can go well for you.

Jodance Life: You used the nontraditional route of looking for your actors, especially for Michael and his father. Do you think the product would have been different had you done a regular casting call?

Rashaad Ernesto Green: I wanted the real deal. Harmony Santana is a real transgendered actor going through transition. She did the film raw with a six week intensive workshop. I met Esai Morales a few times. he ‘s the cofounder of the National Hispanic Foundation of the Arts. The script was written for him in mind and when I told him about it he said to let him know. I went through the proper channels and when the casting director mentioned it to him he remembered I had written the script. Judy loved the script. Decisions such as these were also calculated. I was thinking that she’s coming from her role as Carla from the Scrubs a comedy show and she probably wanted to be seen in a different light. This would show that she had more to offer than just what she did in Scrubs. After that, everyone in the cast was selected either by casting held here in New York City or on the streets of New York City.

You have the chance to see Gun Hill Road showing at the AMC Empire 25 Theater for a limited 6 days. Check out the info here:

AMC Empire 25

234 West 42nd Street, New York

from 05 Aug 2011 to 11 Aug 2011

Until next time, keep dancing and get to know others. It's Jodance Life.

Let's Rock The Boat!!

2011-07-06T16:49:00.005-04:00

So it's been a while party people. A busy bee is always making honey, and this bee has been a busy bee. Between working with this new company World Yacht and rewriting my business plan for my restaurant, it's been a hectic beginning to the summer. I hope that all of you can say the same between work and play. I happen to love the summer and so this summer working on a boat got me thinking of boat parties that are taking place in New York City this summer. I thought I would share what I found with you party people.

So the first one I want to tell you about is the boat party held at World Yacht, of course. World Yacht is known for its "Floating Rooftop" on the upper deck of the Duchess. It's a party that offers an a la carte menu, with an awesome Dj on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. I suggest calling the company to find out the time and the price of the party as they are subject to change.

There is a cruise party, Blame it on the Midnight promoted by Lower Deck Productions and 5 Star Events taking place this Saturday, July 9th aboard the Harbor Lights. Tickets are being sold for $25 for a limited time, but there is a possibility that you may be able to get yours before it is sold out.

This one I found via my favorite site, YAHOOOO. There is a yacht cruise deal for two, aboard the Harbor Lights and Paddle Wheel Queen. It's a 51% discount for a $79 value. They both offer a menu and a Dj that plays top 40 music for 3 hours. If you want to take a few friends with you, I think this is a good deal for all of you to save some money.

On August 12th, Hip Hop station Hot 97 along with 7Days and 7Nights is hosting its Cookies and Cream: Black and White affair aboard the Queen of Hearts. Food will be provided by a catering company known as the Orgasmic Cuisine. Tickets are being sold for $40 for a limited time, so if you're trying to have a good time on the boat in August, get your tickets soon.

Premierlist, the party promotion company features it own party aboard the Queen of Hearts every Saturday. What I love about this cruise is that 20 buckaroos gets the party started from 8pm when the boat sails, a free drink aboard the yacht and then free admission after the cruise to an after party of your choice! Now, for those of you who want to talk about getting into a party after 12, I encourage you to pay the 20, party early on the boat and get in to another spot of your your choice for freeee!! (if the party does not go your way, then of course you can go nuts on the promotion company for false advertisement).

These were just a few boat parties I found. I think that I might be heading to the Premier List boat party before the summer is over. Maybe I'll see some of you there. Until then, don't be afraid to rock the boat this summer while living and dancing. It's Jodance Life.

A Dream is a Life Your Heart Makes

2011-05-13T14:06:00.005-04:00

"Don't be afraid of the space between your dream and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so" Anonymous

So watching Gossip Girl this past Monday night, at the end of the episode when Blair gets a phone call from someone saying that Chuck is in danger and she goes to save him, but it actually was Thorpe who made the phone call to get her to go to the development in Brooklyn. WHOA! And Serena and Vanessa? They find out that Charlie could be crazy without her meds when she stops taking them because her life is going swell. (You know she’s crazy! I mean did you see when she took Dan to go do the dirty in the Dean’s Office and have him call her Serena?!) Gossip Girl’s voice over says “a dream is just a dream, or is it? A place where fantasy and reality collides, everything you ever wanted seems possible…”I thought to myself that is so true. IF you’re not crazy and planning to scheme your way into accomplishing your dreams, then when you’re living the dream, the line between reality and fantasy does collide and you start living a dream.

I thought it’s time I reflected on how I have made the line between my realities and fantasies meet. When I tell people that I dream of opening up a restaurant, some of the responses/questions I get are: “that’s cool!” “What cuisine will it be?” “Do you have experience in the restaurant industry?” “You know that most new restaurants don’t last more than 3 years in NYC?” “It takes a long time to open up a restaurant.” How do you live a dream? If you want it to come true, you try your darndest to make it happen. In the pursuit of gaining experience and to understand what it is like to live the dream of opening a restaurant, I sent out my resume and cover letter explaining why I should be hired at an entry level position in the Restaurant and Hospitality industry. It took more than three months to get hired by the World Yacht Club, a waterborne restaurant company. I am currently with this company to gain experience in the industry, develop new ideas for my restaurant and I get to experience a different dining experience each time I go to work.

I realized that by being a part of this company and the team of people I work with, that I enjoy being a part of this industry. I like the energy of hustling and bustling through the crowds of patrons and getting things done. I get a great feeling helping the guests and working with a dynamic group of people who are at different levels of experience with the company. My feet are starting to kill me though, but that’s because I need to get a new pair of shoes! I hear Dr. Scholls does wonders. Might just need to meet him and get me a pair from him. While cruising along the Hudson River, I think about what would make my restaurant concept AWESOME! I get excited because I think about how to refine my business plan to present it to someone who would be interested in investing in my vision.

As I mentioned before, my goal in life is to accomplish many of my dreams during this life. I am pleased that I am able to get a step closer to having my dreams and realities collide. There is still more to come, but what I see happening so far is making me smile (you should see my face: it’s all teeth).While I am gaining experience and still in dream mode at World Yacht, you can come and see what the dining experience is like and enjoy the elegant dining cruise yourself.

World Yacht is hosting the Maifest on the Hudson, a German celebration of Spring on Saturday, May 21 between 12pm and 4pm. It's an event you don't want to miss, especially if you like bier.

You can check out more info here: Maifest on the Hudson. Until next time, keep drinking, keep dancing, keep dreaming. It's Jodance Life.

Mic Management and Dj Spynfo Gets Inspirational

2011-04-18T15:52:00.012-04:00

"There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; And then there are those who turn one into the other." Douglas Everett

This year, my personal focus is to accomplish as much as I can in regards to accomplishing my dreams and understanding what is necessary to accomplish them. The Law of Attraction cannot work if I stop pursuing my dreams and not reflect on how they can be accomplished. Someone who has made the realization of pursuing your dreams and never giving up on them being a reality is a DJ that has been dreaming big ever since he was young. He has taken the moment to allow me to ask him some questions about his journey to where he is now as a Friday night Dj on New York’s Hip Hop station Hot 97.

This is an exclusive interview with Hot 97’s, Colllege Club King, Dj Spynfo:

JODance Life: What made you decide to become a Dj?

DJ Spynfo: I learned how to dj on my own. I started to dj at home for friends and family.

JODance Life: When you were known as the College Club King at St. Johns and did you know that you would eventually make it to being a dj on Hot 97?

DJ Spynfo: First I was known as "St. John’s Finest", College Club King came 5 years later after. Thought of transitioning, I became a part of Big Dawg Pitbulls, and working with Empire Entity had me developing and understanding my craft.

JODance Life: What has that feeling been like since you have “graduated” to being a regular Dj on the radio?

DJ Spynfo: It feels good. I’m taking things in stride and I want prove to the network that I am able to move to a different and earlier time slot.I feel great knowing that out of all the djs who wanted to be on the radio that I was one of the four Djs chosen.

JODance Life: You have been djing in other countries, what’s the difference between djing in New York, than in Japan and how do you apply what you have learned in other countries to your craft as a DJ here?

DJ Spynfo: In Japan and Mexico, the people just enjoy the music more. Brazil has a more Caribbean flavor, a lot of Reggae and Old School. I look at how the crowd is moving to the music that I play and work from there. I hope to go to Europe soon to see what it's like.

JODance Life: You are on Mic Check Radio, you and Mic Barber, host Mic Check Wednesdays which showcases upcoming hip hop talent hidden in New York. How did that idea come to be?

DJ Spynfo: Mic Barber and I wanted to create a brand. MIC, Mastering for Individual Creative has been around for a long time. The goal is to let artists know how to market themselves in the music industry. We had several sponsors and people from abroad such as Italy who want to be on Mic Check Wednesday. We want to do television, have viewers who are entertained, come to the talent showcase, focus on the show and not want to leave.

JODance Life: And how far do you want it go? What has the benefit been for you and Mic Barber working together on the same projects?

DJ Spynfo: “The sky is the limit; we’re aiming to go pass the sky.” We trust each other. We have a good balance and have a lot in common. There are always differences, but if you put your egos to the side, then it makes it easier to work with each other.

JODance Life: What makes your Dj style different than other Djs in New York and why do you think that your style works for your listeners? (I.e.: playing the “Cha Cha Slide” at Providence)

DJ Spynfo: I don’t mind taking a risk. Most of the time people want to dance with the “party rocket.” Sometimes they hear something from Dj Spynfo and they know that that’s Dj Spynfo. It’s something that they didn’t expect and they happen to like it.

JODance Life: What do you believe is the key to you succeeding as a DJ to make it this far? And where do you see yourself going from this moment?

DJ Spynfo: Don’t be afraid to play music that people might not want to hear. Music, food, clothing and language define a culture. Hip Hop is about peace, love and happiness. It was people's escape from hardships in the 80s. Now Hip Hop is about what they have and what you don’t have. I’m trying to find people who have songs with longevity and can create a change to the people who are listening.

Dj Spynfo has worked with upcoming rap duo Breeze and Sp as well as upcoming kid rap sensation Astronomical Kid (AKA X Factors's Brian Bradley). He has worked alongside Hot 97’s Funk Master Flex and has djed parties and concerts with artists such as Kat Deluna, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Swizz Beatz and many more. You can check out Dj Spynfo alongside Mic Barber and Mo Brown Suga on Mic Check Radio on Mondays and Mic Check Wednesday, which takes place every first Wednesday of every month. If you are looking for some talent, a night filled with music, comedians and poets AND get your drink on with your friends, you should check out Mic Check Wednesday at Time Square Art Center. It’s JODance Life.

Sip and Savor You in a Not So Common Venue

2011-04-06T11:58:00.011-04:00

Everyone has the potential to allow their creativity to shine through in their craft whether it is being an artist or corporate personnel. Without a creative idea then there is no potential for the world around you to change, expand and allow you to see the world from a different perspective. Everything that is new and different to us stems from a creative thought. I consider myself to be a creative person and I find that I gravitate towards those who have a different way of looking at the world and move away from what the norm is. With this being said I want to talk about the way an artist steps outside the box and make his vision and music translate to his audience in a way that they can appreciate his art of creativity. I saw this video posted in my newsfeed on Facebook, by actor and musician Ohene Cornelius. I was caught by the sound of the music, but what I thought was interesting was the location of the video and the time period in which the video was set. I thought to myself, “well that is different” and my body and mind reacted in the same way. I found myself smiling and saying out loud “I like this”(usually I have the R. Kelly complex: “my mind is telling me ‘Noooo’, but my body is telling me ‘Yeeees’”). So I thought about why I liked it and I thought, “Well, these people are dancing in a Laundromat.” That is different, but possible and it looks like they are having fun.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if a nightclub would look and have the feel of a Laundromat? I’m thinking the machines are like speakers and cause the ground to vibrate. You have it set up where another machine is a set up for the bar and my mind went haywire. You can meet someone in that space and the space would probably smell nice because it has some kind of laundry smell… I just kept going. It also gave me more reason to fuel my thoughts about what I want my restaurant, Ricks and Dicks to be and how to make it s fun an enjoyable space to eat and dance.

I decided that I would ask Ohene about this venue and about the song, because it is a sexy song. Ohene established that the song Sip and Savor is about sexuality and savoring the thought of lovemaking. My mind went southward because I was thinking about the thought of having sex on a washing machine. Movies (clean ones) sometimes portray a couple being frisky and having sex on a washing machine. Of course, that is not what Ohene had in mind. The idea to shoot the video in a Laundromat helped translate his thoughts about the Laundromat being a place for people to meet. Which it is: sitcoms and movies portray the thought of boy meet girl story sometimes happening in a Laundromat. He also wanted to have the interaction feel like it would when someone has a party, which also is a place where boy meets girl happens. By watching this video and having Ohene explain this to me made me realize that if you think about doing something different such as using a regular space such as a Laundromat to become a dance venue, it is possible and it becomes an enjoyable experience for everyone who is involved.

Ohene revealed that his dream is to open up a Laundromat of his own. Of course it will not be your regular wash-n-dry Laundromat. Ohene’s vision for his music is to go back to the bare essence of what his music is. He sees himself being in the same category as Cee Lo and Mos Def. Take a listen to Sip and Savor and you will come to think that his vision comes close. In making the video, he revealed that director Tony Clomax, decided to take us back to the 1960s where you enter into this space and see Jamil Mangan singing with background dancers, Toni Belafonte, Leon Joseph, Edgar Moore, Preston Taylor and more. Upcoming actresses and singers: Krystal Farris, Sophia Rodriguez and Okeema T. Moore sing along and you can hear their voices on the track. You also get to see his party goers making the Laundromat come alive by dancing up a storm and having fun and being totally unaware of the fact that they are in a Laundromat. Wouldn’t you want to attend that party? Think about it and let me know. It’s Jodance Life.

Ohene Cornelius Presents:

Sip and Savor Smartphone Party

Sunday April 10th at 6pm-9pm

Katra Lounge: 217 Bowery Street

Broadway Night Out is the Actors' Night Out

2011-03-29T23:10:00.021-04:00

Being a part of any industry is about what you know, more than who you know- Raqiyah Mays

The positive idea behind networking is its ability to be a teaching and learning experience. When you go to a networking event, the intention is to learn more about what you can about others, and then connect with them in order to promote growth in both of your endeavors. I wanted to ask a person who is well aware of the power of networking and has created events and promotions for the benefit of actors and filmmakers. This person is Raqiyah Mays, former Dj of Hot 97 and Kiss FM, actress in the Off Broadway play, Platanos and Collard Greens and the creator of Broadway Night Out and the Film Maker’s View. This was a straightforward discussion with Raqiyah about what she has created in order to make her desires happen and how she has managed to help others benefit from them through networking. During this interview, I asked Raqiyah questions about her organization of Broadway Night Out and The Film Maker’s View:

Jodance Life: How long has Broadway Night Out been established?

Raqiyah Mays: It has been out since April 2010. It started out as a “meet and greet” for people in theater as well as an event to meet the cast of Platanos and Collard Greens. Broadway Night Out started to morph into something different when Miss Black USA Osas Ighadoro won the pageant and I wanted to throw a party for her. It then became an event planning company!

Jodance Life: How did the Film Maker’s View come to be?

Raqiyah Mays: The Film Maker’s View is not be confused with Broadway Night Out. It is a seminar. I don’t want to seem as if I am a promoter or an event planner. I am an actress, writer and producer. I created the Film Maker’s View with the question to myself, “What would I want as an actor in New York City?” I considered what I wanted and what I would do from an actor’s perspective while still getting a good bang for my buck. For $25, I am networking, attending a seminar with well known directors and filmmakers in the industry, with an hour of open bar. Nothing gets better than that! Film Makers View enables people to network, mix and mingle, and drink. I want it to be a seminar, like what you would see on “Inside the Actors Studio.”

Jodance Life: You have done a lot so far this year, what is your goal for 2011?

Raqiyah Mays: My goal for 2011 is to be bi-coastal. I want to expand Broadway Night Out and the Film Makers View throughout New York and Los Angeles. I would like to see it extend to television with support from sponsors that will extend my vision.

Throughout this discussion I was able to talk to Raqiyah over the phone, while she was working in Los Angeles looking for a venue to host the Film Makers View there. Raqiyah shared that she had decided one morning in January 2011, to reach out to Malcolm Lee about hosting a seminar for actors and filmmakers, he agreed and the rest is history. Malcolm Lee was able to share a wealth of information with actors on February 15th. Now she looks forward to hosting the next Film Makers View with writer and director, Nelson George on April 5th. As I listened to her tell the story about how she was able to speak to filmmaker Malcolm Lee that morning, I was reminded that the best way to get what you want accomplished is to make it happen on your own. Nothing can happen unless you put yourself out there and use your craft and skills to help you on your way.

There is nowhere better for anyone in the acting industry staying in NYC to be on April 5th than at the National Comedy Theater where Broadway Night Out presents the Film Makers View with Nelson George. It’s time to network, learn more and grow this Tuesday night. It’s Jodance Life.

Sapphire and Luvely Rae's One Night Stand Part Trois

2011-03-21T17:25:00.012-04:00

So I think by now you know that I am in love with Sapphire Lounge and Luvely Rae's One Night Stand. If you didn't, well now you know. I have an infatuation with that place and the show! And so the same night I got a chance to talk to marketing manager Jared Foles, I got a chance to sneak in an interview with the lovely Luvely Rae about the show and found out some more about Luvely Rae's One Night Stand. Ooh lala.

One of the things that I found unique about my experience at the show is the Glove game. I love this game and although in my first experience at Luvely Rae's One Night Stand, Luvely Rae tried to have me play the Glove game and failed majorly cause I just don't do that stuff in public (...) I still love it. So tonight, I witnessed four contestants of the glove game, 2 girls and 2 guys battle it out and take off these silky gloves in a sensual way. The highlight of the game was when these 2 guys joined forces to defeat 2 female burlseque dancers. Oh it was a whale of a time! (Note to other men: try playing the glove game when you go, the ladies there will love you for it!).

I wanted to know why Luvley Rae would invent this game of all the games to play at the show. She explained that the Glove game is for everyone (even females with manly hands. If two men can do it, then so can you ladies). It's just a fun way of putting something on and taking it off in a short amount of time and have other people get involved (the positive part about this game is that the gloves are even cleaner coming off than other gloves people might use...). Another good thing about this game is the fact that approximately 25% of the participants of the Glove game get a desire to perform in the show itself, just for the experience! (Yeah I have the desire as well, but it will take me a looong looooong time to act on it)

I rave about the burlesque show and encourage men to see it more than going to the strip club because it is financially better and it had a better sex appeal than watching it "rain" at a strip club. Luvely Rae explained that burlesque is more intimate and so a man who attends the show don't attend to get turned on, (but more than likely watching the ladies perform will make you get turned on while watching). Jared Foles interjected and said, "The motivation of burlesque is not for arousement like strip clubs. Burlesque is more arousal like a "real mating ritual." It makes you wonder who the Woman is and how the female mystique is revealed in the performance. Stripping is like a traumatic carwreck." I thought about it and found that by asking the male friends I know if they like going to strip clubs, most of them said, "No." Their reason being mainly that going to a strip club is like being teased, especially if they have nothing to look forward to when they leave. I wonder if it would be different if they saw a burlesque show...

According to Luvely Rae's significant other Kim Davis, "strippers work to pay bills. Burlesque dancers do it for fun. The interaction with the audience is difference. I considered that point and reflected on the performers at the show. There was Betti Rose, who made taking off a glove look sexy in a corset and a long skirt. Sake Fevah, was masked, robed and shower capped (yes, she came out in her shower cap!) and went through four different time periods from the 60s, to Beyonce's "Single Ladies," Esmeralda May came out in a superhero getup and reminded me of Phoenix from X-Men and made me think that Rock music can be sexy and get ready to f*** music. Misty Lux came out and made playing with fire look so hot and sexy that I didn't want her to stop performing. I thought that this show was definitely more fun than a strip club (I've only been to one, so my thoughts are slightly biased).

But Luvely Rae's show doesn't end there. Le Poisson Rouge no longer host Luvely Rae's Imsoniac because they have moved to be a bigger location/stage at the D-Lounge and is now called, "Spice". She also has burlesque classes that can be found on the site fitfabandsexy.com which I am suggesting to those of you interested in learning how to do a performance in the bedroom burlesque style. The next time that you'll be able to see Luvley Rae's One Night Stand is April 5th. Why don't you take you and yours for a night out and experience some good burlesque and relax in a place that is noted for it's "mackability." It's Jodance Life.

Sapphire and Luvely Rae's One Night Stand Part Deux

2011-03-08T23:12:00.010-05:00

"But the business side of it, as with most creative things, there is no room for business. It is about art. It's not about marketing." Warren Cuccurullo

I am not going to deny that sex appeal is one of women's best qualities when it pertains to attracting the opposite sex. I wanted to know more about what it would take to have a venue such as Sapphire Lounge, the marketing manager and Luvley Rae draw people to this venue every other Tuesday of the month. The Burlesque Show makes me giddy inside because although I've never considered exposing my boobs to the public, I won't deny that I would use some of what I've seen in the bedroom...(Too much?) This is not your regular strip show or burlesque show. The crowd is fun and those who come to support the dancers make it even more enticing.

I wanted to talk to Sapphire marketing manager, Jared Hassan Foles about his role in Luvley Rae's One Night Stand and other events held at Sapphire Lounge. I didn't realize that it took so much thinking and planning to engage people's interest on a Tuesday night. After all, a burlesque show on a Tuesday at around 8pm is not something that seems to be what someone would could consider a regular Happy Hour.

Jared has been working with Sapphire Lounge for over eight months now and within the last months his focus has been to create a gateway strategy that haul people to Sapphire Lounge. I have to admit that I think his strategy is working because the turn out on a Tuesday night is more than the norm for Sapphire Lounge's next door neighbor BoBs Bar. Jared's goal is to have Sapphire Lounge connect people with different interests and have the lounge become a well known brand. After all, it's a lounge that came about after the famed rock lounge CBGBs and it's still standing. An art gallery in the back of the lounge is a well kept secret that allows artists to showcase their work, and for those who frequent the lounge (a lot of people are regulars on Tuesdays...like clockwork they are there), they understand that this lounge is more than a lounge with music and dancing.

According to Jared, "the lounge has an eclectic mix that fits the time that we're living in." Sapphire has a totally different group of people coming together and dance to house music on Tuesdays. I didn't even know that I would witness whites and blacks dancing to house and totally be in a different zone. It was a high that I didn't want to get off of (it must be because I'm not a smoker of the mar-i-ju-ana??) and if I didn't have work the next morning I would stay until I get kicked out.

As a marketing manager, Jared shared some insight with me pertaining to the way marketing and promotion works with a nightclub venue. Telling me that the promotion is about more about the people and the performers, whether it be the Djs or entertainers than it is about the actual venue. A venue might be known to be a great one, but "it is the memory of the performers, djs and the event that will make people return to the venue. I could see why Sapphire patrons would return to this venue every other Tuesday for Luvely Rae's One Night Stand and dance to House music. You walk in and you'll remember to come back for another night, for as a male friend of mine who came in with me to see the place said, "this place has some serious mackability." He didn't stay for the show, but he knows he wants to take a date there. I say that's a few brownie points for bringing people back, Sapphire. Kudos to you.

Jared desires to have Sapphire Lounge become branded through the television market and become an international brand. It has been established since the 80s and has remained the same venue throughout the time of its establishment, so this direction will definitely bring in a new group of people as well as the same followers that have been returning since it has been in existence. I think that if Sapphire lounge and Jared stay together, this marketing union will last for a long time. I wanted to talk to Luvely Rae about her success with promoting Luvely Rae's One Night Stand at Sapphire Lounge. Stay tuned as I strip down and reveal the sexiness that Luvely Rae has to offer about the lure that exudes from her burlesque show. It's Jodance Life.

Tale of 2 Eateries

2011-02-21T23:14:00.013-05:00

From Left to Right: Branzino , Sfogliatelle , Taglioni with Pistachio sauce

I loved that Restaurant Week gave me an excuse to research some ideas about the operation of certain restaurants in NYC. I thought that it would be great to pretend that I was a restaurant critic working to reveal what I liked and what I didn't like about the restaurant I would be writing about. It was very thrilling and I'm glad that I was able to have you come on the journey with me.

At Molyvos, I had a wonderful time there. I was intrigued by the fact that a Greek Restaurant had Indian waiters. I loved the ambience and the intimate setting because it went with the concept of a Greek restaurant. Here is what I had at Molyvos:

Keftedes Me Saltsa Domatas- Spicy meatball with Red Wine, tomato and cumin. This small bite was enough to keep me waiting for my entree. I loved the fact that this meatball was sitting in Red Wine sauce. It was a very sensual taste. Whatever sauce was left over from the meatballs, I used the warm pita bread to salvage it.

Makaronia-Rolled Pasta stuffed with Agiorgitiko slow cooked short ribs, Three Cheese Cream Sauce. Before receiving this dish, I could smell it approaching me. It was like three long Pigs in a Blanket, but with shredded meat inside. The Three Cheese Sauce was a great complement to this dish. The waiter told me that the Ribs were braised for about 5 hours with one of the restaurant's house wine. It was sweet and juicy and I found myself thinking that this would be a sexy dish to share with a partner. I recommend that if you want to impress someone and shack up with them all in one night that you "suggest" they order this dish.

At Stuzzicheria, the adventure was a great one from loving the decor, down to the restroom, to the interaction that was had with the chef and the owner of the restaurant. Met the restaurant owner Peter Herrero. He approached my friend and I after our inquiry of the restaurant. I thought that this was very good because he wanted to help us learn more about the restaurant and the establishment. He told us that they're opening a new restauraunt called Peps Bar by 51 Street btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave. I can't wait to see the outcome.

At Stuzzicheria I had the following from the Restaurant Week menu:
the award winning NYC Meatballs from Stuzzicheria

- Pane panelle sliders-Sicilian chickpea fritter, Ricotta cacciacavallo, on Briche roll. The portion size was small, but it was good enough to keep your appetize whet for the entree.

- Branzino- Mediterranean Sea bass with lemon, capers and white wine. I fell in love with this fish. The lemon and capers made this fish taste divine. It had a slight crunch that was just right. From the texture to the taste I wanted to lick the plate because the flavor was so good. But because my mom taught me better, I didn't. I suggest that if you're a seafood lover, you try this because you will enjoy every morsel that you put in your mouth.

-Sfogliatelle-Pastry-This small crunchy pastry is shaped like a oyster shell. It has a crunchy, flafky layer. You can stuff anything in it. Mine was stuffed with warm ricotta cheese and the texture of the crunchy layer with the warmth of the smooth cheese was great. I can't remember how many times I thought I was in bliss while eating it. I now understand the saying, "good things come in small packages."

Got the feeling of being in Italy with the owners being welcoming and treating me like "family", had a sample of the award winning meatball, which was absolutely delicious. The only thing that I thought took away from the experience was the TV that was in the restaurant. I liked that it had a glass wall that enabled others to see the dining experience.

Restaurant Week has been extended until February 27th. That means that there is still time to experience what some of these restaurants have to offer. I say take the time to enjoy some good food and if you'd like, share the experience with me. Until then, keep eating and dancing. It's Jodance Life!

Dance in the name of LOVE

2011-02-13T13:20:00.003-05:00

Hello there dance people! It's the eve before the big V day and some of you are still squirming to find something to do with your loved one. I am taking a break this holiday to observe the the wonders of this lovely holiday.

There are 3 things that I am looking forward to doing this holiday. "What are they?" you might ask?

The first is to go by Time Square Arts Center and perform with The Urban Chase Improv group for a show called Operation L.O.V.E. There's a show at 6pm and a show at 8pm. For just $10 you get a wine reception and some good laughs with or without a mate. Click on the link to find out more.
Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar is doing it sexy for Valentine Day. $64 will get you a sultry and sensual candle lit 3 course dinner menu. For you last minute men who are still planning something for your lady, it's not too late. Ayza has Couples' Night on Sundays and today might just be your lucky day because at the end of the night with some pampering, you get decadent Jacque Torres chocolate truffles compliment of Ayza. This is something that happens every Sunday so why not try it today?
What a way to end the night on Valentine's Day than to be in ecstasy under the stars and being swooned by sensual and seductive music. Sky Room is offering this experience up from 8pm to 2am On Valentine's Day. I say it's a great excuse to call out of work the next morning because you just might need to get your head and mind right after a night of erotic bliss. Hmmmm. Make your reservation at skyroom.com.

If you want to check out other options, here a few other places that might entice you:

If you want to just go out and eat for dinner, Molyvos is offering up a dinner for two. $60 menu for each person. I guarantee that when you go, that you will have a delicious time.

If you just want to get someone in the mood for the night, make an experience out of it by going to Babeland. There won't be anything happening on Valentine's day, but the staff members can definitely give you some insight as to what you can use to make the day a romantic one. Babeland host sexual and educational events throughout the year that you can take a look on the event calendar here.

And last but not least, for you Anti- Valentine folks out there, the Bellhouse has something right up your alley at The Rejection Show. There will be karaoke, live music, comedy and dance party. There should be no reason why this does not interest you. You get to be around other single folks who might feel rejected on V day, laugh about it, sing about it and dance with someone who is also feeling single, lonely and rejected...I see good things happening here!

It's all about love and sharing the time with those you love and could love this Valentine's Day holiday. Make it a sexy dance and loving one. It's Jodance Life.

Live to Eat and Dance!

2011-01-29T15:36:00.006-05:00

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience" James beard

So this one is geared towards the lover of food and those who might be unaware of something New York has been offering this winter. There is a reason why tourists come to New York every month during the year and New York City Restaurant Week is just one of those reasons why tourist enjoy eating in New York. What better way to research and take advantage of a time to expereince exquisite cuisine than during this week? Getting the list from nycgo.com you better believe that I am going to be heading to some of these places.

The first place that I have made my reservation for 2 is at the Greek restaurant called Molyvos. I chose this restaurant because it is a greek restaurant that has an ambience that I would like to implement with my restaurant. The menu was what called me and the "about" section made my mouth water when I read about, executive chef, James Botsacos. "Molyvos' menu is built upon the home-style cooking of Greece, with dishes elevated through the talents and professional expertise of executive chef James Botsacos. He prepares each of the authentic recipes using classical cooking techniques, and the superior ingredients available to him in New York, such as prime meats, greenmarket vegetables, and day boat fish, and then seasons the food with flavorful stocks and fresh herbs. You can see the quality difference in the taste and beautiful presentation of Molyvos' classics such as grilled baby octopus, Cretan bread salad, stifado, lamb yuvetsi, and the best baklava in New York." (If you would like to join me for the ride on Feb. 5 @7:30pm, contact me at jodinej360@gmail.com). If you can't make it for Restaurant Week, try it out for Valentine's Day:

Valentine's Day Dinner at Molyvos
Monday, February 14, 2011
Dinner served 5:30pm-11:30pm
Special menu 60.00 per person /
90.00 with select Greek wines(regular a la carte dinner menu also available

Another restaurant I'll be trying out for Restaurant Week is called Stuzzicheria. Try to say it three time fast. It's an Italian restaurant that beckoned me as soon as I landed on the site and saw the pictures of the dishes that they serve. Talk about wishing for smellivision and foodvision. I could eat it up right there! This is a restaurant that appealed me to because I got a homely but also sexy appeal apeal from the restaurant's "Our Team" description. I have never thought of the concept of a Beverage director until I read about Stuzzicheria's beverage director Max Renny. I know that for my restaurant I want the drinks to be one of the main features of the restaurant and now I have more reason to think about the person who will be making sure the drinks are a specialty that my patrons look forward to. (if you would like to join me for the ride on Feb. 3 @ 7:30, contact me at jodinej360@gmail.com).

And last but not least (and no I wont be going) I suggest that some of you music lovers go to this restaurant because it is family oriented and has an excellent menu is, Rossini's Restaurant. I plan on going one day, but while I take my time going perhaps you can take you and yours to this place and share the experience with me. And remember to eat, drink and be merry for this week we dine. It's Jodance Life.

It's All in the Promotion!

2011-01-13T21:30:00.005-05:00

"If you have fun at what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Make work like play-and play like hell." Norman Brinker (Chili's Owner)

What I like about promoters is that they get to go out and bring in a crowd to a spectacular event and dance the night away once they get the crowd inside the venue. They should be considered, the Pied Piper of Dance, because we are being led to dance instead of to our deaths. I think that Norman Brinker’s word speaks volume in any life choice we make and to be a promoter these words mean so much because they play like hell.

I recently got hired to work for the promotion company, the Bloc group. The interviewer, and my supervisor, Jeremy Hawkins asked me if I would be able to bring in a crowd to the club and keep having them return. I believed in my heart that it wouldn’t be difficult that I said yes! As I began my promotion for three parties, for the Highline Ballroom, I realized that this promotion business is not as easy as it may seem!

I have met NYC Compton, the Mackslists team, received emails from 7days7 nights, Inlist.com, Empire Entity et al. and it all seem so easy that they send these notices out and that people would receive them and go willingly en masse to their events. BUT IT IS NOT SO! As a promoter for the Bloc group for three weeks I will say that although I have invested time into promoting the Rewind Show events on craigslist, Twitter, Facebook and to my friends by phone, it is hard work! I enjoy the fact that I get to dance at these events, because it’s what I like to do, but the work before the party is a struggle and I’ve learned to appreciate promotion groups a whole lot more!

This helps makes my transition into the restaurant industry: it requires more than a “if you build it, they will come” idea. I have been reading The Restaurant by John R Walker as research for my restaurant/nightclub and one idea that is presented in detail, is the concept of marketing. “Marketing implies constant reviews of patrons and the identification of possible others. It is an ongoing effort that matches patrons desires with what the restaurant has to offer, and identifies people who would like the same thing [and keep coming back]” (p. 110). I envision Ricks and Dicks to be a restaurant and night club venue that will be able attract new customers and have them coming back again and again for different experiences because of what it has to offer. One way for me to do that is to think about how marketing and promotion will be used to entice my target market and the life that I am leading at the moment is giving me insight into how I should make it happen. Stay tuned dance people (and potential restaurateurs), we are promoting more than just dance life here. It’s Jodance Life.

NYE Parties

2010-12-27T18:05:00.003-05:00

Hello there Party People. I know it's a tad late but it's "better late than never" and "sooner, than later",and I have some information that you might like in case you're still looking for somewhere to go on New Years Eve and ring in 2011 with style!

#1. The party that you should come to because I'll be hitting it up and you get $25 discount tickets with a group purchase is right here at Kiss and Fly nightclub. Check out the details here:
http://nycnye2010parties.com/newyork/newyearseve

#2. The next event that I will tell you about it going down at Crossroads Brooklyn! via mypartyaid.com and NYC Compton:
@ The LuxuriousTri - LevelCrossroads Night Club
402 3rd ave ( Corner of 6th St) 11215
Downtown, Brooklyn

Tickets are $25 ( limited)includes everything aboveTickets/info/directions:917-627-2874 Email:Put in subject line NEW YEARS EVESexappealfridays@gmail.com

#3. A New Years Eve event that is being sponsored by Mic Barber, is what you can find here and will be held at Studio 87. Get your tickets here:
http://www.twicketer.com/events/202/

#4. There are some more parties here, with a high price tag but with some good perks here:
http://www.newyearsnewyork.com/

# 5. Amc Times Square is getting you close to the ball drop. You can bring someone under 21 to this affair for $35. Check out the details here:
"http://newyearsevecentral.com/newyork/AMC-Theatres-Times-Square-NYC-New-York/o6iFpyycTsu

It is rolling down to that time of the year and we start to consider what the new year means to us! It's been a wonderful year for me in 2010, but I'm making it a divine one in 2011. Let's do out best to make sure that yours will be too! Happy dancing and loving life in 2011! It's Jodance Life.

Take a Tonic

2010-12-16T02:45:00.017-05:00

In the pursuit of opening my restaurant that has a nightlife aspect to it, I have considered what wordplay has to do with the appeal of a restaurant's location and with that I took my focus to Times Square's, Tonic West. I've been there with different people at different times ranging from the Obama electoral campaign to a time when I had to support a friend who had three drinks too many, for her petite body and had us kicked out the place when she started throwing up. (in her defense, the drinks did sneak up on her). I like Tonic West for many reasons and encourage people to go there. I am going to explain why YOU should go and I am going to break apart why this name fits the venue and why I think a catchy name for restaurant is not only important but relates to the essence of what the restaurant or venue is.

The Essence of Tonic West:

1. Tonic is a sports bar/lounge, Here we have a little of the bitter, but effervescent fervor of a venue. You will see people dancing in the lounge next to the bar!

2. The bartenders have fun! There is karaoke! Here we have a little bit of flavor added with energetic bartenders, and when you had enough juice in your system, you might feel sweet enough to sing a tune with some karaoke.

3. Tonic is never empty! I have never been to this place and seen it empty. There are always people there until it closes. It has a mixture of food, drinks, dance, song, sports, music videos-it's endless! Why would you not want to go? and Why would you want to leave?

4. It is well balanced. Each time I've been to Tonic, people are doing what they want without feeling strange or uneasy. It is a very comfortable place to go to even for someone who is alone.

That got me to thinking about my own restaurant and what I wanted the essence of it to be. I would like to take this moment to say that this restaurant idea came to be when my roommate and I were at Chevy's Mexican restaurant in Times Square. We talked about the food, the setting and the sevice that this restaurant would have. In the midst of our conversation we talked about Hooters and what the appeal was for men and why there were not as many places like that for females, except the only one that we could think of, which was Chip n Dales. We started talking about the names we would call the food and the kind of sevice we would have. We came up with the name Rick's and Dick's and thought that that would be a place where men would be the object of attraction for females who want to have a sensual dining experience.

The Essence of Rick's and Dick's

1. Rick's and Dick's will be a restaurant/nightclub venue that caters to both males and females. It would exude a sensual experience for male and female patrons who want to dance and eat delicious bar/grill food.

2.Rick's and Dick's lounge will have an appeal CLOSE to a male strip/cabaret lounge. Females would be enticed to enter this space to see exotic men dance, showcase their bodies tastefully and have a great experience at a lounge.

3. Rick's and Dick's will be a a place that everyone will know about once they have stepped inside the venue. It will be a place that no one will want to leave and want to return continuously because of the exotic males, the cabaret ideal, the bar/grill food, the music and a totally different nightlife experience than what is expected to be the norm.

4. Rick's and Dick's is focused on having it's patrons feel appreciated and completely at ease upon entering the venue. They will understand that it's a place they can go to when in need of good company and a desire for a taste of sensuality.

The name of a venue is what helps people identify what the venue is all about. Tonic's essence is about mixing different substances of a restaurant/ bar grill together with other forms of entertainment and have it be a perfect balance for a good time. Rick's and Dick's essence will be to incorporate the male physique with a showcase of their physicality along with a bar/grill dining experience that promotes an elegant sense of sensuality for all of its patrons. Until it comes to be, I'll be dancing and dining. It's Jodance Life.

Jodance Life Renovation

2010-12-02T21:18:00.005-05:00

Hello folks. Jodance Life is getting a new lift and is going through a transformation that will definitely make this crawling caterpillar transform into a beautiful butterfly. I know that some of you are unfamiliar with who I am, what I do and why Iam writing this blog. This month, before we transition into the new year, I would like to explain all of what this blog is meant to do and what I expect to happen because of it.

About Me

Name: Jodine Jackson
Goal in life: To accomplish as much as I dream about doing in this life
Launching an acting career that is devoted to theater and true creativity
Owning a restaurant that caters to the arts and nightlife

How will this blog help accomplish these goals

Acting: Acting is something that I enjoy doing. It took me a while to learn this, because I thought I enjoyed teaching upon pursuing a teaching career. When I began to teach and realize that my body yearned for physical interaction and needed an outlet to express myself artistically, I took up acting as a hobby. Upon searching for an acting group on Meetup.com, I discovered the Director's Actors Gym and thought that this was a great way to become involved in acting and using acting as an outlet outside of teaching. Upon doing my first workshop I went back to where I taught and felt a difference in my approach to teaching and what I wanted to with my life. I began to pursue my career in acting in May 2010 and have not turned back since. I realize that I love what I do as an actress more than what I do as a teacher and have been more content with my life since then.
Restaurant/Nightlife: As you are aware, I am nocturnal. If there is an event that is happening and it involves dancing, good people, good music, good spirits and drinks you know that I will not pass the opportunity to go and enjoy myself. I also love to eat like everyone else, but I enjoy the fact that when I eat something and truly enjoy it, it is close to the words my friends and I use when we eat something, "orgasmic." Dancing, nightlife and eating is something that I relate to sensuality and sexuality. I want to fuse all of these elements into a restaurant that allows artists, actors, dancers and entertainers to express themselves creatively and patrons are able to enjoy everything that comes with it.

This is the overview of who I am and what I want to pursue at this point in my life. My aspiration is to see this project become something that is inspirational and become a great experience for everyone that is involved. Stay tuned, as the year 2011 is going to be a year that Jodance Life extends into something bigger. Thanks for reading, it's Jodance Life.

Fashion Societe in a dance world

2010-07-22T13:03:00.004-04:00

Something that I've always written about, but only in jest, is what I wear when I go dancing. I personally am not into name brands or high brands and styles. I tend to go away from the trend, even though I am aware of what it is. So today I discovered that there is going to be an event that involves dressing appropriately for your body type when going dancing or anywhere for that matter.

Why am I talking about this on my dancing blog? BECAUSE ladies, it is important to know what to wear when you are heading out. You know that when you go out, we (other females) are looking at what you wear. Most of the times, we laught at what you wear if it is tacky or just doesn't look right on you. Or whisper about how great your style is and if we feel nice enough, tell you we like the outfit (except for that myth that says if a lot of people tell you how great an outfit looks on you, it really doesn't! Double check yourself in the mirror just to make sure it actually looks good on you...)

So today, Thursday July 22nd at 6:15 pm to 7:45, you can take the opportunity to find out what is a suitable style to wear for your body type. Fashion Societe is hosting a seminar that pertains to a majority of fashion tips that you could use daily.
Here is what you will be a part of today if you attend the seminar:

an analysis of your body type by a professional fashion expert
a measurement of your important body areas (breast, hips and butt)
a professional explanation of your body type
how to use what you have in your wardrobe to customize and enhance your new stlye

Where: Studio 353@ 353 West 48th Street

New York, NY 10036 (between 8th and 9th ave)

When: 6:15pm-7:45pm

Cost: $36 online; $40 at the door-Wine and Cheese

(Mention Jodance Life Blog and it will be $31 online; $35 at the door)

If you are unable to make it to this seminar, check out the upcoming seminar that will be hosted by Fashion Societe in August:

The Top Tailor Teaches a Fabulous Fit

August 11th 6:30pm-8pm

I'm planning to go just because if I know how to dress according to my body type, then I know I will be able to get a lot more numbers than I do now when I go dancing. (wink wink). Until then keep dancing. It's Jodance Life.

What Amnesia? Pt. 3

2010-06-12T14:11:00.005-04:00

The male dj music as sexy and captivating as the male siren calling me to my death. But in a good way.

What I remember:

2am: I went up to the Dj booth to see who the male dj was who replaced Dj Fame. He told me his name was Dj L and gave me his card. I asked him to play some Reggae music for my pleasure and he said he would.

2:05am: I stood on the balcony next to the Dj booth and took in the awesomeness of the nightclub. It was a great view and I felt that I was looking down at the wide room of people moving and shaking down below.

2:15am: Dj L started playing Reggae music and I ran downstairs to join the join the crowd dancing. I remembered feeling awkward because people were looking at me strangely. I was alone in the club and I was dancing solo. I guess that would be strange if you saw me there too.

2:20am: I heard the Dj L experience and thought about how tasty it was. I wanted to dance with someone and make out with them at the same like I saw some other people doing. Dj L was playing some "freakum" music and I believed I would have been able to participate in thie if there was an even amount of guy to girl ratio there.

2:30 am: I hear Dj L playing Big Pun "It's so hard." But I remembered thinking how adorable it was to see a couple dance to the music by dancing salsa. I underestimated my energy level on this Friday night and I was feeling tired by all the energy flowing through the nightclub.

I remembered leaving Amnesia at 3am. I walked to the train station in a very god mood. I wanted to go back because of its exuding sexiness. I remembered Mack saying there is a party on Thursdays as well. I guess I'll be a little bit more careful when rsvping for parties. I feel good getting my memory back. It's JODance Life.

What Amnesia? Pt 2

2010-06-07T21:06:00.005-04:00

In my club haze, I tried to gain as much from my experience with what was happening in a short while.

What I remember:

Saturday June 5, 2010

12:05 am: Dj Fame mixes Khia, "My neck, my back" with Britney Spears, "Slave 4 U." I talk to the bartender about Dj Fame and he is so handsome and accomodating, I am gushing with lust.

12:15am: I go up to the second level(?). I see shot/ bottle girls in lingerie-esque garb. Avenue Q's "If you were gay" plays in my head. I wonder, when will it be packed? I see and hear a lot of European languages. Well dressed and cute men! And women!

12:16am: I can see Dj Fame at the Dj booth from where I'm standing. (drool:Sooo preeettty). She's playing good music, but I saw not that many people dancing! I wanted to see the frat boys dancing.

1:30 am: I chatted with Mack from macks-list.com. I was fascinated by the huge afro and wondered how he wore it with such flare. He told me he has been promoting parties for eight years!! He told me that the reason for doing so is because he likes to hangout! He said that his promotion companyis a family business with two younger family members. He said that he used to be a teacher and then made a change to a party promoter...Could this be me the male version?

1:40am: I wondered where the photographers were. Mack said there was none. I saw one though. I thought that maybe there was no need to have photographers take pictures because what happens at Amnesia, stays in Amnesia. . .After all isn't that what happens when you have amnesia? You just wake up wondering what happened before you got knocked out.

1:45-2:00am: I saw people from the Jersey Shore break dancing. I saw a Jersey man acting like "The Situation" with abs, but like the idiot almost broke a leg from all the musical hype. I smiled because I saw men dancing freely.

I did not see Dj Fame leaving the dj booth. But when I looked up I saw a handsome man playing some sexy music. I ran from where I was to find out who he was.

What Amnesia? Pt. 1

2010-06-07T20:04:00.006-04:00

I might never have amnesia from my drunken stupor as a girl going from club to club dancing my butt off, solo or not. But sometimes it is just good to think of what the possibilities would be to go to a club and get the senses knocked out of me by dancing. . .I fainted once when I was younger from having a heat stroke (while eating ice cream). I remembered seeing sparkly things, blacking out and then landing on my face smiling (I think I might have even started dreaming at some point)! I got up with a scar on my face, but for the moment I was out, I felt great! Now you must be like what in the world is she talking about? Please understand that I will writing about my fantabulous time at the club Amnesia in NYC.

In short I will try to recollect as much as I can about the experience for your reading pleazure. Should I write it like a journal or as a memory therapy session? Why not just go through it like I'm trying to regain my memory. I have been killing brain cells...

What I remember:

Friday June 4, 2010

8pm: Tried to RSVP for Inlist.com party by texting 917 701 6205 for Hotel Empire Rooftop party. Reply text says RSVP for that party is full, go to Amnesia.

8:15pm: Confirm RSVP for Amnesia, feeling rejected by inlist.com and Hotel Empire.

10:30pm: Left house to go to 34th street with a blond wig, flats, tank top and slacks.

11:30 pm: Reached Amnesia night club. Walked a very long dark road to get there. Mail service trucks galore.

11:35 pm: Met Macklist and company with tap on shoulder. Got offered free entrance from them. Turned it down. Got admit ticket. Got charged $20. Walked back to door to exchange ticket for free entry. Stuffy white lady says to give me free ticket.

11:45pm: Enter Amnesia nightclub. Mind got blown literally. Wide space. Two disco balls. Huge amplifiers at the entrance and by the bars. Underground tunnel ambience with brick decor. Pretty neon lights. Heart skipped a beat. I said "Wooow" while standing by the entrance. Entranced by the music.

11:50pm: Walked up to the dj booth to discover female Dj Fame is at the booth. She sooo preetttty. I go back downstairs by the bar and look at the handsome bartender. Ordered an amaretto sour. It was like sex in my body. For only 12 dollars. But lasted for a good 30 minutes. But I felt happy! She mixed Biggie Smalls "Big and Plenty" with Rihanna's "So Hard." I wanted to dance hard and gyrate on some man. But I just danced, swinging my body and wig (it was very much secure).

12am: Air smells of Mistolin deodorizer! I want to faint. I think I'm in heaven. I think of how much I love Dj Fame! The scent, music and amaretto, were confusing my senses!

Not Neglected- Stay tuned

2010-05-29T17:00:00.002-04:00

Hello there party people. It's been a while and it's been that season where other things in my life has taken over the power of dance life for me. But summer is fast approaching and I am coming back with dance fever all over. There have been some new ventures that I am pusruing and am going to share them with you once I am finished with them...yes they relate to your dance and party life. So I know this weekend is memorial day weekend,so stay tuned. I have got some shin digs lined up for all of you in New York this weekend.

The Empire Rise

2010-04-15T20:31:00.010-04:00

Jodance Life here, with a complete rundown of the dance party that takes place at New York's elite party sponsored by Inlist.com held at the new party spot Empire Hotel. Not sure if Mr. Chuck Bass is attending his own hotel parties, but I can tell you that my experience was a glorious one, with or without the rich playboy.

Spotted at the Dj booth: Dj Pazel with his music crew. The music extraordinaire mixes Whitney Houston," I want to dance with somebody" with Gaga "Dance." Eyebrow raised, but then it's cool because who does not love a friendly DJ? Does Absinthe and Bacardi do the body and mind good? Perhaps so. This handsome Indian Dj Pazel plays all kinds of music, good stuff for all kinds of crowds. The Dj remixed Biggie and Mary J together. Love that in this small dance space, the Dj recognizes the crowd and plays music for everyone to appreciate. I wonder what Chuck would say to that.

Because of the music and the fine liquor mixed in my system, I get exhausted from dancing and lack of hydration. I see a man at coatcheck eating a banana. HMMMM. I get offered a banana by "coat check man", ate it and kept on dancing. (Later,"coat check man" would tell me his banana was longer than another man's banana...). I enjoyed dancing with a few men, but had so much swill in me from a divine $13 Long Island, that I don't know who is who. When it came to exchanging numbers and receiving texts the next day, I have to tell you, I just don't know who you are and I'm pulling a Jamie card, "blame it on the alcohol." There are two bars here conveniently inside for the dance floor and outside on the roof.

I love this place! It's not a place for seeing Chuck on a regular basis, except for when him and Blair are having a serious argument about him selling her to his uncle in his hotel suite! Maybe next time I'll do some digging to see if I can find out where that suite is. But it's a good place to enjoy luxury and dancing at the same time. It's a place to mingle with your friends and dance with a complete and crazy person as myself. It's a place for us common people to have a good time on the roof of this luxurious hotel and live to tell the tale about it next day. Until next time, check out Empire Rooftop parties by looking at Inlist.com. I can't wait to go to the next party, perhaps I'll get to meet a lonely boy other than the adorable Dan Humphrey. XoXo, it's JODance life.

Sapphire and Luvely Rae's One Night Stand

2010-03-21T18:41:00.006-04:00

I like that I have a twitter account (even though social networking sites is still a problem for me) because I get to see what other people are doing. I feel that perhaps I can be a part of the experience they are letting me know about. I found out about this event happening at Sapphire Lounge located in the East Village via the tweet from NYC Listing. It drew my attention because it was tweeting about a burlesque showcalled Luvely Rae's One Night Stand happening at the lounge. I loved the idea so much that I wanted to see what it was about.

What I liked about going to this event was that on the Tuesday I went, it was after a class I had at CUNY Hunter College. The whole time I was in class, I was looking forward to this event. As soon as the class was over, I fled the F train to 2nd Avenue and made my way to Eldridge Street. When I arrived to Sapphire Lounge, I found the place to be a quaint bar/lounge. It was small and I was wondering where the burlesque show could take place. I saw a make-shift stage. I saw a small room in the back of the bar that looked like a small dining area. I was not fascinated by the decor of the place, but I loved the lazer ights that were moving around. I loved that I was hearing classic jazz music, I assumed that this would be to set the mood. I felt awkward being there and wondered if the night would go well.

I got excited when I saw the Red Stripe beer bottle on the bar shelf. I asked the bartender to give me one and the patron mentioned that Jamaican don't drink Red Stripe they drink Guiness. I was quick to say they do drink Red Stripe, but in Jamaica. I drank the Red Stripe and as I drank it I thought of how long it's been since I've had one. It tasted like watered down light beer mixed with sewage water! Yuck! Boo watered down Jamaican beer, hooray pretty lights! I was wondering if it was good or bad that the bartender wanted a ciggy really bad. I don't smoke, but the urge to make this beer taste better came close to me asking for one.

It's is 8:15 and the romance settles in the lounge by candlelight as people wait for the burlesque show to start. Dean Martin says, "you're nobody till somebody loves you." But what if you're the one who loves you? Does that count? I loved that the elders in their 50s and 60s were there. I assume it was because of the music as well as the fact that the burlesque show would not show an indecent amount of nudity. Loved looking at an elderly man reading the newspaper while sitting backwards on a chair. I wondered, who was swimming witht the fishes tonight? I loved that the atmosphere was like a combination of an Indie film , 80s film and a combinations of the 40s through 60s setting. It was definitely eccentric and I was enraptured by all that I saw and felt being at Sapphire Lounge.

There was something that concerned me about the management of this event: All the patrons are already inside the lounge and according to the listing there was a $10 cover for the burlesque show. Before the show began Luvely Rae announced that those inside had to pay. My question was, aren't you supposed to pay before getting into any entertainment venue? Why get up from your barstool and make a payment to a man standing at the door? I am not insinuating that trusting in people's honesty is a bad thing, but it's probably best to always ensure that in events such as these, that patrons pay the cover outside the lounge before entering for the show.

I waited for the show to start and for the most part I had a good time. I was stunned when I saw Lola Bruise do a French number act, it was interesting. Made me a little curious about my own bedroom behavior if I was to do some role play. Jezebel Twist was not twisted and with her contortionist act I wanted to do some intensive stretches of my own. She tried to feather boa me though and I had to let her know I don't play that "cat and mouse game." Raggedy Annika stripped and played the violin at the same time. Talk about making cry me a river look sexy. Gigi La Femme was the feature of the show and well, she was a good feature because I couldn't turn away from a woman hitting her tuckus while making it look sexually arousing. I close to be envious.

I left Sapphire Lounge wanting not to leave. Got to meet Luvely Rae and Jezebel Twist. I had a delightful and intriguing conversation with Jezebel Twist that made me consider what it meant to be sexually and physically liberated. Still not sure of what I know about the two, but whatever it is, I know it was fun for both men and woman to go to Sapphire Lounge and watch Luvely Rae's One Night Stand bi-weekly showcase. I am thinking of going to Luvely Rae's Insomnia at Le Poisson Rouge at some point. Not sure when, but maybe you can go and let me know how it was. Until then, I'll be dancing. It's JODance Life.

Check Marquee

2010-03-17T21:55:00.013-04:00

So I have been going to a lot of clubs that were focused on one genre of music and group of people. I needed to wake up my senses, because as a matter of fact, I like variety. And variety is the spice of life and I needed me some spicessss.

I was invited by the same group of men who told me about Promenade to come with them to Marquee. Now you might be saying, "aren't they the same ones who told you that Promenade was off the hook and then you went and it wasn't?" And I would say "yes, but we all make mistakes and deserve a second chance." Also the party is different based on who is promoting for the night. So I got myself ready and headed out to go out on a Thursday night. Once I got to Marquee it was eleven, the doors were supposed to be opened at 10 and ladies were supposed to be free until 12 on a guestlist. I waited with the group of guys until the club let us in at about 11 30.

Entering Marquee, I got hit with an eclectic group of people. I hear the techno music on the first level and look up at the mezzanine to see people dancing to Hip Hop. Dj Leon Blaq played the Techno on the lower level and Dj Alex played Hip Hop on the top level. I loved this place because I do some grinding as usual in the Hip Hop room and then do some funky dance moves Michael Jackson style at my choosing in the Techno room. I was kind of worried that I didn't see a lot of people dancing in the Hip Hop room, but then wondered why some of the people in the Techno room were so stiff.

I relished in the diversity. I spotted Asians, Blacks, Whites, Hispanics there. I even had the pleasure of seeing myself as a human watching different animal species live in the jungle. I listened to how a black man finessed his way into dancing with an entire group of white women as if he was a predator stalking his vulnerable preys. It was fascinating, because I usually don't pay attention to role reversal. I usually see a man coming from the back. I don't watch the approach from the front because I'm busy dancing. Is this something that all guys do? When it comes to females it is different. When they want to dance with a man, they dance and wait until he come to them. If they don't like the way the male is dancing they will either dance away from him or signal to their friends that they need help getting away from him. So now I wonder about the method of appraoch a guys take to dance with females at a nightclub. Any thoughts?

Enough digression. Dj Alex plays current Hip Hop music. I dance a little here and there in the Hip Hop room and the crowd is alive. I went down to the Techno room to hear Dj Blaq playing Moby's "Praise You" remix. I got giddy because I haven't heard that song in a very long time and I wanted to find some garlands and put them on my head and dance like a hippie. I stayed in the techno room for a while because I could move freely to the music in any kind of fashion. Didn't do the rave bit because I wasn't drunk enough (and I don't smoke trees or mushrooms). I was looking for someone to breakdance but it didn't happen.

***But while I was dancing in the techno room, I was checked up on by the guys I came with and one of them did not want to dance to the music because it wasn't his kind of music. Dude, you come to a dance party to dance, if you choose to suffer for the sake of being with your friends, you are hurting yourself and your friends are the ones having the fun. Does that make sense? So before you head out with your friends, seriously think about why you're going and if it is going to be worth your time and energy going to the club.

I want to thank Dj Alex for being kind enough to play my requests and a whole lot of Michael Jackson songs that I enjoyed watching my friend dance to it and enjoy it. I know people say that it's bad club etiquette to request songs from the dj but I like it when the Dj takes my request into consideration and accomodates me. In true Rihanna form, I'm di gyal from di dancefloor wanting for more. If the Dj plays a song I want to hear, that means he hears me. I didn't get anything from the bar except a Heineken as I tapped into my sources at home before heading to Marquee. I left Marquee at 3 30 because everyone was leaving around this time. However I left in high spirits and would love to go there again. I might try to go back there on a Saturday night because Marquee has a list of their event on the website. Party every day except Monday. I am down for that. Check out Marquee and maybe I'll see you there. It's Jodance life.

Help Me My Party Aid

2010-02-16T12:34:00.006-05:00

Have you ever wondered where you can go to get some immediate help for planning your party? You know about clubs and lounges that will allow you to have your party there with bottle services once you call you have to negotiate a price with them. You know of promotion companies that will help you get into the partying mood VIP style, but cost an arm and a leg.You know of party planning companies that will "ensure" that you have a good time because it is your party and they are there to help you work out the kinks of your party before it happens. But we all know that sometimes you party planning venture will sometimes end up with cardiac arrest and party failure. This is where you would like to take advantage of what Mypartyaid.com is offering to you party people.

So normally if you are organizing an event such as your birthday, bachelor party, bachelorette party, business party etc etc, you have a checklist that you want to go over so that you don't miss anything. Like your to do list. Why not give it to Mypartyaid? It's right on the website that they are "Your own party specialist." They take the headache out of finding a place for you to have your party as well as finding the DJ for the party. You can win a chance to travel somewhere with a travel voucher. That is pretty good for a party planner.

So here's some info about Mypartyaid.com:

Awesome website that helps find party venues for me like Pranna, Touch, Taj or Star Lounge (check)

Awesome website that is tailored to my preference for the kind of party venue I want, whether it be a dance club, comedy club, strip club or sports bar (check)

Awesome website that ensures quality entertainment at my party without lowclass promotion whether it be live music or with a DJ(check)

Awesome website that caters to my taste in music from Reggae, Salsa, Rock or Techno for my party (check)

When I book my party with Mypartyaid.com, I get a FREE bottle of champagne with a FREE travel voucher (check)

My event planning with Mypartyaid.com will be FREE of charge (check)

Mypartyaid is making sure that your party goes off without a hitch. Take the time to look at the site for your next party. The party you want, is what Mypartyaid is guaranteed to provide you with. So dance on over to the website Mypartyaid.com and book your next party event now. It's Jodance Life.

Love Affair: Valentine's Day Parties in NYC

2010-02-10T17:32:00.007-05:00

It's that time of the year for loving and hating love. It's that time when you love your single life, but hate the fact that there are so many couples out there. It's even that time of the year when you reaalize that you can't stand that person anymore and you want to play the field. Last time I heard it's also the time of the year when you just tooo tooo broke/creative to stay in a relationship and make your partner feel special. It's Valentine's day week. And I have got some goodies for you about places where you can kick back and enjoy the day regardless of whether you're feeling the holidays or not.

Pre- Valentine's Day
First stop is where 5 Star Event is hosting an Anti Valentine's Day Singles Party at the new Room Service with a few names to drop: Dj Faty, Dj Bengi, Dj Mentos will be playing along with DJ Brinka. You have to RSVP with 5 Star in order to get in free gentlemen. If you just show up, the cost witll be $15-$20 at the door. Ladies are free until one without RSVP.

Clubzone.com is promoting some awesome awesome parties for the Vajayjay day. For example you can take a trip on the Love Boat, "Queens of Heart Yacht." The cost is $30 for general admission, boarding at 9 and love setting sail from 9-2am.

According to clubzone.com If you want to see Tik Tok's Kesha, she will be performing at NYC's Webster Hall, If you want to get in free before 11 bring an item of your ex, (you know there's a lot of you out there with exes) because after Kesha's performance you will get to shred away the bad memories on stage! Cool huh? You know it's bound to be a fun time cause you'll be at the Circus party usually held there (Webster Hall) on Saturdays.

Coming from Club Planet there is an awesom party happening that you most likely will not want to forget at Amnesia, music provided the handsome Good Charlotte twin Joel Madden! and Dj Mauricio. It's $10 for everyone for the entire night!!! Do not foget to put this venue of list for parties you're going to, if you're in the mood for some pre Valentine day fun!!! If you can't make it to the Pre Valentine Day fun, check out what's happening on Valentine's Day below.

Valentine's Day
If you want to shack up with someone on Sunday, 5 Star is hosting another party at Quo, with DJ Kast One, Dj Big Ben, Dj Camilo and Dj Enuff. I am not sure how well the party will go, but take your chances and see what happens. It's Valentine's Day, everyone is looking for some kind of loving.

There are some pretty romantic deals going on for V day and these are some of what I found so far:

Amnesia is having a nice little soiree known as the Red Party. It's bound to be pretty sexy since the former club sol and I remembered when I used to go there it was filled with sex looking people. LOL. But seriously it's worth going. What do you have to lose?

At Le Caire Lounge, there's a $40 deal happening at this fruity hookah smoking venue. There's a 3 course meal and a bottle of champagne or wine by candle light offer here. I would take this offer in a heartbeat, even if you hate Vday who says it's wrong to take yourself out and enjoy it. You just might end up meeting someone that just smoking hot and wants to set your soul on fire.

If you want to get a little hot and you live near Westchester, Jalapenos Mexican Restaraunt is where you want to be. The restaraunt is offering a Prix fixe menu for the lovely day for $20. You can find out more by clicking here.

Haven Lounge is having a V day Singles party at $20 a pop online or $25 at the door. Preeety good stuff is you ask for a night of finding that special someone. You can find out more from YAAHOOOO! Because the website is sharing this upcoming event with you single people.

As the week progresses I'll be adding more for the wonderful weekend that is coming up! And if you want to share where you will be for Valentine's day, feel free to leave a comment. Keep dancing, keep loving. It's Jodance Life.

Promenade View

2010-01-11T21:38:00.012-05:00

So I do enjoy galavanting on the street of New York late in the night. I need no Red Bull, no uppers, no caffeine, no ritalin. Nothing, nada, zip, zilch. You get the point? Good. I just know that if I am going to dance, my brain and my body are in sync and we will be off into the dark hyped and ready to pop loose. So I received another party invitation from Showcase and 7 days 7 nights. I know people I need to broaden my horizons with the the party promotion and I have been considering other places to look and have found other club promoters that I will be using to attend other parties beyond my expertise and knowledge.

But today we will be discussing my experience at the club known as Promenade in NYC. I like that name. Promenade. It recalls to mind the Brooklyn Promenade, even though it is not actually in Brooklyn. It's like naming your daughter Brooklyn and you live in London. Either way it's unique and appeals to the public. I received the invitation from Showcase saying that everyone would be free with one drink minimum before 12. After 12 it would be $20.

It was a Saturday and I am now involved with throwing around a little pig skin during the day (Pigskin=football for those who are confused). Some of the guys were talking about going places and asked if I was doing anything, I got excited and mentioned that I was going to PROMENADE, the guys got excited and like kids who really believe in Santa said, "Promenade is the shhhhh." "We had a great time there." "It was off the chain." All that. If Promenade wanted a fanbase and were recruiting members, these guys would have been the chairpersons for the club. So they wanted to come with me on this night. I have no problem with the company. So two fine gentlemen agreed to accompany me to the fabulous Promenade. I told them that it would be free before 12. I had another friend of mine who decided to accompany me later...

A party is marked by the line. We know this now. We approached Promenade in a timely manner only to wait on the line in the cold for a few moments. The line was begging to move. Once we arrived at the door, the door lady mentioned that it would be $20 for admission! ::Gasp:: I was stunned and embarassed because I sincerely believed that the cost of the party was free. This was not the case. I shelled out the $20 and apologized to my club guests about the suprising surcharge. Now I am expecting with that price that the party will be jumping and have since then learned that I am so cheap. It better be free for me to get into a club. WE ARE STILL IN A RECESSION!!! I'll buy the drinks, I cannot pay the cover for the venue's utility bills. I AM SORRY, NOT GONNA HAPPEN NO MORE.(VIVA LA REVOLUCION!!! LOL)

Also guys what's up with skipping a party because you don't want to see your girl? It's not cool. If you don't want to see your girl just say so. Don't delay or forfeit your game if you want to play. And if you're lying to her because she's wearing you out (even if she got that good stuff...) you should grow some testicles and tell her. I am tired of finding out that guys are punking out on girls because they are afraid to hurt their feelings or whatever else the case is. Stop misleading a girl by stepping correct and tell her how you feel, unless you just want to screw her, which in that case you still need to level that playing field.

Up on entering the club's premises, we found it empty. I ran to the bar to claim my $20 drink. I was so sad that the house liquor was not worth the money and I wanted to cry. But you have to think happy thoughts when you're with company. Good vibrations. There are two floors and a basement in Promenade. On this night the first floor was a tad crowded, however if you wanted to get some "intimate" play in before heading home, the second floor would have been perfect for you. I say this, because my friends and I walked up to the second floor, I noticed that there was no one located at a lounging area where the second dance floor is.

I walked around and wondered if the promotion was to be blamed or is it the people who make the party?(AND I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS TERM B&T at some point because I don't take lightly to it as I have contemplated that this term really isn't necessary to describe a club scene. ) I would like to know if anyone has ever been to a club and notice the police and fire department do a random safety hazard check in a club. If you have, can you share your experience with me please? I was befuddled when I saw that the NYPD and FDNY were at Promenade and when I asked a bouncer what was happening he said it was a random check on the club scene. Who knew? I also found it hilarious that while the bouncer was answering my question that he was holding a club patrons hostage. Girl wanted to leave the club and come back inside and he saying no to her. Somewhat humorous. The girl was drunk though. If I was the bouncer, I would let her leave and not let her back in...Is that wrong?

I got to meet DJ Caoz, Dj Legend and DJ Junior. Dj Junior has good selections but play some of the same songs as the other djs in the club. Perhaps it would be a good idea for djs to check each other's playlist. Just to make sure your bootypopping cowd is not hearing the same thing in a different room. Something looks wrong for the females. Pretty girls dancing, no guys dancing with them. Males look bored. Is it because they are tired of seeing the same things over and over again? Or that they are tired of seeing females dance in a way to get their attention? Or is it that they have "I wish I could love every girl in the world" syndrome, that they are too afraid to pick just one?

It got pretty eventful in the room where DJ Junior was playing and me and my female guest got into dancing some more. I was drunk off the nasty drink and a patron and a Heineken, that I was jumping and dancing and sweating. I wore a wig that night and I did not care if that thing came off. I would've pulled one of those moves swinging the wig around like nobody's business...but I didn't. My male guests lost their love for Promenade that night. I left wondering what was different about their experience with me than the first time they went. Still not sure. So many components to consider...Maybe you can figure it out and let me know. Until you do I'm going to keep dancing. You keep dancing. It's Jodance Life.

Here's what's happening at Promenade this Saturday via Club Planet:

Christmas/New Years celebration 2009

2009-12-24T14:32:00.010-05:00

So the year is in it's last run. And well some of us will be trying to get in the last hurrah of the decade with no sense of decadence. Well I the party goer will be keeping it low key this year. I am running on New Year's Eve in the pursuit of some nuts at the NYRR Emerald Nuts Fun Run. If I can't go nuts, I might as well run for some. Christmas Eve, I'll be keeping it in house and Friday Christmas day, I'll be heading to Brooklyn to renuite with some long lost friends.

But I know you want to find out where the parties are for the last holiday season of the decade and it would be in poor taste for me not to share some thoughts with you. So here's some of what I have been informed about via promoters and party websites.

Christmas Eve
So what could you be doing tonight, Christmas Eve? So much to do, so little notice. Sorry folks. So here's a few I found. One is by 7days7nights at Suzie Wongs.

Christmas Day

So Jinglin Baby Inc is a new party promotion company and they have this party on their list for Christmas Day. Also this party is promoted by Connections Unlimited, Empire, Showcase, 7days7night. It's with Hip Hop artist Fabolous and NY Giants hosting at the famous NYC Webster Hall. There is short anount of time to get tickets for this event. But more than likely Christmas day you want to guarantee you get there outrageously early. There will also be a party at NYC's Imperial hosted by Juelz Santana and Jim Jones

***12/25 Fri- Xmas Night @ Imperial-$97 Bottles! Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Rosa Acosta,KimBella, Bobby Trends Hot 97 Live Broadcast, Ladies Free, Open Bar.

There's a party hosted by 5 Star Events NYC which will be held at NYC's Room Service. A host of DJs and host All Pros Taz. For the Latin in you, you will enjoy the fact that ladies are free allllll night and guys you're free before 12. Don't foget to put yourself on the guestlist for this to take effect. I am almost tempted to change my mind and hit this spot, but alas I have made commitments.

At the famous LQs there will be another fiesta promoted by the Partyhunter. This party has some interesting things going on here. Get on the guest list now ladies to be free allll night. If you're not the list get the tix for 30 before 3 and AFTER 3, it's 35. You can tell this party will be going past 5 right? It better be, with the door price going up after 3. It's not even New Year's Eve.

There is a party going on in Brooklyn at Mystik Night Club. So if you don't want to venture from from Brooklyn, here's one for you. Courtesy of DJ Shawn and 7days7nights. Perhaps I'll be seeing you there since I will be in Brooklyn visiting my friends. It will be on Ralph Avenue between Foster and Farragut Avenue. But it's also free before 12:30.

New Years Eve

This is a party I want you to be at if you want to party hop on New Years Eve. Club Touch is starting its NYE party at 8pm and finishing at 2am. You start the party early with champagne and 5 hour premium open bar. The tix start at 50 and go up. Get yours now before you lose out on this event.

Please view the flyer here

Mypartyaid, 7days7nights and All Media City Group promotion are having a party at Loft 34 located by Herald Square, 34 street featuring my favorite young dj DJ Royal. This New Year's party is hosted by Boxie and Robbie Nova. It's called Champagne Splash. Get your tickets now on the website.I will be giving you some more to go as I get the information. People it's a long week and it's going to be a long hoiliday. Whatever you do, make it merry, happy and jolly. I'll be dancing back to you next week. It's Jodance Life.

Que Talay

2009-11-29T23:22:00.007-05:00

"Como la flor." That's as far as I go with the Selena idea. "Wherever, whenever, we're meant to be together" at Talay. I will say that this place is for Hispanics and English speakers alike. You've been yearning for some Salsa, some Bachata, some Merengue, some Reggaeton and if you go to Talay, you will find it all here.

I was invited to this place by an old high school friend. I arrived at the location and waited on the line. I must say that the walk to the lounge was kind of scary, as I was walking to my death in this secluded area by 135th street off the NYC 1 train. I was afraid that I might be robbed or kidnapped by someone as I was walking solo from the train to this place. But alas it did not happen. The club gods must have been watching over me. It's in no-man's land. I highly suggest you take a cab or drive to this place because you really don't know what will happen to you if you're by yourself, like silly ol' me.

Talay is a club where a majority of the people who go there are Hispanics or Latinos. I entered the club on a hot summer night, but once I entered I felt like I was in Alaska. But I must have been the only person who felt cold in a room filled with hot-blooded people because they were dancing like they were still in Pueeerto Rrrrrico or SANTA Domingo!!! It really caught me by surprise. It was very crowded on the Friday night I went there. There was no place to move and I for one lost my appetite for dancing. I thought that maybe if I wiggled enough I would get some dancing in, but you can't wiggle your way out of every situation, now can you?

On the outside of the club, one would find it a sweet, romantic and mature decor. But once I was inside I saw balloons on the wall that screamed "tacky tacky tacky".I saw some dancers in a cage and found it very S/M like. It was funny because I could see that the lonely men were paying more attention to the cage girls than to the ones on the dance floor. Just like the jungle where the predators sees their prey and cannot wait to tear the prey apart. I for one could have been mistaken for a homosexual because I was doing the same thing and found the dancers rather appealing and couldn't take my eyes off of them. But the keyword here is mistaken folks.

I think I would like the music a lot better if I hablad algunos espanol (see what I mean). I wanted some suavemente to teach me some bachata, some meringue or make me do some saucy salsa. But no one came to my rescue. But the DJ did not forget about the non Hispanics like me and so there was some pop music in the mix. And yu know seh mi cya go a dancehall widout hearing some reggae music. So I requested that he played some just for me. And he did. I love the fact that the place did not discriminate against men who a tad stout. Who doesn't love a club where you get to see a beautiful girl dance with a fat man and loving it.

The drinks were a bit expensive at the bar. But with cheerful and sexy female bartenders one tends to forget that there is a 8 dollar charge for a Heineken or 15 for a whiskey sour. I was taken aback by the customer service initially because the male bartender was not so friendly. There were two females and one male who dominated the bar and they handled the bar with such finesse that you would think bartending was a show. I loved the great display of customer service when one of the female bartenders locked lips with a male customer. She laid the smack down on him and I was wishing that a guy bartender would do that to me all the time at a bar, just because I was such a good customer.

All in all I would take Talay in small doses. It has some perks, but not enough to make me go there all the time. I did a little dancing, but not enough for me to be raving about it. If you are into the Latin culture and aware of the dance moves, this is the place for you. If not, you will not have a great experience unless you have friends to accommodate you. I was able to say tootle doo to Talay at 4 in the morning. It took a long time to get a cab because the area was desolate and everyone else who left the club seemed to know that there was someone there to help them get home. I had to wait for at least 30 minutes for a cab and when I did get one, I left Talay in the backdrop with its mystique, and a feeling as if I had just experienced what it is to see a mirage. "Para bailar la bamba!" It's Jodance Life.

****If you are curious about Talay, here's the general info about the place:
Talay
701 W. 135th St., New York,
NY 10031 at Twelfth Ave.
212-491-8300
*****Also if you want to know what Talay is doing for New Years, check out what Club Planet has to say about it by clicking here.

On top of the 230-5th Building

2009-11-10T13:35:00.013-05:00

I know that there are different kinds of people found in NYC. With the different kinds of people from different social backgrounds, there comes a different kind of social fervor for a good party. We already know that a party is what you make it, but the style of the party is not catered to everyone. I was invited to this networking event by my roommate. It was the kind of party that I guess you would find rich, upperclass, business men. And the females looking to help the men spend their money. It's like another place where Carrie should have met Mr. Big, if she hadn't had sex with an old flame and spilled all her condoms on the street by bumping into him. It's a lounge located on top of the roof of a place simply called 230-5th.

Now this place has recieved some bad reviews in the past because of its door service. The dress code is supposed to be no hats, no t-shirts, jeans in good taste and all that jazz. Some reviews have mentioned that the place is mostly catering to a certain race of a lighter skin tone. So my roommate and I decided to see if we could defy the system, to see if we would be able to get in and become a part of this social network that would be found at 230-5th.

It was a Friday during the summer. We were releasing ourselves for the weekend. I wore something simple, that was still in good taste for me to enter this place. Upon getting there, my roommate and I began to brace ourselves for being turned away from the door. Just in case. Needless to say we were able to get into the lounge without being frisked or turned away. We were greeted very well by the "bouncer" who just looked at our cards and let us in smiling. As we entered the area, we took an elevator to the top floor and was introduced to the great ambience of a floral/jungle-like restaurant. As we went further, we were on the roof facing the Empire State Building. The roof had palm trees, three different bars and a crowd of people standing and talking, sitting and talking, eating and talking, drinking and talking. I had never been exposed to a world like this before, and I was somewhat nervous about the response I would recieve from this crowd, once I started to interact with the people there.

I started to gather my thoughts and made a mental note of the fact that this place was as we would say, "posh." It is good for lounging, as the music was set for a light air and a calm mood that you could sit and enjoy the view and space. I was thinking that I would not mind having my wedding reception there (as I am a simple girl), or a nice party. I took note of how many people had adhered to the mandatory/strict dress code that was placed upon the masses. Some were dressed elaborately in suits and gorgeous dresses. But I was blindsided by what my roommate brought to my attention as we saw a group of young men in t-shirts, hats and sneakers. One of them even had a lollipop in his mouth, just for effect I suppose. Two silly questions rose in my silly little head: if these young men's skin tone had been a little darker, would they have been permitted to enter this glamourous space and stay there? or would they be cast out of the party for not adhering to the code? I questioned if this place was right for me as I did find that the crowd was good company and entailed a group of people I might want to get to know, but then I might be turned off by something that I might not like or find suited to my lifestyle.

As we circulated the area, my roommate and I decided to play a different version of "I Spy" or "Where's Waldo?", by counting how many people were there of a darker skin tone. Now you might say this was in bad taste, but I was on a quest to find out why I was reading a lot reviews discrediting this place for not allowing a certain race of people to enter it's premises. After all, we are living in the 21st century and we should not be living in the past. Well I must say that I counted a total of 23 people who were of a darker hue than the majority of people there, and I was not happy about this. I saw a speckle of Asians here and there, but I was confused when I saw that the Asian females were surrounded by men of a lighter hue which did not sum up to the Asian males or darker males. I know times are changing as well, but this social change and lack there of, was puzzling to me.

I was happy when my roommate told me that we were being checked out by a group of black men smoking cigars at a section of the lounge on the roof. I was nervous again, because I was wondering what their mentality would be like and if mine would be able to match theirs. There is a saying that goes, "if you have the mind of a bum, you will attract a bum." I'm not saying that I have the mind of a bum, but when it pertains to the "posh" lifestyle and the taste of decadence and luxury, I feel the need to hold my pee because I feel so out of place. So when we were invited to sit with this group of Jamaican men, I was timid, nervous and figured I might as well follow my roommate's lead, as she is more versed in these matters. It was a great converstaion and a good time, as I could connect with them being Jamaican and all. I was able to sample two drinks from the bar. I had the Raspberry Mojito which was good and then I had this Absolut-ly Grateful, which was not so great and requested the Raspberry Mojito again. The time that I spent there, ended on a great note.

230-5th is not bad. It's opened year round and I believe it's free all the time. But call before you go, just to be sure. I take it that if you know how to behave in a calm and public setting, you will be able to get in. The only thing is that your skin tone might not be the ticket that helps you gettin freely. I say you try to see what happens on your end, and let me know. The view of the Empire State building made it splendid. I did not do a lot of networking, but I did do a lot talking with the men I met. Perhaps ladies if you go with your friends, you might find it a great place to meet noteworthy men. You too gentlemen. The air is right for the picking and the ambience will set you in the mood for a good time and a good taste of what kind of female you're looking for. I might go there again, just because I like to dab my foot in the water at times, so to speak. Maybe I would find me a good man there--if that was my purpose. But until then, I'm just going to keep drinking and talking, flirting and talking, dancing and talking. It's JODance Life.

A La Pomme

2009-11-02T19:38:00.017-05:00

So the beauty of flyers is that they are made to attract you to the party so that you can go to the party right? It's all a part of the representation or preview if you will about what to expect. it's advertisement. It's promotion. It's money in the bag. It's the thing that makes people flock to the party.

I got this flyer via email about this Pink and Black Masquerade ball was to be hosted by the Giants' Terrel Thomas, Kevin Dockery and it was also celebrating the birthday of one of the reps there. So it was to be "off the hook" It was sponsored by all these different promotion companies from Showcase, Empire, Nuvo (the drink of Wendy Williams), The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Tuere. So it's supposed to be legitimate. I even persuaded my party girl rommate to attend the event with me on a Sunday. It's the day before the work week I wouldn't want to go either. But she loves me and supports my debaucherous lifestyle to roll with me to the event. This was also the week that the Giants were playing home at Giants Stadium at the Cardinals. I had forgotten to pay attention to that information, because who would roll up to a party after a loss or win anyway?

It was easy to pick a dress: it's either pink or black. But not mandatory. So I chose the non mandatory route and wore a knee length dress (courtesy of a hand me down from my roomie), my payless heels and a bootleg Fendi bag. (No excuses). We get out of the train at 9:30 because the flyer says the party starts at 9PM with Nuvo open bar from 9-11. But there was no one there. My roomie and I had spotted two girls walking back to the train station but didn't pick up on the reason why...At La Pomme, we had to wait 30 minutes after we arrived to have the doors open. I asked the bouncer why the doors were not opened and the response was we're blaming it on the bar who have not set up shop for the "Nuvo tasters." At 10:10 we get in.

A little funny tip folks: Don't tick off the bouncers. They will take their jobs seriously as the "club gatekeepers" and if you start groaning to them about having somewhere else to go, they really will wait until you leave before opening the door for the other patrons waiting to get in. So if you got some place else to go besides the other place, just go to that other place or keep your mouth quiet. It's really not worth the wait on either end. Ok? Ok.

Onward. As we enter La Pomme based on a donation, we see ice sculptures for both the Giants and the rep for who were celebrating the birthday. We see the beautiful decor of La Pomme. (if you did not know, La Pomme is in place of the old club Ultra) And the SWAG (Water bottle, breast cancer teddybear, Aveeno shaving cream LOL). We have Dj Spynfo at the DJ booth, the bartender serving the Nuvo and no mask. Now it's before 11 and the open bar Nuvo stops. I'm wondering if you blame this on the promo company or the sheisty bartenders? As the crowd gathers around, we get word that the Giants lost to the Cardinals 24 to 17. With all the optimism, we can never really have a good time with a loss of any kind. Will the hosts show up? They'll show up at three or never.But you don't have to be sad with all the goodlooking black men in the place. Sorry fellas, only few goodlooking women, and I am saying this with objectivity.

As we wait for the party to pop off I watch the ice slowly melt, a premonition of the night ahead? I watch the projection screen shoot off random pictures of Dockery and other people. It's kinda cool. But only kinda. On a personal note, I will never play football again the day before going out to a party ever again. I was sore as all heck. Trying to wiggle my waist was painful! I was in for Pitbull's "I Know You Want Me," courtesy of DJ Kaos. I wanted to know where the masks were! Hell it was a masquerade ball! Shame on the guy responsible for bringing them to leave them home! DUDE! So what does that leave us with? 3 people wearing their masks.

"It's it's Serani, just in case you never know." Talking about breast cancer awareness. Cause we know how men in general feel about breastseses. He was there for a moment,talking about tings and tings and tings and then he sat in VIP room for the remainder of the party. I think he was waiting for Dockery and Thomas to show up too. You know what song I love? Show Me Love by Robin S. I do love that song. And DJ Spynfo was playing that song. Ladies I gotta tell you about DJ Spynfo. He goes by the name Spynfo and when you ask for his real name he will tell you Spynfo the Nympho. He is rather sexy and well he plays some good music and he aims to please the ladies...with music ideally. When he played Salt-n-Pepa "Push It," I wanted to go up to the booth for a little sample, but I couldn't move from all my soreness. LOL. He's a DJ you hear about on the radio, your probably dance to his music DJing at a college party or you just hear his name and don't know who he is by face.

It's now a biracial world and we have a lot of white men looking at the bodacious black women in the club! We even have some of them getting innn with the big girls. I have to smile at it because it was beautiful. It's 2:30 in the morning and some of the Giants' minor players are rolling in. Yeay yeah yeah. I see a lot of people leaving at this time. I stay because I'm a club rat and well you go out for the night. One other thing I have to ask: If you know a dude got a child and no job and always in the club, what can you assume about this person? The night ended at 3. A cue for the fellas, you know that movie what women want? There needs to be a male version of that movie because females need to know too. Steve Harvey or not, there needs to be a movie about that too. Because just like we're confusing, you know you're confusing us too.

It was a good night. My roomie got some swag. The hosts didn't show up, but we had a good time regardless. Showcase and Empire needs to work out the kinks of their promotion because we want parties and club events on point. No CP time openings, have the hosts be responsible for showing up to the event they're hosting, and if they can't, give the people there some notice. Thanks for the good DJs (DJ Kaos, I got you on that Juvenile "Back that Thang Up" waaaaay after the request, but thanks for the play anyway ♥). The place is good for parties with the right promotion. So check it out. it's JODance Life.

Welcome to Negril

2009-10-20T00:01:00.022-04:00

I ended up going to Negril one night with my roommate out of necessity. I was supposed to go to this place with a person after I proposed going there for dinner one Sunday. Needless to say I was stood up by someone I met that night I went to Prime. But I never lost my appetite for some West Indian cuisine at a famous restaurant. So my roommate took pity on me and went with me on a Friday to Negril Restaurant and Rhum Bar. (You gotta love her)

I was "tardy to the party" that night and got in after my roommate. The entry fee was $10 after 9 and I was scolded for not attending the party earlier with my prompt roomie. In any case I got inside and I was looking forward to going to the party upstairs, but was sent to the basement instead. No sweat. I just want some good food and a room where I can dance and be happy. What I liked about it was the Asian populus showing up and giving the West Indians a run for their money as they danced to the Reggae and Calypso music that was playing. This was before we were able to order our meals.

The wait staff was very tropical with its laid back attitude and slow service. We had an order of the goat and the oxtail stew. We had to wait a while before the wait staff brought our food. but when we got it our troubles faded away as we ate and had a sample of the cocktails. I had the Negril Mojito and loved it: A mixture of sorrel, Appleton Rum and mint. My roommate had an ummentionable and had to send it back.

It was sad that we were enjoying this area and were later told to get up because the party that had reserved the table we were sitting at, were at the restaurant and we had to get up and stand. Now this was not good, you have to understand, because you are dealing with 2 black women who will get an attitude if you told us we were beautiful. So when we were told to get up and move from a table that had good visual of the dance floor and were still sipping on or cocktails and had to wait for our food to be fed to us and look at a waitress who had a beard the length of Rapunzel's hair, we were not going to be easily removed. WE WERE SEATED THERE BY THE HOST/HOSTESS! WHY SHOULD WE MOVE?

After several failed attempts by the hostess and wait staff to remove us from our seat: 1. the staff told us repeatedly to move, we did not. 2. The staff decided to give us a hint by placing "reserved" placards on our table, they mysteriously fell off the table and landed under the table. 3. We requested to speak to the manager about the disrespectful hospitality we were receiving and waited until she came to speak to us. Around this time it was 12am and we were approached by a beautiful lady who said she was the manager of the restaurant and lounge. She appeased our displeasure by offering us a free round of drinks. And with that we got up. I ordered another Negril Mojito, it was good enough to make me forget my name, so the problem went out the window.

As I was dancing with the liquor, I thought that the food was great and delicious for both West Indians and Americans. You will love the menu and the cost of the food. The only question that I have for Negril is who said it was ok to hire a bearded person? Male or female it's not ok. As we were eating it occurred to me that he who does not want dance sweat in his food, should not enter Negril after 10pm. We wanted to know what was the deal with the Panamanian waiter? I forget that Panama is also part of the Caribbean somewhere?...I also loved looking at the wine drinkers letting loose in Negril. It was a good time.

The music was riveting as I heard the oldie Shabba" Boo yaka boo yaka", and then a little No Lin-ga! I don't know how to do the dance, but I did a little movement. When I heard, Ron Browz, "No Wifin in the Club (Gimme$20)" thought the song is definitely a club song, but you wouldn't want to hear it live or on the radio. As a I watched the girls danced, I said to myself, if she dance like a ho, well you know she most likely is a ho. If I see a girl dancing on her head,with her dress short enough to show her red thong, I know she's flexible. But she should save that for the bedroom, no? And a girl like that will attract a lot of ni***, not a lot of gentlemen. I'm thinking that you can wild out, but keep a little of it tamed for the bedroom people. Seriously.

It was amazing when I saw a man head out after a female after a simple touch! That's the endearing power of a woman. But at the same time it could have been the space of the place because the area is type small. I also got reminded of the fact that Negril is located in the Village. We are all homosapiens there, but I got to see that we may not be all heterosexuals in this place. So if you like a little cumsi cumsa with your West Indian flava, stop by the Rhum Lounge after dark. Anything and anything goes. All in good taste.

So what's good for Negril after Fridays? If you love football and want a little happiness after the Monday work rush and want to watch some Monday Night Football, check this out:
Monday Night Football
$Five Dollar Mondays + Monday Night Football + DJ Music Rocka = The Best Damn Monday Night Ever!Football fans stand up! Non-Football fans stand up too!
In addition to have the cheapest Monday Night event around (see Five Dollar Mondays), Negril Village has just added Monday Night Football to the Rhum Lounge. We will be broadcasting the games on our 4 plasmas in the Rhum Lounge! Non-Football fans don’t worry, DJ Music Rocka will be in house playing your favorite tunes. All while you enjoy $5 drinks, apps, and desserts!
Five Dollar Mondays + Monday Night Football + DJ Music Rocka = The Best Damn Monday Night Ever!
Presented by Harlem U. and The Gifted Life.

I love me some football and if I happen to be in the Village vicinity soon, I just might end up at the Rhum lounge. Might celebrate scoring touchdowns in more than one way. So maybe I'll see you there. It's Jodance Life.

Stay off the BLVD? Pt. 2

2009-09-19T22:10:00.020-04:00

I met someone at BLVD on the Thursday I was there. This adorable 23 year old saw me dancing to the music of Dj Royal and loved it so much that he thought it was appropriate to take me to a section near the Dj booth to give him a lap dance! (chuckle people) I had to walk away from that situation like a clueless ditz. I like to dance. It's an excuse to be sensual, you get the beat from the music providing you with a rhythm of your own, to let go of inhibitions in a big crowd. And who-so-ever chooses to judge? Let them judge.

Now this adorable 23 year old and I ended up exchanging numbers when I left BLVD at 3 30. We texted back and forth and wanted to meet up for a "getting to know each other" session. (In public, eating and drinking: to clarify) The meeting never occurred. Why? Because of timing and the level of interest in the places we wanted to meet.

What made me think about my character was something this boldfaced tegreg said to me when I told him I was not willing to meet him at 11 30 in the night. He said, "You don't have a curfew. And when I met you, you was out in the club at 3 in the morning"!!! (PAUSE) I am so used to going to the club by myself that I don't have any shame left in me to say I go out by myself. Furthermore I take the train to my destination and if I'm not inebriated I take the train back, happy as a clam or pissed as a toilet bowl. If I'm drunk, I take a good ol' yellow cab. My safety is in check.

When I'm meeting someone at 11 30 in the night outside a night club situation, I would be thinking and you would be thinking (say it with me) BOOTY CALL!!! I do not do booty calls people. I do club calls. And since my personality changes as a result of what happens and how I feel when things occur, does that make me a "chicken head" when I cause a scene for something that in a way had some validity for my reaction?

Here's what happened in a nutshell: I went to the club after 1. Ladies were free until one. I arrived after one because I wanted to leave my house at the last minute. I asked the promoter Compton what the cover was, he said I was ok since I was coming by myself (I had no objections to pay a cover, it's after one). I get there, Compton is not around. I paid the $15 reduced admission. I went in and I heard this girl saying it's not worth it. I heard another one saying that Compton better let her in free the next time she goes there. I'm thinking this is not good. But I'm in. No turning back. I had on a blazer with my I pod in it. I saw Dj Royal sitting by a booth and ASS-U-Med that this was a place he was staying. I asked a fellow if I could leave my blazer on a stool. He said sure, I ASS-U-Med that this was ok.

I went about my business, drank some Heineken, laughed at the bartender singing to the music being played by the DJ, looked at a fight that was about to happen between a man and a woman, danced and kept it moving. I noticed how the club was scant again. Girls were dancing on a strip pole (get the practice in). The place was nice, but it sucked that no one was there to fill it up. What's good with the promotion? The DJ was playing some Hip Hop old and modern. I was bored with it (the crowd was too), so I asked if he would be a dear and play some reggae music. He then had another Dj in the real DJ booth, play some Reggae. I was happy :). I was disgusted because I was being approached by guys wearing sun glasses, men with sour breath and men calling me "Baby" that I needed a shot of Patron to keep up my dancing libido.

I went to get my Patron and the bartender when I asked him to show me what his measurement of a Patron was, showed me with a sour puss face and when I told him to give me a shot, poured me a double shot with a stink face. I'm thinking I'm losing my mind. I paid the man, took the shot and kept it moving.

The Dj is still playing the reggae music and I'm getting down and loving it sooo much. Then the man said that's the last song and I see the club owner talking to the DJ in the booth. I'm like HEEEEELL NO! People are leaving and the promoter gets word of it. He goes into the club and addresses the matter saying that the party isn't over, it's just a different Dj. I was thinking ok as long as he keeps the momentum up I'm ok. he doesn't! He goes back to the boring stuff and I'm dancing a little drunk, with a devil may come next to me and take me away attitude. I see the Dj leaving the booth and I asked him what happened. He told me that it was "club politics." There were mistakes afoot with the promoter double and triple booking Djs and getting paid and all sort of confusion. We got to dancing a tad. I was drunk but I was a happy drunk.

When 3 30 came and we had to leave I went to the bartender, I gave him a tip about treating his customers better, while I was getting hassled out of the club. I went for my blazer, NO BLAZER. My blazer was mistaken for a short black jacket. I know my blazer is gone. But seriously, someone took mine and mistook it for theirs with an I Pod in it? Boy was I screwed, and not in a good way. I was expecting a time of understanding. It was more like get the F* out, you were careless and we could give 2 sh* about your possessions and the time you take to look for it.

When I refused to leave in search of the jacket and the mishandling of the situation, one of the bouncers with his short, light ,skinny, ugly balding looking self, took his hand and pushed me out the club! I was about to knock him out had it not been for the tall heavy set bouncer that was protecting him. I told him about himself in a classless manner and well you could say the "angry/chicken head" drunk came out. I play nice when people play nice with me and vice versa. It's only fair.

I left wondering if this situation was worth the time and money spent attending the party. My conclusion was NO. Not only was the party poorly promoted, (e.g: the crowd is never big enough to fill up the space the party is held at), it was poorly organized (e.g: there were two Djs there, who were not supposed to be there), there was poor customer service coming from the security and bar staff. The main Dj's failure to interact with the crowd and help control the energy made the party lackluster. The promoter being unaware of the well-being of the people who attend his party. The idea is to get people to come to the party and to keep coming back, not to leave with a feeling that their experience was jipped. It's all about knowing the crowd coming, the maintenance of a promotion company and the assurance that the party will never be a waste of time that could be spent elsewhere.

Also be aware of clubs that are opened at 10pm and there is about a handful of people in it when you get there. If there's no line or a controlling/steady group of people coming in the club, the party will be lacking. Check the venue's rating and other party promotions held there to get an idea of what you may be getting yourself into. Even though the club may have been rated as one of the best two or three years ago, it is always wise to check the most recent rating of the place since the quality of ownership, management and promotion might change.

For instance, my roommate was encouraged by me to go to Katra for a bachelorette party, because it was suggested by Compton the promoter of the Eye Candy Thursdays and Fusion Fridays at BLVD. She ended up going and around 11pm the lounge was vacant! She also remarked that the bartender tried to hustle her and the group of the party by charging her extra for a round of drinks she ordered.) Case in point: brush up on your venue before going to a party that promoters give to you. Just because they tell you it will be "popping" does not mean that it will be. It still is what you make it, but don't overestimate the power of major interferences that will distract from the idea.

In reference to what happened to me at BLVD: I also realized that who I am is who I am. I am not opposed to admitting when something is my fault. I am opposed to being treated disrespectfully after I have been wronged. It does not matter if I am drunk, if I go to places solo or if I am out until late hours of the night, I am still in control of who I am. When you disrespect me, I will return the favor 3x over. If you treat me with respect I will return the favor as well. Don't think I'm going to stop dancing people. It's Jodance Life.

Stay Off the BLVD?

2009-09-19T13:34:00.016-04:00

I am sorry that it has been a while dancing people, but life takes a different turn once the summer starts to wind down. I have so much to tell you. But so little time. However I have one dance experience that does not leave me with an excuse not to write about it.

I have been to BLVD twice in my lifetime and the website portrays a wonderful look of the place. When the entire space is opened I realized that it is awesome. However I also realized that a promotion goes a long way and the crowd that comes with it is ESSENTIAL. Please check your crowd before going because it make or break your party/dancing/fun experience."Why?" you ask?

The first night I went to BLVD was for Eye Candy Thursday. I was invited there by DJ Royal, the friend who Djed at that the party for Nocturnal. He did his thing again at BLVD and I was loving the music and the sounds of the place. There was this guy who was high on Red Bull and I was wondering if I would be seeing him with wings because his energy for the whole night was amazing. (clap clap clap) He was having a good time! I liked the people dancing and having competitions with each other. I felt bad because girls came in with their bags and had to dance with them. So annoying! My advice to that is: NO BAGS.

Here is my suggestion: What to bring

1. Chapstick/lip balm/something for the lip

2.Cash/Atm card/Any kind of monetary source

3.House key/car key/ID
4. Phone/Blackberry/ Something to text with or talk with
5. Decent shoes that you can dance and walk in.

Now I know you are thinking "well I need my purse/ my bag to hold all those things." Have you seen a man in the club with a purse to hold his things in? Have you? If you have, let me know, because 99.99% of males do not have a purse in a club and my reasoning is because they know where to store their things. Where? Pants pockets! POCKETS!!! This is where you need to store your things too ladies. Pockets are not on the pants for decoration. They are on your pants for you to use them. How can you do this?
Easy as 1 2 3 4 5
1. Use one pocket for you cash/cards/Id

2. Use one pocket for house keys/car keys these in the back pocket because they will be hard to slide out. (Just take the keys off the ring and put them in the pocket. You can put them back on when you get home)
3.Use one pocket for your lip balm and slide it in the corner of one pocket (it should be small enough to fit)
4. Your phone can be placed in one pocket and while you're dancing with someone you can take it out and text your friends about how thick your dancing partner's inside pocket is. :)

5. Well the shoes thing is obviously not going to be going in your pocket, but if you need to wear heels make sure that they are trustworthy enough to take out dancing. If you're not going to a club that requires heels, wear flats that are comfy.

The night continued and I was awaiting the arrival of DJ Kast One from Hot 97 to show up. This was a promotion. I assumed he would be showing up, the crowd assumed he would be showing up and Dj Royal assumed he would show up. He was the one who had us fooled. NO SHOW. I was irate over this because there was no word as to why he did not show up. I asked Dj Royal and he had no explanation. The club owner explained to me that because the crowd was less than 200, Dj Kast One did not show up. Now I know Hot 97 is hot, Dj Kast One is hot (as a Dj), but when they diss the people who are expecting them to deliver on something and they don't, it's a rather dampening experience for everyone. Supposedly he was supposed to show up on the Friday as well.

I will say that Dj Royal held his own on this night and played some throwbacks: Destiny's Child Jelly to Kriss Kross Jump (who followed that trend?) I liked that he interacts with the crowd and moves his head to the music and make sure the crowd moves with him. In the end it was sad to hear him stop playing at 3:30!!! One because the owner told him it was a wrap. Two because there was less than 200 people there. Three because Dj Kast One was not coming. I was caught off guard, but I had a good time nonetheless.

What threw me about this experience was the fact that the club had some negative impact on the dance life. Besides the scant crowd and Dj Kast One ditching the booking, the club is next to one other club!

C rash Mansion. Two clubs + two different crowds + one owner for each club= one big disaster. BLVD was for the Hip Hop, Reggae loving crowd and Crash Mansion for new musicians and concert goers. What a grand idea. But they distract from each other and with one promotion company for each club, it's begging for tragedy. You can have a great Dj and a good promoter, but a party doesn't happen without people getting inside the club.

Renting a space and having to charge patrons $5 to $20 to come to the party, should be worthwhile on both sides. The Dj and musicians have to work harder to keep the people inside the club, the bartender (if they are respectable) have to make the people drunk!, the promoter has to make sure people get to the party, the owner has to make sure that the club stays opened and the people have to make sure they are getting what they went to the party for. So when I met Compton from CJP Production Systems, I appreciated the fact that I was at his party and he appreciated that I was there enjoying myself. It's not an easy business and since his promotion company is a starting business, it makes it harder to pull all the stops. I was later invited to attend one of his other party at BLVD on Fridays known as Fusion Fridays. Again, please refer to the previous statement: check your club crowd and what comes with it. I say this because what happened on the Friday I went, left me flabbergasted that I had a wakeup call from myself and all that marks me as a person came to light a little clearer.

What's the secret, Pegu?

2009-08-28T23:28:00.027-04:00

I am no diva. I am no a hustler. I just love to socialize and get to know people from different places. I like the simple thing in life with a big splash of excitement once in a blue. If I don't fit in, it is usually reaaaalllly obvious. But then I get over it the next day. Most likely you would too. This was the kind of affair I had going to the Pegu Club.

So Pegu. Reminds me of the French car Peugot. They even have similar symbols! Check it out

(Am I right or am I right?)

I really did not know I was going to be going to this place until the day of this event promoted by socialdiva.com. I got the source from my divalicious roommate who thought it would it would be good to broaden my horizon outside the booty shaking, grinding and wining and outrageous drinking I am accustomed to. Hey I don't blame her. I'm getting to be an old spinster with bad nightlife habits.

I was told that this was going to be a "posh" event, James Bondesque party. Spies and all with interesting code names. I took out this long sexy red dress I hardly wear but knew it would be fitting for the event. With some fake diamond earrings and a fake necklace, I was ready to kick it with these people. I truly don't believe in the value of material things (Sorry folks). We get to the secret location and I was rather excited because Pegu is in a "secret" location! It's a hole in the wall: with an inside door and tinted windows and doors, so if you had no intention to find it, you really wouldn't.

We got inside and there was a doorman who asked us for the password to get in. We told him and he smiled and let us walked upstairs. No one there. The party started at 6 and we got there at 8. We saw a few people scattered throughout the place. In the email we were told that we would be sucked into a James Bond world. But there was nothing espionage-like about it. We had a few people who dressed well to suit the part. But then there was no one dressed as well as my roommate and myself. We took to the bar and was introduced to the drink menu for the event. There were drinks based on the ideals of the movie from 007 to the M Royale. I believe that this is a common theme that you will find at Pegu. Party themes--which explains why there may not be an open invitation to go to this place.

I liked the M Royale that was made with a touch of champagne, rosewater and lime juice. It was delicious. I spotted a container of mint on the counter and thought it inventive to add it to my drink! It was like an upgraded version of a mo-hito. I decided to ask the bartender, who invented the original, if he could be a sweetie and add a sprig of mint to the drink. His replied: "I'll make my drink how I make it and then you can do whatever you want to it when I serve it." Say what now grouchy stuffy bartender?!!! I wrote off the customer service at that instant because I did not insult the drink, I just love mint and thought it good to add a little touch to it. No need to get stuffy about it. But also know that if you order a drink it's good looking and overall they're not bad.

I was still waiting for the little hole in the wall to be packed. But it was not happening. I looked for the doorkeeper and even he left before the party was over. I guess there was no one spying on the place for him to ask for that secret password anymore. My roommate was busy interacting with this James Bond Whiz man, Chris. But it seemed since the party was dead, he was trying to get busy with her in another way. So like James Bond to do that! Gosh!

I will say that Pegu is a nice little secret hidden locale in SOHO manhattan. But the promotion of the party and the crowd is looooow. So here's a suggestion from your's truly: Start snooping around Pegu. But go there for the classy, lowkey intimacy of the place. No raging party here. It is hearty and comfortable. But beware of the wise bartender, he might let you find out more about how he feels about customer service than you'd care to know. Also, I say if you're part of the socialdiva email list you should complain to them about bad promotion of a cool movie party on a Sunday. Seriously, people do have to work the next day. Even if it's a nice Sunday.

I have more to come people. I know I've been lagging. But what can you expect from a girl who's going places she isn't supposed to be late in the night? It's Jodance life.

Don't Be Afraid to Touch

2009-08-24T21:55:00.000-04:00

"I know you think Imma..." You know how the song goes. And if you don't, you must not know Amerie. But this Saturday event has nothing to do with her or the song. I am just filled with digressions if you haven't noticed already.

Touch is the name of the club venue a friend of mine and I went to on August 15th. I was going to go anyhow, but it was her birthday and so we just landed there together. I had called the club to find out what's good with the cover just in case the poster was off. I was told that if I said my name and that I was on the "House list" that my admission would be free before 12. Hey that works for me and my friend right? Wrong. We get there after 12.

I got there before her, around 12 30. I mentioned the "House list" had the door people look at each other like "how did she find out about the comp?" and as I was walking to the ticket booth, this goodlooking bouncer says to the cashier, "she's reduced." I got all excited thinking I've defied the system, only to be told I have to pay $20 to get in the club. I didn't even bother to find out what the cost of partying at this place was because I was just thinking that I just need to go inside and get a drink! I AM NO ALKIE, but a drink helps calm me down in certain situations--like this one. As I got in and I must say I can't deny that I like this place. So I get over paying my $20. (My friend had to pay $40 to get in at 1 30. It was her birthday...no comp). I also came to the conclusion that since we're around 52nd street, it's only fair. What can I say?

So what did I like about Touch?

1. It's a friendly environment. I mean: I look around and I see EVERYBODY is SMILING at you!

2. It's interactive. I mean: I TOUCH the BAR and it LIGHTS UP!

3. It's diverse. I mean: I see errrybody. ASIANS, CAUCASIANS, BLACKS and HISPANICS.

4. It's a dance house. I mean: I hear all types: POP, ROCK, TECHNO, HIP HOP and REGGAE.

5. It's cool. I mean: I feel the AC, I feel I'm chilling with a PEOPLE, the cold HEINEKEN makes me feel good.

I was there singing "Pour some sugar on meeee" drinking my beer and paying no mind to people looking at me like "she is pa-thetic!" Like whatever! That's my song and I'm rolling solo until the person I'm waiting for get there. You can hate all you want. HAHA.

So what didn't I like about Touch?
1. It's too clean. I mean: What's with the CLEANING CREW? Spill a drink and like the CIA, they're ready to CLEAN UP.

2. It's hiding the Dj. I mean: DJ BOOTH is FAR from the crowd. CAN'T SEE DJ.

3. It's shabby music: I mean: MUSIC was DIVERSE, but it WASN'T CURRENT. (It was music we knew from 80s through early 2000)

4. It's small breathing room. I mean: There was NOT MUCH ROOM TO DANCE on the lower level.

5. It's a drunk club. I mean: You have to GET DRUNK or tipsy in order to thoroughly ENJOY the CLUB.

With the compare and contrast out of the way, I will say that Touch was ok. It was fun when I had 2 shots of Patron, a Corona, a Whiskey Sour (it was gooood) and some ice cubes. (I was dancing like my butt was on fire during drinks...). I got to dancing with some Italian men, some spanish men, some Korean men, some West Indian men and with my friend. We even got it in with some glow in the dark rods. I think it's a perk in the club as it's supposed to light up a dark space. If I didn't come up with the idea first, I would call the place "Light" or "Glow" because that's really what happens when you move: The space LIGHTS UP or gives a certain GLOW when you're in an area. But hey, I didn't come up with the idea and I'm not the one making the money off it.

WARNING: MAJOR DIGRESSION. APPROACH WITH CAUTION.

Something my friend made me realize as we were dancing, was that there really is nothing wrong with dancing with yourself. I was dancing with guys who approached me and she was rejecting those who approached her. What did that say about how comfortable I was dancing alone? And what did it say about our individual reliance on men? It definitely was like the mating ritual at the dance club and I finally understood the concept. It's purely sexual and physical because each gender gets to exhibit how they move and choose the kind of mate they're willing to move with.If you notice, a majority of people who go to nightclubs are: single, looking for a "good time," celebrating a particular occasion from birthdays to bachelorette parties, or working for an entertainment company. If there are couples there, the mood between them is not as great as the single folks because they contain how they would dance with someone else if they were single. Not where I wanted to take the story but this is where I ended up as I was thinking about the night. Take it or leave it.

We closed the club at 4. We left happily and came out to see transgendered men (some of them looked better than me!!!) walking out of the Roseland Ballroom across the street from Touch. I asked a few guys what the event was and they were quick to tell me about the Latex Ball, a competition for LBGTs that's held annually at different parts of the country. I never saw a happier group of people leave a competition. It was by far my favorite part of the night. What's going on at Touch this week?

TOUCH ME FRIDAYS

8.28.09

Welcomes Celebrity DJ RIZ From NYC'S Crooklyn Clan Spinning the Best in Classics, Funk & Hip-Hop

*NYC's Hottest Three Level Venue!

Touch is located in the heart of Times Square 240 West 52nd St.between Broadway & 8th Avenue

It's a good club to go to, but I have to keep it moving. On Sunday the 16th, I was invited to a secret party held at NYC. I'll share that secret with you tomorrow.

It's Jodance Life.

So Nocturnal

2009-08-22T22:29:00.000-04:00

I was born around 1 am in the morning of a summer night. There are two things that came about as a result of this event. I live for the summer AND I LIVE FOR THE NIGHTLIFE! Seriously. I'm a slugger during the day, but my energy get piqued in the night whether I'm tired or not. What does this have to with anything? Nocturnal nightclub is what. Hel-looo.

This was the place I landed after having a birthday celebration with an old high school teacher. I got there through the invitation of the upcoming Dj, DJ Royal. Where is this place? It's in Brooklyn and I thought that since I hardly find myself in Brooklyn on a regular basis, that it would be right to continue celebrating life at this place on aThursday night.

Nocturnal

1623 Flatbush AveBrooklyn,

NY 11210-3259

So the journey there wasn't bad, as I came from the outdoor Mexican eatery and market, The Habana Outpost located around the Forte Greene area in Brooklyn. I encourage you to take a look at this eatery as it's a good place to get together with friends; but it also have a well-rounded vib of a Brooklyn community.

On to the better part: Nocturnal. I was told by Dj Royal that there wouldn't be a cover that night and that the dresscode would be "Dresss to impress." I'm not one to really get dressed to impress a crowd in a nightclub. It's dark enough for people to see me and I always look presentable. But then again not everyone understands that when you go to a nightclub or anywhere outdoors, that you should dress yourself in a certain way that doesn't make you look like you're trying toooo hard to impress anybody.

I get to the club around 11 and I get frisked by the bouncer, Jude. (All the perks of a nightlife.I only carry my hands for a weapon. Jeez). I get inside and am told that the cover is $10! Hey that's my drink money, I'm not about to give up that easily. I told the people at the door that I was with DJ Royal and with a little finessing, I got in for free. But just so you know, cover for Nocturnal on Thursday is $10.

As I wait for my friend DJ Royal to show up, I'm getting jiggy with the DJ that's playing. I don't get his name because he's busy doing his job and me trying to get his attention was out of the question. He's playing oldschool Hip Hop and Reggae and things I would not hear at a regular nightclub. I'm loving it though. I know: shame on me for not knowing who he is. As I look over the faces in the club, I see some younger classmates from my undergrad college. Discovered that one of them is throwing a birthday party for a friend and that's where DJ Royal came in. I get hit with some Haitian music and most of the crowd is dancing to some Creole. I think you know whose house this was.
Nocturnal is a place that accomodates a good crowd. It's possible to reserve the entire space of the lower level with the right connection. The lower level is a real snug place that still gives you room to dance. I noticed that with just two or three years of seperation between these people, I was at a big college party! OH NO! OH YEAH! I missed those days though. Going to parties on a Thursday at Webster Hall and then going to class on Friday at 2PM. You did it too. Don't even raise your eyebrow.

I heard "Watch Out for the Big Girl" and I did; but I did not watch out for the girl pumping it on the hooha of some guy on the floor! Something tells me we're not dancing in nightclubs anymore. ***I do want to say that girls if you go to a party at a nightclub, you're going there to dance. Don't sit on the sidelines looking at the other dancing girls, dancing in your seat and then reject a guy who wants to dance with you. You want to do something in the club, just do it. Who's going to remember what you did? (hahahaha) Wipe it out.

When DJ Royal show up at 1 30, the crowd gets hyped. I think he gets the crowd hyped because he's hyped too. You have to love that about any kind of entertainment. If you like entertaining, it's not hard at all to get the people around you feeling your vibe and rocking with you. He gives birthday shoutouts to the birthday girl and his St. Joseph's people.

He gets some more old school music in the mix and people start this singing Montell Jordan's "This is How We Do It." But it was Thursday night and DJ Royal was "Goin Innn" hard because that how he do it. While he played the dance song "Stanky Leg," I saw dudes doing it and thought it really is a unisex dance done appropriately.

Another thing he did that made me realize I was not in the right place for my age group. "All my nineties babies make some noise!!!" I heard a large roar in the crowd. Oh dear. I am out of this loop by ten years people. I also realized that I seriously need to learn these new dance moves!He then defiled Beyonce's "Single Ladies" with "if you like it then you shoulda put your mouth on it." (?) But I guess that makes sense too...When the Reggae music started, NO LIN-GA, NO LIN-GA, NO LIN-GA ,NO LIN-GA. I love my Jamaican men, but when they're so limber and flexible themselves, what does that say about their performance in...? Think about it. It seemed the fellas were running the house because they were doing more of the dancing than the ladies.

I got happy when I heard the Dolla Wine song, "cent, five cent, ten cent, dolla" and moved my waist like I was trying to hold on to a falling hula hoop. ha. Then he continued to play some more soca and calypso! Then he played the birthday anthem, Jerimih's, "Birthday Sex" and I thought of the good and bad things about this song. A) It's nice that I guy would want to give you sexual pleasure on your birthday. If you're in a serious relationship you just deserve it. B) The sex may be good, but it's also a bad thing: if that's the only thing he can afford to do or think of doing to make the birthday special...and then have the nerve to think it's cute to sing about it? I might as well just pull out the next best thing...

I definitely got knocked out at Nocturnal. With the music from Dj Royal and his pumped vibe, to the young crowd that made me want to put a little more pep in my step, to the GOOD GOOD GOOD music and dancing of crazy Caribbean people, I had a good time. You can find out what's popping off at Nocturnal by calling 347 787 0008. Until the next time I end up in Brooklyn, you should make the trip to go one night. And if you live in Brooklyn then I don't need to say much.

For more Dj Royal check out what he's saying: "THIS THURSDAY AUGUST 27TH IT'S GOIN DOWN @ CLUB BLVD. YOUR'S TRULY "Mr. Gettin' It in" DJ ROYAL and HOT 97 HEAVY HITTER DJ KAST ONE on the WHEELS OF STEEL PLAYIN YOUR FAVORITES...TEXT ME @ 347-528-5668 IF YOU WANNA KNOW HOW TO GET A BOTTLE FOR $FREE.99...WHYYYY NOOTTT!!"

It's Jodance Life.

Reggae Gold at BB Kings

2009-08-10T14:47:00.000-04:00

My roommate's been cutting on me this week 'cause it seems I was trying to go hard this past weekend. But I'm a night club junkie, can you really blame me?! I have all this pent up energy with nothing to do with it except shake my bom bom, shake my bom bom oh! It's better than smoking in a di party and getting drunk dancing and getting cranberry vodka all over yu nice white lacey tank top. Cuya.

So BB KINGS. SNL. REGGAE GOLD RELEASE PARTY!!!! I'm going. Going. Gawn. Where do I start? If you don't know about BB Kings on Saturday, I'm going to let you know right now it's not the gospel, blues singing, guitar playing party at 10pm on a Saturday Night. I think Mr. King would be a tad surprised by the going ons in this place. But hey, what you don't know won't hurt you right?(...) It's powered by the Djs of New York's Power 105.1 Kulcha, Self and Norie with host Obie. Every Saturday you get there before 12 and get on a guest list, you're FREE. If not, it's at least $20. I was fortunate enough to make it in time with the line and all. Whoo!

BEWARE: You're on a guest list, you get in free. It does not guarantee a full house by then. It's a part of the club's gimmick: Stall the line so that after 12, you have to pay $20. Arrive at big clubs early to ensure you get in with that free pass. Come on now.

Reggae Gold 2009 Album features reggae artists Sean Paul, Mavado, Etana, Elephant Man, Jah Vinci and more reggae/dancehall artists with hits from 2008 to 2009. Sponsored by VP records this album release party meant that this night was going to be popping. I get up into BB Kings. I'm chilling in my red heels and a bothersome black tube top, (loose strapless, lost a lot of weight this summer at LUCILLE ROBERTS (plug plug plug) and I start to look around. I see people dancing, but the birthday booths are not filled yet. (Ladies, BB Kings require you to be wearing heels to get in, but you know you can get you some flip flops in there with the right kind of purse).I have to hit the bar to get my drink.

I saw an advertisement for P Diddy's Ciroc on a yellow taxi cab before entering the club. I decided to get me a shot. I ordered it at $11. Have mercy. It was GOOOOOD. It's not as harsh as Absolut, it had a kind of smooth sweet taste to it that I was like whiskey sour is going to be taking a break tonight. I continued about my business and started to observe some serious camera hogging on the dance floor. Not cool to have the photogs take more than 2 pics of you. You're not paying him! DJ Kulcha was playing some modern hip hop to get the crowd going and some were moving. I was wondering where the rest of the people were.

At 1 30, true to the theme, I'm hearing "when I see you smile" and I'm happy as a kid on ritalin. Kukcha calling out people and where the coming from, why I heard a whole buncha people hailing from Haiti? I'm good with my Haitian crew, but we dancing to some Jamiacan reggae, a weh di Jamaicans? But si ya.! Ha ha. When you hear people singing J A M A I C A, Jamaica, how many of them are from Jamaica??? At 2 15, my favorite reason for going to B B Kings show up. DANCERS!!! Cause I can only grind, I have no moves with all the dancing I'm doing. Ironny?

Also girls, if you're the one doing all the moving and the guy you're "dancing" with is not moving, you should take it as a hint for you to move on. Unless you're actually refusing to move for a different reason other than dancing. Oh!

I like the dancers and so I get me another shot of Ciroc and head out on the dance floor. While the dancers start to go at it, "Pop Lock, and Drop It" Huey show up on the stage doing his thing inviting all the "sexy" ladies from the floor to get on the stage. Say What Now??? They got up there only to be escorted off for their short moment in the spotlight. OOPS! I'm watching my favorite dancer Tamikko and her co dancer walk off the stage during this incident and I'm steaming mad. I hear Huey and Dj Self (Self trying to be cool with Huey's madness) going at it. It was kinda funny.SMH

So I like to think of SNL as a good excuse for a mini concert because you sometimes get your little surprise celebrities, Djs and dancers. Well I chose the Djs and the dancers over the surprise artist tonight. I took great delight in DJ Self cracking jokes at everyone. One of my faves was when he asked the girls if they were happy with the man they were with and some of the girls were hyped about it...then he said "Fellas take a look around cause we trying to get to" and then "Single Ladies" started playing!!! As he was playing the anthem, he said "Now ladies, I no you might not like what I'm about to say, but this explains why you're single and he started to play "She Ain't Got No Money in the Bank!" Oh lawd. What a piece a trouble. But you love it!

I like the dancers too because they give the stage and the people around the stage that energy that some of the bystanders lack. I look at Tamikko with her long blond braid, rocking her body and I'm like "damn I want to move like that!" While I'm dancing to the soca and the dancehall, I'm looking at these girls vibe with the music and the Dj. It was on fire!!! Or maybe the AC was just a bit low to the point where I was dripping with sweat. The dancers were always smiling and after it was time to go, I got a chance to speak with Tamikko. Little 'ol me. I discovered she is a hit all over the place and again if you want to check her out, check out her myspace: http://www.myspace.com/84242151 51 or check out this interview she did on youtube. She with all her fierceness is a real sweet heart.

In any case I had myself a good night at BB Kings. You can find the same DJs, same music and dancers at the same place everrry Saturday. Don't forget to get there early though if your wallet is empty, so you can get in without shelling out your pocket. This Saturday I'll be going to Touch for another kind of experience. Maybe I'll see you there. It's Jodance life.

The Green Element 2

2009-08-09T23:07:00.001-04:00

This past Friday had two different events taking place on the same night. My friends had ended up at Tavern on the Green (See The Green Element 1 for Tavern on the Green)and then we decided to leave because the ambience was not quite what we were after on this particular night. With my phone to the rescue and a bulk mail list, I was able to find another location via 7days7nights entertainment.

Now I know that there are going to some major Labor Day party celebrations that's going to cost ALOT pocket change. So I'm urging you to look now for some good deals that are being offered by promoter and entertainment companies. Seriously, if you're planning to go hard, make sure you have that party hearty plan in check. 7days7nights works well to promote feel good parties for hip hop lovers, for latin lovers and for caribbean music lovers. So when I spotted that Friday Night at Element was going to be FREE for everybody and their generation before 12, I jumped on the oppurtunity to make sure that my friends were going to have a good time. This night was also do or die for me because there were two of my friends who I had not seen in a long time that I wanted to share my dancelife experiences with.

We left from 66 Street to head down to Houston street on the 1 train. Gallavanting in the train, we were filled with excitement and our soul's appetite was whet with dancing fever. Once we arrived at Element we stayed on the line for about 15 minutes when we made it inside the club. Word to wise and the ones who want to be informed: always mention the guestlist you're on before stepping up to the cashiers. They have no problem letting you pay $20 to dance your butt off for 4 hours. For $20 you can buy yourself a cheap outfit or a few drinks at the bar. Once we got to the cashier that we were on 7days7nights guest list we were able to start having ourselves a good time.

I looked around the club and I liked the design of the place so much that I ignored the music that was playing. (Also I heard no reggae music being played, which did not cause my hips to gyrate to anything at the moment.) The music being played was throwbacks from the 90s hip hop/rb which my friends and I took the time to recall were what we used to dance to when we were in Junior High. You know the songs: "Big Pimpin" by Jay Z, "Peaches n Cream" by 112, "Back that Thang Up" by Juvenile etc etc. Memories!!!

Around 1 we started to hear some reggae music played and sure enough my hips, butt, thighs, waist started to move. I'm Jamaican and when I hear reggae music I feel no pain. I saw my friends booty grinding with a few men. I loved that I was looking at a married woman and a mother-to-be wine up demself inna di dance hall. Have mercy. But you must know that if you're going to a nightclub, you're going there to have fun. NOTHING ELSE. Leave the drama and the homelife outside.

The night continued with a lot of dancing. The club's AC did wonders for us with all the heat we were pumping. We left at 2 in the morning after the married mother was worn out. :). We had ourselves a wonderful time. Reggae Night at Element is every Friday. You get some soca, some modern reggae, some old reggae, some hip hop all in the same night. When you feel for some reggae in your system take a couple of people and go to Element! It's Jodance life.

The Green Element 1

2009-08-09T15:26:00.000-04:00

On Friday I invited a few friends and YOU to promoter's Eric Vega's Sax After Dark party at Tavern on the Green. I knew that there was no way I was going to turn down an oppurtunity for a free dance party/mixer/networking event. Especially at Tavern on the Green located in Central Park!

Upon entering the park with 2 of my friends (I know I said I have no one to go to the club with me. BUT under this circumstance, it was not past anyone's bedtime since the party started at 6 in the evening) I liked the little walk taken from outside of the street to the restaurant. I saw a limo and thought that someone was having a major event here. (I do get excited when I see limousines! Don't look down on me.)

As we entered the restaurant we went up to the door service and said we were there for the Eric Vega party. A lady told us that since we were ladies we were free all night. Now I should have had bells ringing the first instance when one of my friends got in with her jeans, since the description in the invitation mentioned that part of the dresscode was "no jeans." Nevertheless we strolled into this beautiful space, highlighted by oriental lanterns hanging off the tree branches, the melodic sound of the jazz band and the pure ambience of an exquisite dining experience. (Record scratch: Where's the party?)

We had reached the party after 8 and was expecting to see people moving around and socializing. Instead we were met with Tavern on the Green's patrons enjoying dinner in this garden with a wonderful jazz band to set the mood for a more INTIMATE vibe. I love my girls, but I'm not about to share any kind of intimacy with them at this moment. I was there to dance and get to know new people.

I approached Eric and asked about where we should be for his party. The response ended up being that there were two kinds of tables set up in the restaurant. One for the diners (White) and another for the his party (pink). As my friends and I looked around we saw that there were more white tables than pink tables and the pink tables were already taken by those sitting in the back of the garden. I told Eric that there was going to be three other girls accompanying me at the soiree. (Reminder: It's not past anyone's bedtime and we're not really at a nightclub). We had to eventually request dinner service for us to get a table to sit and wait for the 3 other females who were going to show up...

Now I recommend that at least one day in your life, if your pocket can hold it's own in gold that you go to Tavern on the Green. It is really a place that beckons a sultry experience. It's perfect for an intimate date, wedding reception or lavish and luxurious parties. The food smelled and looked wonderful as the waiters walked around us sitting and waiting. The hostess and the waiter who gave us our menus were also waiting...we were waiting for the mixer to start and for my friends to get to the park. We listened to the jazz musicians woo the diners and some couples (keyword: Couples) were dancing on the small dance floor. Can the three of us say "awkward"? Yes we can and we did. Not because we did not like the place and the tone of it all, but it was not what we were expecting. In light of trying to gather enough gusto to have us a good time, the vibe was not coming soon enough and we had to leave. We took our leave at 9 30 and decided to try to go a nightclub party promoted by 7days7nights promotions.

Sidenote: I criticize the use of technology in my other blog Best Way to Keep My Word, but boy was I happy that I could use the internet on my phone to check my email and find the email for this other event. IIIRONYYY!!!

I have not been able to experience all that Sax After Dark has to offer and as the saying goes "if at first you do not succeed, try and try again". So I am going to try and have myself a good time next Friday. Meanwhile you can check out the other parties that are held at Tavern on the Green during the week. I might be cruising through these as well at some point before the summer is over.

Dancing Under The Stars

Monday Night
SouLatino! Featuring La Kalle 105.9 DJ Johnny Famolari
Doors Open at 6pm
$10 Cover Charge

Tuesday Night
Social Lite Tuesdays
Featuring Half Price Drink Specials!
Doors Open at 7pm
$10 Cover Charge

Wednesday Night
No Dancing

Thursday Night
Garden Dance Party
This Outdoor Extravaganza is Presented By Gordon & Erikk Von Broock.
The Party Starts at 7pm
$5 Cover Charge

Friday Night
After Work Fridays
Featuring Top 40 Dance and House Music
Doors Open at 6pm
$10 Cover Charge

Saturday Night
No Dancing

Sunday Night
Sunday, August 9th
Eric Silvey Presents "Music from The Big Band Era through The 70's"
The party starts at 7pm
$10 Cover Charge

Come to Tutuma

2009-08-06T12:34:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went to a meetup group called the Art of Mixology. It was intended to be a meetup group for bartending, but it ended up being a whole lot more than what I expected.

The organizer of the group and co-owner of the meetup venue Tutma Social Club is Santina Matwey. As I entered this nook of a restaurant I was a hit of warmth and coziness that made me feel that I was about to be involved in something wonderful. I was able to meet a new group of people who decided to make a journey to this little secret by 50 Street. (Those are my kind of people--always up for an adventure in the middle of the work week. Heyyy) I was also introduced to a deeeelicious make of a mojito. Seriously it was good. I'm not going to tell you the secret ingredient, you can check out the restaurant or talk to the a-dorable bartender Carolina Digiacomo. (She is willing to share the secret, if you're truly interested in knowing what the blissful liquid is you're sipping on!).

In Tutuma, I had a taste of a Mojito, a passion sour (mmmmm sexy), and a bombshell known as the "sex wax."

(Left: Passion sour, Center: Mojito, Right: Sex wax)

With the urging of senorita Matwey, I was coerced into having a delightful and relaxing time. The ambience was friendly, calm, peaceful and truly inviting. You can take a look around this homey restaurant and get a sense of belonging. And who doesn't want to feel that when they enter a stranger's house that they belong there, regardless of where they're coming from? (Warning: Spanish speaking attempt could be considered a butchering to those fluent in Spanish "No preoccupado a la Tutuma Social Club. Los Casa, es su casa").

You can drink and dine on some Peruvian tapas. I enoyed a Causa sampler (a seafood medley of octupus, shrimp, salmon and tuna) and an "Aji De Gallina" Fondue. I am usually not fond of fondue, but this one was "orgasmic" if I might so myself as a female enjoying a mixture of pieces of chicken, crisp potatoes, mozarrella cheese, pecans (oh my) black olives and ohhh some quail eggs!!! (If you did not know that quail eggs were considered an aphrodisiac, I'm telling you now...and now you know)

For more selections from Tutuma Social Club check out the menu and other amenities check out: http://www.tutumasocialclub.com/dinner.htm.

Another reason why I couldn't leave Tutuma (I had originally planned to stay for an hour. I was swooned...) was the jazz band. There are various jazz bands that play every night at Tutuma and I was tantalized by the groove and sounds from Greg Diamond's jazz band.

Isn't he just handsome? and his band mates were tooo. I invited my ex boyfriend to join me on this thrill ride and like a psychic I knew he would enjoy the experience. (Ms. Cleo and I are kinda related). For those of you wondering about the latter, I say there is nothing wrong with keeping in contact with an old flame. Even of the friendly kind :).

There wasn't much dancing, but there was a lot of spirit at the Tutuma Social Club. I plan on being there the next time there's a meetup. It's good company, good food, good drinks and good music. Now if that's not the kind of world you're looking for, I really can't help you find a better recipe for a good time and therefore will leave you to your own devices. It's Jodance life.

PSSSST: To those who are contemplating what to do this Friday night take a look at the flyer below. Social entertainment promoter Eric Vega hosts this party every Friday. It requires a level of taste, courtesy and if you're a classy lady, you're FREE ALL NIGHT entry to a party at Tavern on the Green. I'm going. Maybe I'll see you there.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

At night, Tavern on the Green is aglow with hundreds of lanterns and thousands of tiny lights in trees and bushes, on the sculpted animals and along the building. Tavern on the Green is a celebration of light and reflection with its shimmering crystal chandeliers and glass walls, affording fabulous vistas of Central Park.

**Guys: Mention my name (Eric Vega) to my door staff. It's free for all of you till 8pm. After 8pm, its only $8. using my name. Otherwise $20

**Girls never pay, they are free all night.

**Doors open 5pm Most arrive by 7pm ** Party ends at 12-1am
**Music by DJ Freddy Retro. Jazz band by Yaz and company
**Enter on West 67 street at Central Park.
**Dress code. No jeans, no sneakers.
**By Subway 1 & 9 train to 66th Street/Lincoln Center. Exit station and walk east two blocks to Central Park West and north one block to 67th Street.. Enter into Central Park at 67th Street. The front entrance of Tavern on the Green is inside Central Park.

Primal affair

2009-08-02T14:36:00.000-04:00

August 1! What a way to start this month off. Grreat weather the only day of the weekend from start to finish. (Sunday, ironically was more rain than sun) But in this wonderful Saturday, the sun was shining and the temperature was ranging somewhere between the 80s without any humidity. It was a good day to go to the beach, to the park, barbecue hopping, shopping and whatever excuse you could think of for not staying indoors. If you had to stay indoors on this wonderful day my heart goes out to you.

Saturday started off great and it was not about to let humans end their day on a bad note and with that said, the night came. Not a cloud in the sky. There was a half moon though. It was a beautiful night. And a good night for me to head out and hit the dance floor.

I usually receive emails about nightclub events being held in the city and one entertainment company that I usually receive event information from is Lowe r Deck Productions. This is an entertainment company that caters to the all kinds of people that like to dance to anything ranging from hip hop to latin to techno. It promotes the atmosphere for a free for all but it's a good thing because that means that if you're going to the event you're bound to hear and dance to something that's just for you.

I decided to go to this event that they promote as Status Quo Saturdays. They were promoting this event at the venue called Prime. The flyer called to me and I answered with full intention of having a good time. It was ladies night which for Status Quo meant getting in FREE--ALL NIGHT!!!

.

I end up at Prime around 12am. There was no line. The men and the female had no hard time getting with a receptive door service. I mentioned I was on the Lower Deck Guest List and mosied my way into the club. It was a bit scant because it was only 12 but I got hit with some latin music coming from Mizz DJ Frances and the people were dancing to the music. I went to the bar to get my starter: whiskey sour. I got my drink, thought it cute and funny that the bartender wasn't happy that I failed to tip him on my first drink! (Good looking bartenders ladies. And there was a a contestant from Tyra's ANTM bartending as well, I see her at different nightclubs from time to time. I don't remember her name).

I was sipping on my drink when I noticed that there was this photographer talking to some ladies by the bar. He was very friendly. He saw me standing there and gave me a nod of the head. I nodded back. He ended up leaving his lady friends and approached me. I told him I was working as a nighclub blogger. (yes I actually made up my business then an there). I asked him for his business card and he gave me. His name is Gary Santana of GDS Arts and he mentioned to me that he was at the New York International Latin Film Festival taking pictures of latin celebrities. He was very humble about who he was, his passion for his art and what he does. We had to part ways when he was summoned to take some pictures by the VIP section of the club. La di da.

After I spoke with Gary, his friend Marco Perez and I started to talk. We got into a discussion about why we were at this club, I again mentioned that I was working as a blogger (hey I might as well let the dream rock until the night is over) and I "explained" that I get "paid" to blog about different events taking place in New York City night clubs. (Have I no shame you say? There is no shame in my game). He mentioned that he was the organizer of a latin social group found on Meetup.com called United La tino Professional. He had organized the meetup group to go to the latin film festival and then to head to Prime for an after party. We danced a little, he bought me 2 Jacksours (bartender received a tip for both drinks after a little tiff over me being a lousy tipper :), he made them stronger too!) and we danced some more.

After the interaction with Marco I wandered around Prime: I inhaled the sweet smell of some mari-ju-ana, saw the birthday booths being filled in slowly but surely, danced a little with this guy wearing glasses in the club (?). I came to the realization that there is no such person as a loser, only those who try to get a dancing partner and just don't. This is what happened as I watch a poor soul try to dance with a few girls who just walked away from him when he tried. As I ventured into the latin room and saw a mixture of hispanic and caucasian dancers. I also realized that white men can dance, I just wonder if they are dancing to a particular rhythm that only they and their partners get.

The best moments of the nights were the music, dancing and my inebriated state! I was taken aback by the chorus singing to Grease's "You're the One that I want" to Nicle S' "Baby If You Want Me." Since the atmosphere was so lively, it was not that hard to shake my groove thang until there was nothing left. I had 2 shots of patron, a bottle of corona and I was making friends like nobody's business taking group pictures for girls. It was Grrrreat. Status Quo is popping off next week Saturday again. But I'm heading to Saturday Night Live at BB Kings next Saturday.

Maybe I'll see you there. It's Jodance life.

Jodance Intro

2009-08-02T13:56:00.000-04:00

Hey there dance folks. So I have created this blog with the intention that I will be riding solo from here on out to dance clubs in New York City. Why? Friends are not into the club scene anymore-- either because they have significant others or because they have lost their dance club libido. Well, I haven't and I've decided to ride solo.

Hitting the club solo is not that bad for me as a female. I get dressed, put a little make up on, walk down to the 1 train station uncomfortably in my Payless heels, get on the train and listen to my I-pod until I've entered the dance club I want to go to. It's always a riot when the doorman sees me by myself, but a simple smile and a glide into the club usually dismisses the fact that I am a sexy female going to club alone.

Upon entering the club I get a drink, usually I have a Jacksour and Heineken to help get the night started. Then the graduation to Patron and Coronas heightens the night and the experience for me. I dance solo to the music if I like the music selection, sometimes a fellow or more will be a part of the dancing and we have us a good time. The atmosphere can change during the night and that makes it an interesting night for all of us there at the club. Sometimes I end up leaving solo and sometimes I don't ;). But I always want to share my experience with the world because it's like recapping what happened that night with your girlfriends or guyfriends. So here we are.

Read and have fun with me as I rehash my dance life.