guestofaguest

Go HERE for more photos by STEVEN EKEROVICH and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! Word from those in the know this guy has been all about the end of our favorite best $2k spot, Merkato 55. According to “sources”, Megu has been negotiating a move to take over the space, home of those infamous brunch gatherings.* I went straight to Daniel and Derek Koch, the masterminds behind the brunch to get the scoop: “The Megu plan was an idea about a month ago but not anymore. I believe they met with Hiro and his team but the negotiations went south, end of story. The brunch is here to stay and Bijoux isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. I agree, times are tough but the Merkato/Bijoux families are strong operators and it’s going to take a lot more than a few bad months to get them to go. However, be on the look out for a new concept (food/design) at Merkato very soon. “ More photos below…

Go HERE for more photos of this event by STEVEN EKEROVICH and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! Last night, we got to sit front row at one of the most exciting events I’ve been to in NYC, care of Steven.* The mega fight night at BBKings only happens every 8-12 weeks, and last night’s brought in the big name attendees.* Mostly to watch Tor Hamer the Heavyweight from NYC who is considered a strong contender to be a future World Heavyweight Champion.* Promoted by Lou DiBella who produced the evening, and has quite the story himself… More story and photos below… Lou DiBella is currently one of the most important boxing promoters in the country.* He is Brooklyn born of Italian American parents.* After attending Harvard Law School, he worked in programming for HBO until he started his own Entertainment Production Company, DiBella Entertainment. His largest name boxer of late is Pauli Malignaggi (pictured from last night at left) who, until a few weeks ago, was the Jr. Welterweight World Champion. We had so much fun sitting ring side at this event and are looking forward to the next one. Thanks Steven!* Browse through more photos below… Joseph Rabotte, Myrtle Beach, SC. Heavyweight, won fight. Cara Castronova, Golden Gloves Champion with Pauli Malignaggi, Former Jr. Welterweight World Champion Tor Hamer, Heavyweight from NYC Ashley Simko, Stephanie Wei, Rachelle Hruska

…At least from the high security prison center he’s been in for over a decade.* So we hear through the grapevine. It is unclear how long Michael Alig will be spending at the much more lax security center, closer to the city, but he is definitely one step closer to swooping in and saving NYC nightlife!* YIPPEE! Uncle Steve (Lewis) has been with Michael every step of the way, keeping him in the loop, and has promised me an interview “whenever you’d like kid.” (Michael is set to be released for good in March of 2010). [Steve Lewis Talks About Visiting Michael Alig In Prison] [Michael Alig Reads From His Cell] [Profile: Kenny Kenny] [Remembering Those That Came Before Us] [Club Kid"s Style Still Relevant] [Interview With Richie Rich] [On Becoming Kenny Kenny For A Night] [Even The Club Kids Have Dead Lines] [Richie Rich Rocks Our World] [Interview With Nightlife King Steve Lewis]

[Photos by Pink Elephant] It’s about that time again. Pink has some new photo albums up and we just couldn’t wait to post them up (of course!).* Because when you just took over as head honcho in all of NYC, it’s cause for celebration am I right?!* And celebrate they did… More photos below…

I have friends who frequent the insanity that is Webster Hall’s weekly raves and sometimes encourage me to join. But I usually politely decline, for fear of things like the duo pictured here, captured at the “Girls & Boys” party this weekend. I don’t know what’s more terrifying, this Marc Almond doppelganger or the gentleman to his left who has clearly consumed more than one mind-altering substance and is now having a metamorphosis akin to that freaky bug from Men in Black (this guy). So no, you probably won’t find me at Webster Hall next week, but be sure to check out more phtos from this week’s gig (featuring Felix Da Housecat, Sleepy & Boo, Gavin Royce) by Nicky Digital below. Let the good times roll, girls and boys. More photos below… [All photos by NICKY DIGITAL]

[Photos by SHAUN MADER for PMc] This Friday, Angels & Kings presented Ian McGlynn’s “This Is The Sound” with special performances by Allie Moss and Darling Cait. Angels & Kings is of course Pete Wentz’s dive bar that gained momentum during its “Angels and Queens” parties hosted by Patrick McMullan, Peter Davis, Scott Buccheit etc. More photos below…

Go HERE for more photos by STEVEN EKEROVICH and TAG YOURSELF and* YOUR FRIENDS! Once again, things got crazy in Meatpacking for the Koch brothers infamous brunch party at Merkato 55.* How much long this party will survive is anyone’s guess…though we suggest you go pay them a visit soon to check it out before you miss this train.* DJ Serebe was spinning, Matt Levine was guarding the door, and Steven Ekerovich was back from vaca to gather all of the shots he could manage to get in. More photos below….

We usually cover among other things parties, but once in a while, it’s necessary to cover the city nightlife in real-time.* Unfortunately, real-time means reality, and sometimes people get over-served, over-indulged, and when it mixes with driving the concoction can result in dire consequences.* Take for example the accident that just occurred at approximately 4:35am on West 12th Street and 5th Ave. A GUEST sent in the following pictures (more below).* A cab collided with a black SUV, flipping the SUV in its entirety.* We of course, don’t know if there were substances involved, or who was at fault, but an ages old adage tells us that “nothing good happens after 2am. ” In addition the GUEST reports: The driver of the SUV tried to start the car, after it had flipped with fuel spilling out.* Not sure what he was thinking…probably lost his mind.* Or maybe didn’t have his mind to begin with.* Would be curious to see the post crash investigation results.* The driver managed to crawl out of the trunk of the SUV and wander over to a mysterious Bentley that looked to be associated with part of his caravan. In any event, the driver of the SUV was eventually taken to a hospital after he was nursed in the mysterious Bentley for about 20 minutes. New York’s Finest (NYPD), and New York’s Bravest (NYFD) were on the scene, and took care of everything.* The mysterious black Bentley below:

Wednesday night Fuse Gallery (the back half of the dive bar and hipster hang out Lit) opened its latest group art exhibition “Animalania”. The exhibit, mostly of photos, was a whimsical play on animal behavior. The art consisted of kittens playing video games while drinking forties, monkeys riding tricycles, and pugs posing in an arm chair, all of which had an over-the-top cute factor… More photos and story below… Featured artists included AJ Fosik, Danielle Levitt, Benjamin Bertocci, Ryan McGinley, Kenneth Cappello, Jeaneen Lund, Robin Schwartz, James Iha,* Kenzo Minami, Tim Barber, Hisham Akira Bharoocha, Kristen Schaal, Scott Campbell, Gordon Hull, and Nick Zinner and Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. After the Fuse Gallery opening, exhibition artists and art enthusiasts (as well as some random hipsters and walking disasters) partied at Lit. The downstairs part of the bar had a live performance by the Reckless Sons and multiple DJs all night. Nick Zinner was spotted sipping on drinks at the bar. Karen O only contributed one piece: a sculpture of a kitten hitting a red, white and blue bong. Hilarious. [sculpture by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs] [Photo by Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs] [White Night by Derek Watson] [Minnie by Robin Schwartz] [Pete by Robin Schwartz] [Pugs by Danielle Levitt]

[Photos by NICKY DIGITAL] The Wednesday night party at Ella Lounge continues to draw crowds that are looking to let loose on the LES.* The party this week featured Josh Link, Shanedaddy, Terry Diabolik & DJ Never Forget of Finger on the Pulse.* I’m completely unaware of who any of these characters are, or if they’re any good, but it’s always nice to catch people getting into the music out on the dance floor. More photos below…

GO HERE for more photos by JAMIE CHAU and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! Last night, BlackBook Magazine took over Goldbar (what Steve Lewis calls “the most well-designed joint in town”) to launch their new Hollywood Fashion Issue as well as celebrate Fashion Week.* All of our favorite BBers - Andrew Berman, Cayte Grieve, and Uncle Steve, (who is well into his search for the perfect girlfriend!) were there.* More photos below…

Today, we got a hold of the Top 100 Clubs in the US list, hot off the presses from Nightclub and Bar Magazine.* The list isn’t up online yet, so I dutifully copied the first half below for you to feast your eyes on, by club name, city, and 2008’s total revenue (these numbers will most likely drop precipitously in 2009). We see our friends over at Pink Elephant took the #3 spot (not to mention the ONLY NYC club in the top 20).* Congrats Mr. Pink Elephant! - Tao Nightclub, Las Vegas. $50-60 MM Tryst, Las Vegas. $35-50 MM Pink Elephant, New York. $35-50MM Pure, Las Vegas. $35-50MM JET, Las Vegas. $35-50 MM Mansion, Miami. $35-50 MM The Bank Nightclub, (Bellagio) Las Vegas. $35-50MM LAX, Las Vegas. $25-35MM Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis, SD. $25-35MM Secrets Nightclub, Oceancity, MD. $25-35MM Body English, Las Vegas. $15-25MM Moon Nightclub, Las Vegas. $15-25MM Ghostbar, Las Vegas. $15-25MM Billy Bob’s, Fort Worth, TX. $10-20MM Crobar, Chicago.$10-20MM LOVE Night Club, Washington D.C. $10-20MM Prive, Las Vegas. $10-20MM Soundbar, Chicago. $10-20MM The Highlands, Hollywood, CA. $10-20MM Avalon, Los Angeles. $10-20MM Playboy Club, Las Vegas. $10-20MM Drai’s After Hours, Las Vegas. $10-20MM Purgatory of Dallas, Dallas, TX. $10-20MM Stargate, St.Paul, MN. $10-20MM Virgins, Chicago. $10-20MM Bar Anticipation, Lake Como, NJ. $10-20MM Christian Audigier, Las Vegas. $10-20MM Rum Jungle, Las Vegas. $10-20MM Studio 54, Las Vegas. $10-20MM Servella, Los Angeles. $10-20MM Blush, Las Vegas. $10-20MM Marquee, New York. $10-20MM Pacha, New York. $10-20MM Mayan, Scottsdale, AZ. $10-20MM RAIN, Las Vegas. $10-20MM Kilroy’s Sports Bar. Bloomington, IN. $10-20MM Club V20, Long Beach, CA. $10-20MM

[balloons fill the dance floor at Nikki Beach, Midtown.* Photo via our Inbox] With our city well into the recession, it’s time to take another look about how it is affecting our city’s nightlife.* Many people I’ve discussed this topic with (including Steve Lewis 5 minutes ago), tend to think that we are on the VERGE of the next wave of decent nightlife.* Marc Jacobs has even caught the trend, channeling the good old ’80s at his show yesterday, a time of bold fashion statements and even bolder parties and venues.* “The party last night at Greenhouse (The Tracy Reese after party) was insane.* It was cool, sexy and fresh.* People everywhere are out again, I feel like the clubs are finally becoming “cool” again, like I’m back in 1985.” Exclaims Steve.* But what does this recession really mean? One thing’s for sure, nothing NEW has opened for quite some time.* That is an obvious observation.* But here are some other trends that we have noticed: The smaller bars are staying afloat.* From the local watering holes in Murray Hills that are able to offer ridiculous recession prices on beer, to the college bars around NYU with strong sports followings, to the LES dive bars…if they’re serving cheap beer, they are packing in the crowds.* In fact, they are doing better than fine, they are having to TURN PEOPLE AWAY.* Don’t believe us? Just take a stroll down Ludlow street on a given Friday night.* People need to drink their sorrows away, and many of them need are doing it via Pabst Blue Ribbon, not at Soho’s Blue Ribbon. The large venues and well established clubs are also doing fine. 1Oak’s line is still out the door, people continue to flock to Cipriani’s on Sunday nights, and, with the right promoters, even places like Greenhouse and Mr. West are staying alive.* Merkato 55 has done upwards of $75k in profit on a given afternoon.* People are still wanting to go out and party, and they are willing to pay, they’re just able to be a bit more picky about where they go… Which leaves the venues that fall in the middle (like Nikki Beach, 49 Grove, Sway, etc).* Though more research is needed, the fact that there are large promotional gigs happening nightly at these places (the photos below are from “Balloon Night” at Nikki Beach, tell us one thing: They are struggling for guests. [Bears And Bulls Make Money, Clubs Get Slaughtered?]

[DJ Paul Sevigny with Andre Saraiva] Go HERE for more photos by JEFFREY DONENFELD and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! Le Baron at the Bowery Hotel was the talk of the town this weekend.* It all started, of course, with the Belvedere IX party last Thursday, and, continued with 4 solid nights of partying.* Some have claimed that, with this partnership, Le Baron has lost it’s edge.* Though with this new evidence (photos), we think that Andre looks to be doing just fine. From Thursday: Andre Saraiva, co-owner of Le Baron–and our dear old Beatrice Inn–had collaborated with Belvedere to design the funky “Mr. IX†logo, and played host for the evening while Paul Sevigny worked the turntables. More photos below…

Go HERE for more photos from this event by JT WHITE and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! Note to girls everywhere: This look is NEVER okay. Ever.* Add in the bright lights and thin fabric and we have a bonafide disaster on our hands.* Nothing screams “I’m easy” and “I have no fashion sense” than wearing spandex without anything covering your bum.* The girls will ALL be talking about you behind your backs and the guys that will be talking to you, will only be so because they’re after one thing.* So take it from us, get that butt of yours covered up girlfriend!* Because you are breaking our hearts over here! [Heartbreakers Ball At Corio] -

Go HERE for more photos by ALEXIS CORCHADO and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! The Queen went Green this Saturday at Greenhouse for the Heartless Valentine’s Cocktail Reception presented by Vegan Queen and benefitting the Internation Fund for Animal Welfare.* The affair included a fashion show and complimentary cocktails.* The guests posed with their hands in the shape of a whale tail (see photos below) aimed at bringing attention to the threats facing wales around the world.

DJ and party hopper Roxy Cottontail has introduced DANCE CLASS at The Studio (the basement of Webster Hall) every Thursday night so people can have an excuse to wear neon spandex and mesh tops again. Resident DJs Blu Jemz, Prince Terrence, and Dances with White Girls mix new school with old school tunes that would make anyone want to jazzercise! Last week guests included up and coming designer Kesh and DJ Chris Devlin of Spank Rock. More photos below… Kesh getting kisses at DANCE CLASS Roxy Cottantail’s work out outfit

Queen Bee takes her throne, at least for the night.* Last night, Amy Sacco (in summer sandals!), decided to take Bungalow 8 back to it’s glory days.* And, the crowd looked a lot different than the one we spotted there Friday night.* A celebration by Amy and Sir Phillip Green for Topman brought out names like Donna Karan, Emma Snowdon-Jones, Anne Dexter-Jones, Mickey Boardman, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, and Alexandra Richards. More photos below…. [Photos by JOE SCHILDHORN for PMc]

Go HERE for more photos from this event by JT WHITE and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! Some people ***ked on Valentine’s day, others drank (see exhibit a below).* Others got down and dirty with people they had just only met.* Whatever camp you fell in, we hope that Black Saturday wasn’t as Black for you as it was for this guy on the left at the Heartbreakers Ball at Corio.* There were burlesque performances all night, and “Make-out music” which seemed to come in handy. More photos below….

Karen LaGatta released Amsterdam native and artist Sebastiaan Bremer’s latest collection of gemmed jewelry titled Diamond Night*in collaboration with fine jewler to the celebs*Mortiz Glik last night at a private residence. Attendees included Christina Kang, Lauren Cicione, Andrea Lerner, Thessia Machadom, Elizabeth Fiore, Jason Bell, Janey Fire and Marshall Allan. More photos below… [Photos by JIMI CELESTE for PMc] John Kalymnios, Karen LaGatta, Millree Hughes Thessia Machado, Moritz Glik, Andrea Lerner, Sebastiaan Bremer Marshall Allan, Amanda Haynes-Dale Karen LaGatta, Lauren Cicione Molly Nee, Paul Parreira John Kalyminos, Janey Fire, Paul Parreira Sebastiaan Bremer, Moritz Glik

[Paul Sevigny, Andre, Caitlin Phillips, Chris Thomas. Photos by EUGENE MIM for PMc] Go HERE for more photos by JT WHITE and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! The line was around the corner at the Bowery Hotel for the Belvedere IX party last night, when the chic space transformed into a satellite of the even chicer Le Baron club (of Paris–and Tokyo–fame). Perhaps this new venture will bring some much-needed life to the hotel… but the outpost will be around for a limited time only, so get over there while you can kiddies! Andre Saraiva, co-owner of Le Baron–and our dear old Beatrice Inn–had collaborated with Belvedere to design the funky “Mr. IX” logo, and played host for the evening while Paul Sevigny worked the turntables. More photos from this event below… Waris Ahluwalia, Andre, Devorah Rose Carol Han, Kristian Laliberte, Paul Sevigny

[izzy Gold, Allison Petit, Alexandra ?, Liam McMullan, David X Prutting, Chau Ngo, ?, Joe Schildhorn, Patrick Askin. Photos by PATRICK MCMULLAN] Liam McMullan is one lucky guy.* First, he’s finally a legal drinker, second, he has more friends than any 21 year old I know.* Third, when his dad throws a party in this town, it is guaranteed to become the best party of the night.* It’s a good thing Liam is such a sweetheart, because otherwise it’d be easy to dislike the guy.* We already covered the celebration of his father’s 20th Anniversary this week, but the after party at 1Oak deserves one more look through… [Liam's 21st Birthday Party] More photos below… Frank Kasm, Chuck Attix, Ryan Raftery Izzy Gold, Allison Petit, Nick Hunt, Alexandra Lenas, Liam McMullan, Patrick Mcmullan, Chau Ngo We love this guy!

Okay, so Steve Lewis has been at it (first at Joonbug, now BlackBook) with his blog: Goodnight Mr. Lewis, but there are others in the industry that have important lives too dammit!* And they want to share…First there’s David Jaffee, the promoter over at davidjaffee.com. Though simple in form, he is “dedicated and committed to providing the absolute best experience, we are the only nightlife connection you’ll ever need in NYC.” (Ahem, sorry but I beg to differ).* But the real gem is the one I came across today, the personal blog of Matt Oliver, doorman extraordinaire… Matt Oliver is deeply involved in Charity:Water and we are looking forward to seeing him at the Twestival event tonight.* In the meantime, look over his old yet hilarious postings at “Badlovesongs.com”: “i’m thankful that in the past few years, no one has said to me “you are so money and you don’t even know it”. although i am concerned that the reason i haven’t been told that is not because the expression is now terribly uncool but rather because i am. sort of related to this… i would like to start saying “no big woop” again.” And with that, Matt you have officially won me over.* Big Whoop!

Go HERE for more photos of this event by JT WHITE and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS!! As Stanley “broke” late last night, the infamous “CANDYLAND” party by Kyky, Unik, and Dimitri that was popular back in the day at Serafina, was brought back.* It’s revival came in the form of a dinner party at Merkato preceding the party downstairs at Bijoux and it was hosted by Francois and Aramis.* I texted JT WHITE, our official nightlife photographer to head over to check out the first one.* He kindly obliged….

http://www.vimeo.com/3178950 [Video by Julie Esris] Go HERE for more photos of this event by STEVEN EKEROVICH and TAG YOURSELF and YOUR FRIENDS! We have a little teaser to show you of the brunch party taking the city by storm over at Merkato 55. There is much more where that came from, but for now, it’s a chance for all of you that have never been to see a little bit about what all the fuss was about.* For everyone there this Saturday, including Mary and Meghan AND Grub St., check out the gallery of awesome photos that Steven snapped! More photos below: