Rupert Street - The "New" Look

Hey Folks,

It seems that news of the moment is all about one of Soho’s most popular bars being out of action. Who are we talking about? Well, if you have been walking around in Soho this week, you may have noticed that gAylist bar Rupert Street is closed. Why? Well, don’t panic, it’s not a permanent thing, but simply that the place is getting a “nip & tuck” makeover. However, unlike recent ones, it’s not just a splash of paint & a tidy up, as it seems the team have big plans to give the bar a fresh new look that will have (we are led to believe) the wow factor.

With details firmly under wraps, even our inside track combined with lots of arm twisting of G.M. Cathy, could not extract the details of what the refurbishment plans are, but we do know they will be extensive and the venue will look very different to the “old” Rupert Street, which has looked pretty much the same throughout its twelve year history. Speaking with Cathy today, she confirmed that work on the refit is already under way, but with planned bold changes, the bar will not be open for business until Thursday 3rd December (mind you, that’s not too long to wait), but the suspense is already killing us!!

What we do know about, however, are the plans for the re-launch, which are very exciting indeed and as a result we have two definite “hot dates” for your diaries.

First up is a special preview event, which takes place from 5 p.m. on the re-opening day (Thurs 3rd Dec)., where invited guests will get an exclusive advance viewing of all the changes, also getting the chance to chat with Cathy & her team about plans for the new look bar, with complimentary drinks as well as select nibbles & tasters from the new food menu on full flow. Then, doors will swing open to the general public from 8 p.m., which we anticipate will be packed and THE place to be seen next Thursday.

However, the main event is saved for the following day, when Friday sees the big party take place. Not only will there be plenty of drinks offers on from the start of 7 p.m., but resident D.J. Alessandro will be spinning the sexy sounds until midnight and the team have secured the P.A. services of the brilliant Katherine Ellis. A massive name across the house music scene, Katherine has collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Roger Sanchez, Tom Stephan & The Freemasons and is the voice behind a whole host of dance/house anthems, her biggest accolade being the massive track “Salty”. This is one appearance & performance you won’t want to miss and a real coup for Rupert Street. As a result, you can expect to see the lion’s share of the gAylist scene to be on hand, with Q.X. & Boyz magazines covering the night’s proceedings (as will Disco Matt). With entrance being free of charge, we expect Rupert Street to be a “roadblock” event next Friday, so recommend you get there early to avoid the disappointment of not getting in.

Our reliable sources tell us that as well as the bar itself, Rupert St’s website is getting a makeover, so for the latest information on the changes go to http://rupertstreet.com or check out the regular posts/news via their facebook group.

So, Thurs 3rd & Fri 4th Dec will be definite “Hot Dates” in the Soho bar world, but in the meantime, if like us, you are left with the dilemma of where to hang out, check out our “limited edition” weekend recommendations post.

xDM

Scandal, Wild Fruit & Matinee

Hey Folks,

Well, with November simply running away with us, we look forward to the beginning of the “Christmas” month, which for the gay community signals a major event, World Aids Day, which falls on a Tuesday. We are busy compiling our special feature on this year, covering the best places to be out there for this now mammoth day in the diary and the feature post will be out this weekend.

However, in the meantime there are some clubbing “Hot Dates” that deserve a mention, two in London and one down on the south coast in Brighton (O.M.G. Disco Matt reaches beyond the capital!!).

First up and on Sunday 29th Nov (close enough) is the return of Scandal at the Shadow Lounge in Soho, which proved a really popular choice, post Soho Live 09. Once again, the night will be full of front page scandal & hosted by the unscrupulous Madame Alekssandra Cecilato, with D.J’s Chris Brogan, who took Salvation Brazil by storm & Alessandro, who will be fresh from his trip to Salvation Moscow, as well as a curtain call performance from Juliana De Primo. Now, we hear that plenty of outrage, besmirching & reputation tugging will be the order of the night, but, of course all in the best possible taste & for a great cause to boot, the Elton John AIDS Foundation no less. With pre-parties at Rupert St on Sunday 22nd November (we will be there) and The Box on the night itself, there will be plenty of extra scandalous action going on this time round. So in the inimitable words of the promoter, “Let there be no more cover ups or false allegations, but be there when the scandal breaks!!

Next up, and in a departure for us, is coverage of an event away from gAylist London, in Brighton no less (well it as more gay than the capital sometimes!!) and probably the biggest club brand to hit the seaside shores, Wild Fruit throw their “Red Party” at the cities (yes Brighton is a city!) biggest venue, Oceana on Sunday 6th Dec, with probably THE biggest line up we have seen in ages. Guests include Boy George, the Freemasons, Patsy Palmer (Ricky!!) & Rowetta, with massive vocals from Beverley Knight, a multi music award winning artist. The D.J. list is huge & includes Tasty Tim, Brighton’s own Jon Byrne, Kate Wildblood, Yvette (yes she can spin!) & special London guest Hi-Fi Sean as well as at least 14 more talents across five (yes five) rooms of fun. Red is definitely the name of the game and everyone is encouraged to dress up, even if it’s just a red bow. This is Brighton’s biggest & original best World AIDS day party with fundraising fundamental to the event, but fun being elemental to it all. And with an afterparty “Rebel Red” at The Honeyclub, looks like we will be having Monday off!!

Last up is Matinee, which returns to Cable in London Bridge on Sat 5th Dec, for another night of seductive, sexy gAylist clubbing at its best, with top notch D.J. line up, the biggest collection of dancers you have ever seen, all dressed appropriately by some of London’s biggest designers as well as specially shipped in outfits from Ibiza & the best production that Cable has experienced in the hands of this Espaniol giant brand. With red partying being the central theme, or as they say in Spanish, “La Noche Roja”, the whole venue will be decked in massive red drapes & all things red, which will make a truly massive impact. Confirmed D.J’s include regulars Guy Williams, Paul Heron, Brent Nicholls & Alessandro, with the return to the decks by Pier Morrocco, Jonny M & Saki as well as Spanish Matinee resident Lydia Sanz, who plays Cable for the first time, but if her performances at Colloseum are anything to go by, she will blow the roof off with her truly hard yet uplifting sounds to compliment the Balearic infused, tech, progressive & funky house tunes of the rest. The night will definitely have a “Christmas” theme in the usual Matinee “over the top” style, but will also pay homage to World AIDS day, with donations requested on the door for a major charity to be announced.

More details of these events, including opening times, ticket availability & website links will follow in up-coming posts, but three events to definitely scroll in your diaries now!!

Be There!

xDM

DTPM "The Bitch is Back" & SuperMartXe "1st Anniversary"

Hey Folks,

Well, we love reporting on some truly gAylist events and there are two mega ones coming up to really look forward to, very much “Hot Dates” and both looking like being in massive demand.

First up is mega clubbing brand DTPM, which has been creating a stir with its return, entitled “The Bitch is Back!”, next Sunday (15th November), which attracted unprecedented attention and ticket sales following the “official” news breaking. Indeed ever since the days of Villa Stefano’s, this legendary club has been held in high regard, with major parties rivalling any other brand we know, at venues including The End & Fabric. The team, in bringing DT (as it is lovingly known by ardent followers) back to the capital for the first time in over 12 months, is returning it to those Villa Stefano routes, as the club will open at 3.30 p.m. (yes – in the afternoon). What is distinctly different however, is that rather than being deep down, as it has been in all its incarnations, “The Bitch is Back!” will be 31 floors up at the amazing Paramount private members club in Centrepoint (you couldn’t be more central if you tried!), where breathtaking & unparalleled views of London encase this special space, where you will be able to see the sun set (if it’s out!) and the city light up in front of you. In terms of the DT music magic, all the favourites are back, including Miguel Pellitero, Fat Tony & of course Guy Williams & Steve Thomas, who will no doubt all rock Paramount to its foundations 31 floors down! However, here’s the bad news, if you haven’t got your ticket already, then it looks like you have missed the boat as the demand was so great, the event was a sell-out within 10 days of the tickets being released last month. And with no guest list, even Disco Matt can’t get in to review it!!!. However, the good news is that the team are planning further events upcoming, with a big rumour going around about a special NYD party, so watch this space for further news of that & if we get any update on extra spaces at Paramount. Also watch our next “weekend recommendations” post for full details of next Sunday’s event.

Next, and a party we will definitely be there for, is SuperMartXe London’s latest instalment as Logan presents “1st Anniversary” on Sat 28th Nov, a celebration of the espaniol giant that took London by overwhelming storm twelve months ago and remains in the spotlight for each and every event. Yes, the early parties were controversial, for mainly the wrong reasons, but when it comes to top notch production, stunning visuals, brilliant P.A.’s & some of the best D.J. names around, not to mention probably the best looking crowds of any, SuperMartXe certainly delivers on all counts, making it a truly gAylist event. Sticking with its home at The Coronet in Elephant & Castle, where theatrical style & massively proportioned production is the name of the game, this “1st Anniversary” party will be no exception, as the team promise a night of special live performances, superb shows & lots of surprises. The latest news to be released is that Logan has secured the services of D.J. AB Garcia, SuperMartXe Madrid’s latest recruit, who will join London regular residents Steve Pitron & Nick Tcherniak in the main room, with Amsterdam’s very own Marlon K Jones hosting room two (upstairs), a superb line up to celebrate 12 months in London town we think, meaning there will be a veritable feast of fantastic music on offer. Given the promise of some live performances expect at least one P.A. (shall we guess Therese?!?) as well as Logan’s schmitzels providing all the eye candy you need. If you haven’t been to a SuperMartXe London party yet, then this will definitely be one to indoctrinate you into its ways and we expect this will be a complete sell-out too. We will keep you posted with ticket sales & news of the event as it emerges, but definitely makes Saturday 28th November a “Hot Date” in your diary.

So, two great events coming up, but with more up our sleeves keep your eyes peeled for our next lot of “Hot Dates”

xDM

Birthday Bashes Bonanza!! - Hard On!, Matinee, Trade & Love Muscle

Hey Folks,

Well, with summer behind us (what was that weather yesterday?!?!) and no hint of anything Indian with our climate in good old blighty, its time to get clubbing and with a real birthday theme of up-coming events, its very much celebration time in gAylist London. So, grab your diaries and note down these hotties!!

First up is our favourite fettish club that celebrates six sexy & seductive years on the scene on Sat 26th Sept at its now regular home, Hidden in Vauxhall. Evolving from the infamous weekly fetish club FIST, Hard On! spent its infancy at legendary venue Crash, before finding its feet just down the road, where it's popularity among long time FIST fans as well as those looking to exercise their fetish side has remained strong. And when it comes to this 6th birthday bash, the team will be adding even more raunchy action to an already pumped up party, with special pervy performances courtesy of Dark Alley Media as well as the added enticement of a special "happy hour" (or should we say hours!) of drinks offers, not to mention plenty of freebies, including some extra special gifts sponsored by leather/rubber/fetish emporium Expectations. All your favourite Hard On! D.J's will be around including Halo-Is & Hugosland in the Cruise Bar, the Red Room rocking with the dynamic duo of Brent Nicholls & Hi-Fi Sean, the infamous playroom will be in full swing (or should we say sling!) and don't forget that it is a strict dress code of leather, rubber, uniform, definately boots & bare if you dare!! Remember, it'sa members only club so log onto http://hardon.co.uk for details of how to join.

Next is the magnificent Matinee, also on Sat 26th Sept, which has made a terrific transformation, moving across from old home Colosseum to swanky new club Cable, with a packed out August Bank Holiday spectacular & hugely positive feedback about the new venue post event, which seems to have cemented the brand's future in gAylist London. Ever since its launch in the capital in 2006, Matinee has been at the forefront of activity, with some truly groundbreaking & spectacular parties, NYD 2007 at The Fridge, Knockout at Fabric & Viva at Colosseum being huge highlights in a long list of pulsating parties. And tthe team behind it all, Evolved Events, will be pulling out all the stops for this 3rd Birthday bonanza with the promise of plentiful production, a scintilating show by Mark M Forns' Fierce International crew, together with a dynamic D.J. line up including Spanish resident Jordi Lights, an appearnace by Jean Phillips who has recently collaborated with our very own Oliver Mohns on a new house track "strings of motion", which is already taking the dancefloors by storm, but the big news is the return of D.J./Producer Pagano (O.K. Simon?!) who will play an exclusive extended four hour set, all joined by residents Paul Heron, Pier Morrocco, Alessandro, Fat Tony, Saki & Brent Nicholls. Expect this special celebration to be a sell-out, so grab your advance tickets now at http://evolvedevents.co.uk

Then, the following weekend (Sun 4th Oct), legendary club Trade celebrates 19 years of decadent debauchery, returning to Ministry of Sound (it's new home), in a sea of sounds and colours, the party taglined "A Festival of Colours" with the expectation of an expolsive display of lighting, pyrotechnics & visuals of vivid colours never seen at MOS before. There will be choreographed shows & performances from Logan's troupe of tasty Trade totties and probably the biggest line up of D.J.'s you will see anywhere, wihich will include "Fierce Rulin" residents of old & new Malcolm Duffy, Pagano, Lady Bianca, Pete Wardman, Jonny M, Stevie B, Fat Tony, Gabriele Cutrano, special guest Anto & Diego and Julie Marghilano. Also, after their sparkling set at Trade/Orange, Steve Thomas & Nick Tcherniak will be going back-to-back on the decks again, (fab!!), the party also seeing the return of The Sharp Boys to the Lite Lounge, with "Party Proactive” hosting the Baby Box. And, returning is an industry institution, the world famous “Trade Test Lounge”, to the Loft, where entrants will battle it out behind the decks to become the newest Trade DJ as the club looks to the future (line details following entries closure at midnight on Sun 20th Sept -go to http://tradeuk.net for more details on how to apply). With special commemorative birthday gifts for the first 500 through the door, tickets are already on sales at the usual outlets as well as at http://ticketweb.co.uk with V.I.P. options also up for grabs.

To complete the quadruplet of birthday parties, we just have time for a quick mention of Love Muscle, which touches down at The Fridge in Brixton on Sat 10th Oct, with a "Lunar Dance Odyssey" theme in an out of this world celebration of one of the scene's longest running events. As of going to press, full details are yet to be confirmed although news from mission control is that the launch-pad of D.J.'s may will include, Hi-Fi Sean, Phil Marriot, Mis-White & Paul Coles with a orbital P.A. performance. So, safety checks to the Love Muscle rocket are being made and the countdown to the launch of the Appollo 17 Birthday Rocket has begun.

So, some hot birthday bashes coming up, more details of which will follow in up-coming posts, but with such advance notice, there is no excuse to miss out.

Go There! Be There!

xDM

Tabloid, Scandal & Paparazzi

Hey Folks,

In anticipation of another big weekend for us we look forward to three new events that get a big tick, are definate "hot dates" and have a strangely similar theme (funny that!!) but should enter your diaries NOW!!

First up is "Tabloid" which launches at Fire next Saturday 12th Sept. Billed as "Edition 1" in a little bit of a re-surgence for gay clubbing at this Vauxhall venue, the breaking news is the team have secured exclusive headliners Tall Paul & Jon Byrne, who will join Fire residents Steve Pitron, The Oli & The Sharp Boys on the main floor, with big expose that the Lightbox will feature international D.J./Producer Pagano with David Jiminez and there will be some pop injection in the form of Miss Dusty O & James Saint James in the the renamed "Poparazzi" lounge. Expect all the usual production but with new "Tabloid" visuals and a unique "Tabloid" projection wall. They will even have a "Tabloid" dreams cover corner where you can get your face onto the cover of your favourite magazine (remeber the lyrics?!). So, it seems "Tabloid" is the new buzz word around Fire and looks like it will definately grab some headlines in the gay press.

Next up is "Scandal", which launches on Soho 09 evening, Sunday 13th Sept at the swish Shadow Lounge. Brought to you by one of the scene's most experienced promoters, the man behind Salvation & Famous, and someone he is renowned for putting on great events. Who are we talking about?, Steve Elliot ofcourse and in a scandal ridden interview he told us that he promises a night of scandalous proportions right in the heart of the West-end with plenty to talk about. It has also been scandaleously reported that this will be THE party of the decade which will be hosted by the unscrupulous Madam Alekssandra Ceciliato and our sources also reveal that DJ’s Miswhite, Paul Coals & Nathan 6, will be creating the musical scandal with live vocalist Tonnic providing the vocal gossip at this shameful event, accompanied by the mistress of disgrace, Juliana de Primo. So its time to stop the cover up's, the false alegations and the pre-event scandal mongering and be at The Shadow Lounge when the real scandal breaks!

Last, but by no means least, billed as THE official Soho Live 09 afterparty, is "Paparazzi", another brand new club which launches, also on Sunday 13th Sept to amazing accolade at super new club venue the Wandsworth Palais, yes you heard it Wandsworth. But fear not at there will be free, yes free transport direct from Soho as you will be swept away from the centre of town on the buses leaving from Shaftesbury Ave and Tottenham Ct Rd from around 8pm after Soho Live closes, with the busses running till 12.30 am. As for the event itself, be prepared to be bathed in the warmth of a thousand flashes, shine like a star in a sea of cameras, and dance alongside some of the scene's hottest men as the venue will be transformed in the glamorous T’dance style but with circuit like production, massive inspiring stage shows and some of the world’s most eye-pleasing dancers & performers provided by Mark M Forn's Fierce Intl. D.J's grabbing the camera clicking action will include Paul Heron, Pier Morrocco, Brent Nicholls & Alessandro, so in the inimitable words of one female vocalist who always gets the paparazzi's attention, "ladies with an attitude, fellows that were in the mood, don’t just stand there, let's get to it, strike a pose, there's nothing to it" just get down to "Paparazzi".

More details of all three events, including opening times, ticket sales & web links will be up in our forthcoming "weekend reccomendations" post.

xDM

Matinee & SuperMartXe "Pre-Parties"

Hey Folks,

Well your favourite premier Soho bar goes all Spanish on us this August Bank Holiday weekend as two of gAylist clubland's brands take over the venue with pre-parties for their main events.

First up, Friday 28th sees the SuperMartXe Spaniards swing into action with a distinct "Circus" theme which is the centre piece of their main event at The Coronet on Sunday. Logan & his Schmitzels, including the fabulous Electra, will been taking Soho by storm in typical SuperMartXe style and we expect that the team at Rupert Street will throw themselves into the theme, with plenty of clowning around. We are told the venue will be decked out in the style of a carousel, so this is something you have to come & see. The music will be provided by non other than Nick Tcherniak (he is such a bad influence!!) who not only will be part of the trio of D.J.'s on Sunday but makes his Rupert Street debut, so another reason to make Friday night a date. Proceedings kick off at 8 p.m., so expect plenty of fun & games, loads of sexy SuperMartXe studs providing the eye candy and the inclusion of the infamous SuperMartXe beachball.

Saturday is the turn of the Matinee machine, who will take the limelight here before heading off to their spectacular star studded main Bank Holiday event over at Cable in London Bridge. Rupert Street will be splashed with all things Matinee, massive red draps, gorge signage, all in the sumptuous style we have come to expect from this mamouth club icon, with the inclusion of a lightning laser to give the bar a real "club" feel. Rob Sykes (yes there is an "S" on the end), another Rupert debutee, will be in charge of the decks, so with superb visuals on the screens & Matinee production around, the place will be transformed. The ravishing Romano and his crew of cuties will be there, armed with plenty of surprise giveaways & limited VIP tickets in hand. At time of going to press, we hope to have D.J./Producer Danny Verde in our presence, who is playing the main room at Matinee itself, so an extra treat not to be missed. As with Friday, the fun starts at 8 p.m. with the Matinee madness running through till midnight.

So, time to become all Espaniol for the weekend & don't forget the main events, Matinee at Cable, Saturday 29th from 11 p.m. till 8 a.m. and SuperMartXe at the Coronet on Sunday 30th from 10.30 p.m. till 7 a.m.

Disco Matt will be there to report on it all, so come say hi, whether it be Rupert St, Cable or The Coronet.

xDM

Matinee Special

Hey Folks,

Well, with the capital’s pride weekend well and truly behind us, what can we look forward to in the remainder of a month in gAylist/land London? (which seems to be flying past!). Well, there seems to be one club on everyone’s lips & one venue which is making a real impact on the scene. Want a clue?, well the club begins with “M” and the venue begins with “C”………..Got it?

Yes, the club is of course Matinee, which has found a new home, the venue being Cable, a match truly made in heaven for a whole host of reasons, but more of that later. Oliver Mohns & his team at Evolved Events have taken the bold step to evolve Matinee London, waving goodbye to Vauxhall & ringing in the changes with a bespoke venue that we are sure will prove its best home yet. Saturday 25th July, sees Matinee in the capital truly come of age, with its “Evolution – Revolution” party and we can tell you now that you need to be prepared to be blown away by the production, by the shows, by the music & not least by the venue.

It may be a new home, but all the ingredients that have made Matinee a success will be there, with a star studded D.J. line up including Paul Heron, Pagano, Brent Nicholls, Pier Morrocco & Alessandro (more names to be released) across three floors of fun. Add to that, what is billed to be the best shows & performances yet by Mark M Form’s Fierce crew of sexy dancers, combined with the biggest production seen at any Matinee party. Need we say more< (we could, believe us)although what we will say is get your tickets fast, as this is going to be a sellout. And you can go now to http://evolvedevents.co.uk/ to grab advance £13 tickets, with general sale releases at the usual Soho outlets due sometime this week.

We have devoted a special “preview” of the forthcoming Matinee party & Cable, not least to give you a full insight to the changes (the evolution) but to answer the inevitable questions that may arise about the venue. Catch this full post at our new addition to the family, http://discomattpreview.blogspot.com/, but here are two extracts to wet your appetite.

“…..Ever since its London launch, Matinee has been renowned for making every effort to keep things fresh, listening to its customers and aiming to put on the best parties in town, with quality being the name of the game. Previous homes at Area, Fabric & most recently Colosseum, have delivered in their own way, but in reality have never given us the full package, the truly gAylist experience we expect from such a massive club brand. With Cable however, we believe the team have all the resources at their hands to achieve this in bucket loads, not least….”

“….Cable’s high tech sound systems, state of the art coatcheck, glamorous bar areas & chillout zones are definitely going to be a hit with Matinee’s demanding & well educated clubbers, but, like us, we expect they will be taken a back by the understated yet stylish combination of brick, metal, leather & wood, that remind us a little of Fabric, but are designed to amazing effect creating a unique combination of space & intimacy that sets Cable it aside from its rival. Then there are the toilets….”

If you can’t wait to see what the venue looks like, why not go to http://seenqueen.com/ select the “club pix” section & click on the “Matinee moves to Cable” link.

More news & details will follow in our “Stop Press” & “Weekend Recommendations” posts up-coming. But if Saturday 25th July and a date with Matinee at Cable on Bermondsey Street is not in your diary, put it in now!

Be There!

xDM

Hey Folks,

Well, yes the big day is nearly on us and it looks like there will be lots going in gAyland London on American Independence Day (oops oh yes its London Pride too!!), yes the 4th of July and someone’s birthday me thinks (LY??)

Anyway, we wade through the plethora of events on offer to give you the pick of the bunch of clubbing parties to hit town.

First up and a collaboration extraordinaire as mega promoters Oliver M (Matinee, Revolver & bpm – apart from his D.J’ing), Wayne Shires (Crash, Beyond, Guru-Guru, et all!!) & Patrick Lilley (Queer Nation, Work, Pendulum & scene daddy) join forces to bring you an amazing party at the newly formed club The Den (formerly The End), just a hop skip & jump from Soho Square (the location of London Pride’s dance stage). Labelled, “Club Together” and in the true spirit of Pride, the party runs from
8 p.m. till 8 a.m. with a D.J. line up including Paul Heron, Brent Nicholls, Pier Morrocco & Alessandro and hosting by the fab Minty & Heidilicious. So, this looks like being one of those unmissable events, so don’t!!.

Next and one set to be a real stormer, is the return of Love Muscle (XXX) in its old home The Fridge in Brixton. But that’s where “old” ends as the club and the event has been given an extreme (or should we say XXX-treme) makeover in the hands of Salvation Supremo Steve Elliot. With the inclusion of Phil Marriot (of Gaydar Radio fame), joining the new team of D.J’s Sharon”O” Love, Hi-Fi Sean, Paul Coles, Dorian & Seya, hot & horny dancers supplied by non other than Mark M Forms’ Fierce Intl crew and a superb PA from Shena, performing her smash hit “The Weekend” as well as an exclusive play of her new track, the “bars are not held” in more ways than one. Running from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m, more details will follow.

It goes without saying that many eyes will be on Elephant & Castle as SuperMartXe rolls out another mega party at The Coronet, this time styled “Commando”, paying a billed homage to London Pride (how? should be interesting!), but pointing towards the winning formula of D.J’s Steve Pitron & Pagano, sandwiching stonking SuperMartXe Spanish resident Hugo Sanchez & the return of (yes you guessed it!) Therese (what a surprise!). Expect the usual over the top production, sexy dancers, a gorgeous crowd & all the trappings that make this London event very popular (ticker tape, explosions, super sized beach balls, you name it!). Doors open from 10.30 p.m. & the event runs through till 7 a.m.

Last, but by no means least is probably THE place to be this London Pride, as Trade swings back into town for a special party at Ministry of Sound no less (O.M.G.!!). Stretching across four dancefloors, the D.J. line up seems to be increasing by the day, but currently confirmed are Kammishake, Pagano, Nick Tcherniak, Steve Thomas, Fat Tony, Pete Wardman, Lady Bianca, Gary H, Guy Williams, Paul King, Paul Heron, Kath Harding, Nik Denton as well as special guest from Toolroom Records’ Mark Knight. With a special P.A. featuring Pagano & Wilhmein (“Loca”) with vocals from Tonnic, a host of dancers & all the usual stunning lasers & pyrotechnics as well as an Ibiza style terrace hosted by club Wish, this has every chance of eclipsing the 18th birthday party, which for us was the best event of 2008. We recommend grabbing your tickets now as this will be a sell-out. Kicking off at 6 a.m. we daren’t offer a closing time, but expect it to run v late!!

Other parties, include, The White party at uber new club Cable, Circus at Matter & obviously, Beyond at Area.

So, looks like being a clubbers paradise on 4th/5th July, so watch this space for full details of our tip top choices in our “weekend recommendations – pride 09” post. And don’t forget to check this bulletin out on our Facebook group & go to http://seenqueen.com/ for everything that is great about gAylist London.

Go There!

xDM

Hot Dates - 6th June 2009

Hey Folks,

Well, with much activity looming in the coming weeks, including Pride Events across the U.K. consuming weekends & a myriad of launch parties on that island called Ibiza, we could be mistaken for overlooking what is happening in gAylist/land London, but fear not as there are some heavyweights on their way for the first weekend of July. However, barely into June, we still look forward to a couple of events this month which cannot be missed.

First hot date is the return of Hook’d which assumes a new timing slot of 10 p.m. on Saturday 20th June running through till 6 a.m. at Hidden in Vauxhall. So not only is the next outing (indeed subsequent ones) in a prime time slot, but June’s party is also a celebration of organiser Paul Beauchamp’s birthday, so what better two reasons could you have to succumb to the hard house edged techno twisted Hook’d hedonism. And with a star studded line up (well for you Techno enthusiasts) including Andy Farley, Little Miss Natalie & non other than Ian M, its going to be one huge shindig. Advance £8 (bargain!) tickets are on sale at http://moreonthedoor.com/ and more details can be found at http://hookd-london.com/

Next is a daytime outing and one definitely not to be missed, yes it’s the return of The Clapham Street party, hosted by Kazbar and with the backing of fellow local gay venue The Two Brewers, with Cabaret being the name of the game, in amongst alfresco audacities outdoors, but with dancing & drinking the core fun inside Kazbar. For the showtime girl in you, a massive line up of scene acts include Dave Lynn, Lola Lasagne, Topping & Butch, Maisie Trollette, Titti La Camp & Rose Garden, the stage hosted by non other than Sandra (the queen of Swiss Cottaaage!). Inside the action is kept in tune by a list of D.J’s headlined by Kazbar resident Saint David. With no entry fee but with an expected minimum donation of £1 to the nominated charities, GMFA & Albert Kennedy Trust, this looks like being the next best gay capital to London Pride, with no Soho event this year. Watch this space for further details including coverage of the after-party.

So, there are two forthcoming dates to note down for sure, with much more to come over the London Pride weekend in our next post (big news on Matinee London due!!).

Just a quick mention goes to Hoof which is back on 13th June, celebrating Guy Williams birthday, more details in our weekend recommendations post later this week.

And don’t forget what we say?......Go There! Be There!

xDM