A dance off is never advisable against Candis Cayne, one of New York’s most legendary performers. But that’s just what Colman Domingo of Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show had to learn the hard way—on TV no less—at Logo’s inaugural NewNowNext Awards last Monday. In a roll-on-the-floor, dress-revealing frisky rumble, Cayne threw it down for Domingo as the duo hosted the taping of the show at the MTV studios. The network delivered a no-holds barred production for the awards (congrats!) with such celebrities as Leona Lewis, Christian Siriano and Janet Jackson (via videotape) and performances that included Dangerous Muse and The Cliks. Even Destiny’s Child alum Michelle Williams turned up. Fortunately, she left before the afterparty in the MTV Lodge when Cazwell performed his new song “I’ve Seen Beyoncé at Burger King” (otherwise, we may have never seen Cazwell again!). The afterparty itself was a sight to behold with a veritable who’s who of queer New York City musicians who frequent Logo’s music video shows, inspiring one exec to call it, “a living Click List.”
However, the real winner of the NewNowNext Awards were the Dazzle Dancers—and not because they actually won an award. No, we won’t issue any spoilers, so you’ll have the watch the show on June 7. But props must be paid to the Dazzle Dancers: they not only did a cameo in the show, they also managed to steal the attention away from the night’s otherwise biggest scene-stealer, Lady Gaga. With severe blonde hair, a Grace Jones-like black hoodie and giant blinged-out glasses, Gaga was striking all kinds of glamorous poses at the afterparty. Then when Junior Vasquez—who was DJ-ing the event—began spinning some classic Madonna, Gaga and her flock of dancers took to the floor for a flashy impromptu performance that had the whole party watching and cameras flashing. But not to be outdone, the Dazzle Dancers got up on the stage behind her and proceeded to dance and—as the disco burlesque group is famous for—strip off all of their clothes. The crowd quickly shifted all attention to the Dazzlers, leaving Gaga in the dust (albeit a glitter-filled one!). We’re not even sure Candis could have beat them in this kind of dance off. It wasn’t long, however before security swiftly turned on all the lights, ushered them off the stage. But as one reveler put it, “That was the perfect end to this perfect gay evening!”
Awash in glitter, glamour and drunkenness, many of the Logo partiers headed off with us to Posh to say happy birthday to the Hell’s Kitchen bar. We joined the crowd of friendly cuties out to mark the Midtown watering hole’s eighth year and to enjoy the open bar, which was supposed to end at 11pm, but the party was going so strong that owner John Greco decided to let it go all night. We thank you, John, but our livers don’t. But our real favorite part of the night was when Greco took us around the corner to his new restaurant 1, 2, 3 on 10th Ave for some peanut butter chicken wings. Yes, it sounds a little weird, but they are the most divine things you’ll find in the city.
We’re so glad we moseyed on down to Splash on Tuesday night to take part in the video-making magic for Cyndi Lauper’s catchy new single “Into the Nightlife.” Crews had been filming in the Chelsea mega-club all afternoon but since they needed some crowd shots, they opened up the space to the public to get the additional footage. A very game and gracious Cyndi was full of energy for the cameras, and while the crew was setting up between takes, she entertained the crowd with a cappella versions of her hits “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “True Colors” and new track “Same Ol’ Story.” The assembly of die-hard fans just couldn’t get enough.
Later in the week we were back at Splash as Campus Thursdays paid tribute to Fleet Week. After cutie doorman Dougie got us on board, DJ Seth Gold sailed us into a sizzling pop-dance soundtrack while the club’s notoriously sexy barstaff kept us well hydrated. Meanwhile, Alexandra—like a perfect drill sergeant—kept the sailor-clad go-go twinks in line as they kept the frisky patrons standing, er, at attention.
That notorious prankster Daniel Nardicio didn’t let us down either at his Fleet Week party at The Woodshop. He somehow finagled Fleet enemas into sponsoring the party and they sent a huge box full of plush EneMan dolls (imagine an enema bottle dressed up as a super hero). Of course, plenty of nightlife superstars showed up to celebrate, like Adam Joseph, James Coppolla, Erika Toure Aviance, Justin Ocean and DJ Adam. When we left, the box of dolls was empty, so let’s hope they all found good, caring homes. N
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