The State of Gay Nightlife: Response from Promoter Lee Chappell

I was asked to write my thoughts on the current scenario of unfolding Nightlife in NYC. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lee Chappell, a Nightlife Promoter/Special Events Creator since 1988 here in NYC and Buffalo since 1983.  I have been heading out since 1976 though and created the ROXY Saturday event in ’90 that lasted almost 17 years, amongst other fab events here in NYC, Philadelphia, Toronto, Miami and Montreal. Of late, I’ve produced DR!P and Cafe Panache in NYC. I hope my thoughts and comments will bring some interesting takes and as always, I’ll add some historical references where I can without boring you to death… and I’m sure some head snaps too!

“I’ve watched the State of Gay Nightlife go from an impressive field of venues ranging from tiny hole-in-the-wall bars to larger-than-life dance clubs to what it is today. Now, we see a nightclub industry with few choices mainly made up of niche venues that appeal to a few rather than the majority. However, that might be what it takes to revive a dying scene.”

Eternal change is great for everyone. I’ve watched and been involved with this scenario for decades now and no time is better than another, just different!  What I would like to add is that NYC has always had an impressive and varied culture of creativity. We can continually look back and see what makes us tick now. The Roaring 20′s following World War I brought us homosexuality in film, culture, art, etc. which was followed by the flamboyant Deco age and then another World War where everything started again. The 50′s saw the world changing event of Rock & Roll. The political unrest and vibrancy of the late 60′s led to the Disco era of the 70′s and with backlash and politics this led to the Punk movement followed by more glamour of the New Wave/New Romantics. This was again followed by Grunge and then again followed by more glamour and fun with great Pop and Electro. All the while, music, art and fashion were reflecting the state of the world and its politics, and nightclubbing has always been a Microcosm of Life!!!

So if you understand my scenario, there is a wave of culture that never stops rolling, up and down – swelling, cresting and breaking – only to reform again and again!

“During the early to mid 2000′s, on any given night, you could line up outside any venue across town for an instant good time. . .For example, a typical week for many might include a Friday night at Formika’s Area party, Saturday at Roxy followed by a Junior Vasquez party that kept them going ’til noon with just a few hours of rest before joining John Blair and Beto Sutter for church, as we knew it, over at Limelight, a nightlife icon that is now a mini-mall. Even the twinks . . .had a few options–Kurfew at the Tunnel, Heaven Saturdays or Detention at Stonewall. Those days are history.”

Least we forget what brought us to this point. Disco and the mania for dancing in a large space with beautiful lights and sound–Studio 54 and The Palladium! For those of you that never experienced it (Palladium in my book – the best of the best), a venue that was a fully rigged theater with a 40′ stage, sets and lights that raised to create rooms on the dance floor, a ceiling that soared over 80′ to a golden dome, floor after floor with countless rooms, holding over 3,500 partiers at any given time, 2 different entrances on 2 different streets (yes, the entire block from 13^th and 14^th street). This was the culmination of Nightlife in NYC, “the Big Club”, and its self created spiraling downfall!

“Suddenly everyone wanted to be a promoter.  What was once the hardest job in the business seemed like an easy buck.  Pounding the pavement had taken on a new meaning and reaching your audience was as easy as sending an e-mail or a text, and securing your venue simply required a good pitch and long distribution list. Those who didn’t have a list of email addresses and phone numbers helped create the ‘host’ position which, for most, has turned into soaking up free booze and drawing attention to yourself for a small pay check.”

I believe that Nightlife Promotion at its worst is a difficult undertaking, but at its best is a passion that can consume yo u to keep pushing all the envelopes for years and years!

Politics, Global Economy and the Internet Killed the Club Promoter Star. Before the Internet, there was actual face to face interaction with people. Clubs were promoted on foot, having to head from club to club actually handing out thousands of invitations each week. One would be calling over 1000 people each week to personally invite them to an event. This was the key to success–personal connection.

Creativity was another factor. With larger venues came larger creative budgets  and that made for larger presentations. Not that creativity couldn’t be had on a shoe string budget as proved in the East Village in the 70′s, 80′s and early 90′s…

“Take a moment to think of all the clubs and bars that have come and gone over the years: Roxy, the Tunnel, Limelight, Boys Room, Sound Factory, Heaven, Twilo, the Works, Elevate, Trip, HK Lounge, Speed, Mr. Black, Downtime, the Gaiety, Wonder Bar, Oscar Wilde, Don Hills, Exit…”

Of course Max’s Kansas City and Studio 54 have to be mentioned. And don’t forget 6 of the most influential and creative venues from the 80′s that shaped much of what we know today—Mudd Club, Danceteria, Area, Pyramid, Boy Bar and The Saint.

“Or what about the parties that no longer exist–Kurfew, GayCollegeParty, John Blair’s Drama, Formika’s Area Party (in a variety of different zip codes), Boys Gone Wild, Pop Rocks, Wig Stock, Coo Coo Lounge, Hot Mess, Detention, Bank, Beige, Earth, 1984… If you remember it, it probably isn’t around anymore.”

So many fabulous creators and venues that were left out of this list… I won’t wax poetic!

Support all aspects of culture…spend some money once in a while…even if you are on a guest list or get free drink tickets, tip you bartenders…If shows are presented as free and no cover at the door…Tip your performers as the Tip Bucket is being handed around!…this is how the money wheel of support continues!

“The city’s only major dance club debuted this weekend on 42nd Street when XL Nightclub opened at the OutNYC Urban Resort. This could be the last chance to save New York City’s gay nightlife as we have known it.”

I disagree with XL being the only major dance club at this time. Though New and fabulous it is and I will definitely be suppor ting it more this week and on into the future!

“Venues such as Boxers, Pieces, the Ritz, the Cock, Phoenix, the Web, Boots & Saddles and Vlada, as well as promoters like Daniel Nardicio, Josh Wood, Susanne Bartsch, Kenny Kenny, Brian Rafferty and Shawn Paul Mazur  are a few of those who have continued to reinvent themselves or stay true to their niche crowd to stay afloat. “

Some Creative Types that seem to have been left out of this fray. For sake of ease I will name people that have been involved in Nightlife for 2 Decades and  from ’91 and earlier. Believe it or not all of these folks are still vibrant, involved and creating: Chi Chi Valenti, Johnny Dynell, Chip Duckett, Larry Tee, RuPaul, Lady Bunny, Shequida, Hattie Hathaway, Ffloyd, Linda Simpson, Penny Arcade, Joey Arias, Raven O, Big Sc ott & Patrick, Richard Move, Sybil Bruncheon, Arman, Kenny Dash, Jo Jo, Michael T, Miss Guy, Pat Fields,  Lady Miss Kier and Moi…(If I’ve forgotten anyone blame it on too much information stored in my brain).

“I encourage those who have worked hard and been successful at what they’ve done over the past few years to pat themselves on the back and keep it up.  These last few years have been the toughest this business has ever seen, so the fact that you’re still working says a lot!  For those of you facing failure, take a risk and plan better. As always, you have to spend money to make money.”

I salute you on this paragraph!!!

“To those who call yourselves promoters, cut the crap!  No one deserves a free ride. That’s why I find the idea of paying a promoter one flat fee for their contribution to any event ridiculous. Put your money where your mouth is. At least part of your pay check should be based on your performance.  Put a list of your guests at the door, and let the club owners pay you for each person you bring to the party.”

This is how I worked for many, many years.

“Good promoters are the ones who generate innovative ideas, seek out new crowds and bring in a variety that warrants repeating.”

Here’s to this idea–my moniker always! Though without the support of venue owners, many new and varied creative presentations sadly never come to fruition.

“ To the patrons, give the nightlife industry another chance. I hope the guys who are getting stale will be motivated by my call to action. Meanwhile, please continue to support those who have stayed on track and continue to work hard.  You should even offer your feedback, and continue to help them improve. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for new happenings. It is really all up to you.  Without someone to attend, a party is nothing more than a loud empty room.”

Since Charles has hit on all that I would say concerning most, I will definitely agree with his thoughts on the above!

There is a huge entity of creative people that refuse to be categorized by labels, peer pressure and sexuality. To these, I applaud the loudest and longest!!! Creativity plays into many aspects of nightclubs. Most of my friends are several different talents combined into one person (speaking for myself – Creative Promoter/Costume Designer/Performer/Set Design) and usually these people present the most interesting and creatively different events! Don’t allow yourself to be pigeon holed into any category. Experience what this great city has to offer. Travel out of your self created ghettos and see what happens. Music, Fashion, Art, Dance and Culture happen all around us continually.

Someone called me the “Best Anti-Gay Gay” around. I’m glad that someone finally got it–and I loved this one the most! The more you mix into all types of events and venues the more support and acceptance you’ll create. Therefore, the more support and acceptance will come to our community! Support the different and be your own person!

P.S.  Historical Reference – the longest running (continuing operation) Nightclub in NYC  is Webster Hall. I’m a bit blurry with the exact year, 1902-03, it opened as “The Devil’s Playhouse” and then through the ages with different name changes. I bow to its significance and greatness!

About Thomas Bistritz

Thomas currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of GaySocialites.com. He is author of the memoir "Don't Piss in My Martini, please!", regularly contributes pieces to the the Journal of the Leslie Lohman Gay Art Foundation, and lives in New York City. He welcomes your comments, concerns, suggestions and sexy photos at thomas@gaysocialites.com.

Tags: Charles Winters, Clubs, gaysocialites, Lee Chappell, LGBT, New York CIty, NYC, State of Gay Nightlife