Stonewall as the Past and Present Symbol of Gay Rights in America

By Gamal Hennessy

The modern era of gay rights in America can be traced back to a small bar in New York’s West Village. When a group of transvestites refused to go into the bathroom to have their genitals inspected to determine their gender, it marked a turning point in the relationship between homosexuals and heterosexuals in the US. To a large extent it also changed the perception of homosexuals about themselves. The annual Pride Parade, positive gay figures in the media, debates on gay marriage and open sexual orientation in military service are all a by-products of the first Stonewall Incident.

While progress has been made, recent news suggests that the clock is turning back to older homophonic attitudes. Tyler Clementi commits suicide after his roommate secretly films his sexual encounter and broadcasts it on the internet. In a modern version of the Salem Witch Hunts, tabloids print “shocking” headlines that public figures ranging from Prince Charles to Martha Stewart are gay, might be gay or may have had gay experiences. A tourist to New York is attacked by fanatics inside the same bathroom where the first Stonewall Incident started. All of this has happened in the last 10 days. Like the Civil Rights Movement and women’s rights, legal progress clearly does not mean that the underlying social problem has been solved.

Nightlife has a social impact that goes beyond bottle service and sex. It is an environment that pushes the envelope of American culture as a whole. Historically, it is the space where minorities and homosexuals felt accepted when they weren’t accepted anywhere else. It is where modern music and fashion trends are tested before they slip into the mainstream. It is where social protests and movements from anti-Prohibition crime to the start of the gay rights movement found their home. If more progress is going to be made, it may very well continue where it started. Even if common society’s apathy, red state mentality or tabloid media slurs continue to promote division and hate, nightlife can and should be a haven for those who need a place to get away from the negative elements of society. Natives need to protect each other.

There is some good news when you compare the first Stonewall Incident to the second one. During the first Stonewall Incident it was the patrons vs. the cops in riots that lasted several days. It was nightlife fighting against authority. During the second Stonewall Incident the patrons chased down the fanatics and handed them over to the police, who were arrested on a hate crimes charges. It was nightlife working with authorities. If we can continue that trend, then nightlife can be a model for the rest of America.

Have fun.
G

The Search for New Venues (An Invitation for Club Owners, Managers, DJs, Bartenders and Promoters)

By Gamal Hennessy

People often ask me for suggestions on what bars and clubs to go to. Sometimes they are going on a date. Sometimes they are throwing a party. Sometimes their client comes in from out of town looking for really tall blondes. Whatever the situation, I give them ideas based on what they like and the type of evening they want to have.

While I have quite a few go to spots based on my travels, I’m always trying to expand my list of preferred places. I try to visit every place I recommend, but in an effort to save my liver from long term damage I’m going to try something different.

If you have an ongoing event or a venue that you would like me to add to my recommendation list, drop me an email and let me know. I will try to steer more patrons your way and improve your bottom line.

I’m not a promoter. I don’t charge for this hook up. I don’t want a cut of your revenue. I don’t want a table. I don’t even want you to mention me to your clients (I don’t mind if you do, I’m just not going to ask you to do it). That’s not the business I’m in. I deal in information. This is a word of mouth thing. The more good spots I know about, the happier my readers are and better off I am. The more people I bring to you, the more money you make, the better off you are.

If you want your spot to be considered for the Prince’s List, here’s what I need to know:

The day of the week for your event.
The start and end time of your party.
The type of music being played.
The demographic of your crowd.
The type of food (if any) and drinks you have.
The fixed cost of attendance (cover, ticket price, drink minimums, etc)
The name and email of a contact who I can touch base with if I have any other questions.

If you have any questions for me, just drop me a line gamal@newyorknightsonline.com

Have fun.
G

The Prince's Review of Salon Millesime

By Gamal Hennessy

Salon Millesime
Location: Madison Avenue and 29th Street (Inside the Carlton Hotel)
Closest Train: 6 to 28th Street
Phone Number: 212-889-7100
Hours of Operation: 5 pm - 1 am
Website: http://www.millesimerestaurant.com/Millesime/Home.html

It is difficult to create a unique luxury bar inside a New York hotel. Almost every major property from the Thompson to the Maritime to the W to the Empire to the Chatwal offers high end libations. Many of them offer food, either in the gastro pub style or full restaurants in their own right. They compete heavily with each other for special events, celebrity DJ’s and an A-list reputation. Newcomer Salon Millesime could draw crowds away from the older venues and become the venue of the moment…at least for a season or two.

The venue sits on a fairly quiet stretch of Madison Avenue, a few blocks from Madison Square Park and one block west from the strip of Park Avenue South dominated by Haru, and Smith and Wollensky’s. Like most hotel venues, the entrance can seem exclusive and intimidating to the casual patron, but the staff is friendly enough to take the edge off. The first bar room is a bit underwhelming, reminding you more of a neighborhood pub than a true lounge. When the room opens up into the main space, the impact is much more impressive. Dark wood paneling, high ceilings and leather furniture rest on the ground floor. A winding staircase leads you up to the balcony where the salon will eventually host corporate events, fashion shows and the inevitable VIP party.

Music is also a big part of the Salon’s plan. A raised stage sits in the center of the main room dominated by a huge Steinway piano. While the image might appear stuffy at first, this is also the spot where the DJ sets up and the area where high energy artists like Tito Puente Jr. have already played. The night I showed up, the music was a combination of smooth funk and R&B, not at all what you might expect considering the surroundings. From what I understand, the venue will have live music or a professional DJ or both, every single night. The acoustics of the room blend the conversation and music well so you don’t have to whisper in your date’s ear unless you really want to get that close.

Because the hotel lounge market is so competitive now, the hotel isn’t entrusting the success of this space to novices. The manager is a long time veteran of successful spaces like Lotus. The menu is overseen by a two star Michelin chef. The DJ’s are pulled from venues like Tillman’s and Hudson Terrace and the rest of the staff seems equally professional. Experienced operators don’t guarantee the success of any space in New York City, but if the Salon does fail, it won’t be from a lack of talent.

But hotel lounges like the Salon aren’t for every type of patron. Prices are comparable to venues like Underbar, Plunge and Lambs Club so a glass of wine could set you back $20. It is a space primarily for impressing, mingling, nibbling, wheeling and dealing. Don’t bring anyone here unless you really like them, or you really want them to like you.

Salon Millesime doesn’t offer new concepts in the hotel bar formula, but it does well in providing what you expect from this experience. If you’ve already done most of the other hotel bars in the City, add this spot to your arsenal. If you want to celebrate your new record deal, impress your clients from out of town, make a marriage proposal or throw a party that someone else is going to pay for Salon Millesime can take very good care of you.

Have fun.
Gamal