With the fourth Bank Holiday (the third in a month) right on our doorstep, we thought we would depart slightly from our usual Weekend Best Bites & Short Shouts format, by extending it right across what is actually five days of frolicking, as, if like us, your weekend looks like starting tomorrow night (Thurs 26th May). Plus, with so much on & we finding it difficult to single out Best Bites for Soho, Vauxhall & elsewhere, we thought we would run down our choice picks by the day rather than the area, the good news being that, with the recent tensions very much eased, we have re-engaged our promotion of events brought to you by The Orange Group.
SMX Pre-Party
So, with lots to cover lets kick off with Thursday first and two devotions that get equal exposure, the first being Jodie Harsh’s Room Service which hosts the first of three SuperMartXe pre-parties, Room Service of course also hosting the second room at SMX’s “Moulin Rouge” event on Saturday (28th May), but for Room Service proper, naturally being at its heavenly home Diu on Greek Street. Now, whilst this latest superb soiree will have a definite SMX theme, Jodie has pulled on the D.J. resources of a trio that have much more of a meaty feel to them, the monthly meet “Meat”, of East Bloc fame, also part of Jodie’s Room Service off-shoot, Downtown (more on that in a bit). And tomorrow night will see “Meat” main man Tom Stephan on the decks, along with fellow East Bloc boy Jim Warboy (probably still celebrating his birthday), while new boy on the block, Matt Bogarde (no relation to Dirk or Humphrey) will be joining the fray. With Jodie ever present along with Logan & his team of Schmitzel’s, this should be yet another roadblock, so get there early folks, as doors open at 10 p.m… Plus, if you are, like us, a Room Service key holder, make sure you give it a flash as it will get you priority entry, that priced at £5 before 11 p.m. & £10 after. More info is available at http://clubroomservice.com.
Pop Up Gigolo Disco
Getting equal Best Bite attention is the other superb Soho social society soiree, Gigolo, which launched to amazing accolade last week and returns with another corker this. And the deal is in the title as it’s a “Pop Up Disco” week, D.J. Holestar kicking proceedings off with some alternative electro disco, while scene favourite Brent Nicholls then takes over to serve up delightful dollops of nu-funk/disco & favourite floor fillers to rock host venue Lo-Profile right through till the 3 a.m. finish (yikes we have a plane to catch!). And in terms of hosting, L.a. has plenty of help this week, as Jonny Woo will be sweeping in, together with David Masters Do Rape, both taking a turn on the stage, while gorge girls Naomi & Suzana will be shimmying & shaking their booties along with those equally gorge g-go’s Padraig & Sandro (time to drool!) who will be flexing their perfectly toned muscles. Plus, with David clicking his camera in all the right places, it’s certainly another week when you need to dress to impress. So, Gigolo’s doors open at Lo-Profile on Wardour St at 10 p.m., with entrance priced at £8 (or £4 with a Gigolo or QX ad) and for more details, go check their website at http://gigolodisco.com or search on http://shootmeup.co.uk.
So to a selection of Short Shouts and The RVT in Vauxhall have a great alternative night to the smart & stylish Soho set, as the ever entertaining David Hoyle takes an alternative look at life through the wonder of avant garde with guest Piff The Magic Dragon, & Drag Christ (you can just imagine!), while for the more conformist there is the late starting Gravity at Fire (actually into Friday but we’re not counting!), The Eagle getting down & dirty with their “Triga Thursday’s night, where porn flicks & porn stars are the name of the game, the three sites to visit to get more info being http://thervt.org.uk, http://fireclub.co.uk/gayparties & http://eaglelondon.com.
Society Does SMX
To Friday (27th May) & our Best Bite goes to “Society” at Lo-Profile, who entertain Logan Schmitz & SuperMartXe, for the second of SMX’s pre-parties and given how popular “Society” has become, teaming up with SMX is sure to make this Soho sophisticate even busier. Plus, the D.J. duo is delectably dynamic as Profile favourite Nathan Six moves downstairs to take charge of the early session of superb Spanish influenced sounds and given the form he has been on recently, his set should prove a scorcher. Then, to add more of that SMX Euro-beat & Spanish slant is Tony English, SMX’s resident D.J. who also sorts Logan’s monthly podcast, so without doubt the safest hands for the most superb sounds, plus his performance at the last Society we made, was pitch perfect, Mr English seemingly coming into his own at Lo-Profile, so is sure to sock a superb set. Plus, with Logan & his Schmitzel’s dusting “Society” with a healthy dose of SMX “Moulin Rouge” magic, this should prove the most stylish place to be seen on the scene for this first true weekend evening of the Spring Bank Holiday break. With doors opening at 10 p.m. & the club running till 4 a.m., check out http://loprofile.com for further details
To a selection of Short Shouts & the other big Weekend player, WE Party, get their own pre-party in also on Friday, a stone’s throw away at Rupert St, Brent Nicholls on the decks, while down in Vauxhall, Onyx get all hot under the collar with their “Heatwave” party with a beachwear theme, while new scene player, The Brixton Clubhouse kick off their weekend launch with D.J. Ben Jamin & guests spinning the alfresco sound action. Check out http://rupertstreet.com, http://fireclub.co.uk/gayparties & http://thebrixtionclubhouse.com for more info.
The Magic Of "Moulin Rouge"
Onwards to Saturday (28th May) & it’s very much a Spanish Armada night, with both SuperMartXe & WE Party vying for your attention, we having brought you most (if not all) the detail in out special preview “Pitting Their Wits” (well worth a read at http://discomatt.com/web/2011/05/previews-pitting-their-wits-supermartxe-moulin-rouge-we-party-london-candy-saturday-28th-may-special-preview/) while SMX’s “Moulin Rouge” event looks like being their most successful yet, at their new home Pulse that is. With Spanish resident AB Garcia being joined by Tony English, Per Q.X., & Jamie Hammond in the main room, while Room Service take over the second space, Kris Di Angelis & guests sorting the sounds, expect all the usual SMX spectacle, along with a special P.A. performance that is still under wraps (come on Logan, spill the beans!). As for the other detail, Pulse (1 Invicta Plaza off Southwark St., Blackfriars), is definitely one of THE places to be seen on the scene this Saturday (28th Mays), doors opening at 10.30 p.m. and the club running till 6.30 a.m. Advance £16 tickets are still available at http://supermartxe.clubtickets.com/gb/2011-05/28/supermartxe-london-moulin-rouge, while “hard” options can be grabbed at Prowler, Clone Zone & Solarstation in Soho. More detail on this “Moulin Rouge” event can be found by going to http://loganpresents.com.
Sweet Like Candy
So what about the other, WE Party? Well, they are serving up something quite special this Saturday (28th May) at their London home, The Coronet in Elephant & Castle, this welicious “Candy” themed event bursting at the seams with the sweetest of selections musically, as one of Spain’s finest, Carlos Gallardo makes a welcome return to the capital, as does prolific P.A. Peyton, the duo rolling out their latest single release, among a veritable feast of other treacle coated treats. And with a supporting cast that includes Paul Heron, Gonzalo Rivas & D’Johnny, plus that amazing WE lighting, staging & effects, “Candy” should definitely hit your sweet spots (shame we can’t be there!). The WE doors open at 11 p.m. with the event running through until 6 a.m, while advance tickets at £18 (sorry all those special £10 ones have gone) are still available online at http://weparty.clubtickets.com/gb/2011-05/28/we-party-london-we-candy, while “hard” ones can be sourced from Soho outlets Prowler, Clone Zone, Solarstation & 50 (all in Soho). More info on this exceptional event can be found by going to http://wepartylondon.com.
So to a selection of Short Shouts and completing the trio of pre-parties for SuperMartXe is host venue Rupert St, with Alessandro Londra on the decks, while Lo-Profile offer some escape from all things Spanish as Brent Nicholls kicks off their Saturday night, while Mr Londra follows up. But for the way out & whacky, it’s a Gutterslut weekend out east, at East Bloc to be precise, the GS crew sure to pack out the place, while down Vauxhall way, Queer Nation welcome special guest Beverley Knight to stoke up the atmosphere at this hip & happening event at Area. Check out http://rupertstreet.com, http://lorofile.com, http://myspace.com/gutterslutuk & http://patricklilley.com for respective info.
Onwards to Sunday and first & foremost, the morning will clearly be dominated by what looks like THE gathering of the whole weekend, as Beyond goes “Supersize” on us, joining forces with Barcode Vauxhall add that much needed extra capacity to this real highlight happening. So, despite our recent reports on the club (we believe quite constructive & positive), we will be throwing the full DM weight behind this historic meeting of Vauxhall minds with a special Focus post, “Bigger Is Better”, covering everything you need to know & more, so watch this space for that.
Peepshow Playhouse
In the meantime, like Saturday, we pour joint Best Bite recommends to two other parties, first “Downtown” which returns for another audacious outing at the Brixton Clubhouse in, yes, Brixton. Presented by Jodie Harsh’s Room Service, along with the magnificent East end endeavour “Meat”, this Sunday afternoon/evening soiree in the sun (hopefully) will see the likes of “Meat” men Tom Stephan & Kris Di Angelis fly that clubs D.J.’ing flags, while Miss Harsh herself will be spinning some sounds, along with newcomers to “Downtown”, Tom Davey & Russia’s hottest export, Dimitri Strigun, who steps off the go-go podium to bang out some beats. With dancefloor hosts including Munroe Bergdorf & Maria Fernanda in delectable duty, The Brixton Clubhouse team keeping the refreshments flowing in fine style, the “peepshow” theme to this outing will see it spread beyond the two outside decks into the inside too, as the sexual & seductive stage shows will draw the clamouring crowds “Downtown” to peek at the pervy & porn pumped action. So, it’s all gets going at The Brixton Clubhouse from 3 p.m. this Sunday (29th May), with “Downtown” running until midnight, advance £10 tickets available at http://ticketweb.co.uk, while more will be available on the door & info up for grabs at http://clubroomservice.com.
22nd Century Clubbing
Our second Sunday best Bite goes, of course, to Salvation, which makes a welcome return to the capital & to Koko in Camden, which played host to promoter Steve Elliot’s hugely successful NYD bash. And this latest outing promises to “…reboot clubbing & tale you into the 22nd Century…”, we having covered much of the detail in our preview “Saviour On Sunday”, will worth another peek at http://discomatt.com/web/2011/05/preview-saviour-on-sunday-salvation-the-future-sunday-29th-may/, although with a D.J. line up that includes Miswhite, Pier Morrocco, Paul Coals, Oliver M & Phil Marriot, with some surprises yet to be spilled, with promised lighting, stage shows, dancers & other additions expected to completely wow, this is one party out of the rick weekend pickings that you won’t want to miss out on. So much so, that we advise you grab your advance tickets, priced at £20 while you can by going online at http://gaypartix.com or in person at Prowler, Profile Bar & Barcode in Soho, as well as the latter’s sister venue in Vauxhall, along with the Camden, Clapham & Covent Garden branches of Soho Gyms. And if you fancy the royal treatment, why not upgrade by a mere fiver for the VIP option, which includes a separate entrance, free coatcheck & access to the exclusive VIP area (bargain we say!). More info on this outstanding outing can be found at http://salvation-london.com, while a short email to steve@salvation-london.com will answer any VIP questions you may have.
So to some Sunday Short Shouts and As One makes a welcome return to this slot, fitting neatly into the Spring Bank Holiday schedule, so sure to be extremely popular, Fire full to capacity we are sure, while Soho have their say, Shadow Lounge hosting another “Scandal” event. But if it’s more way-out wackiness you’re after, then Trailer Trash should be right up your Street, well Rivington Street in Shoreditch to be precise, although no Sunday would be complete without The RVT’s “S.LA.G.S./Chill-out”, which double doses too, an extra Monday session fitting in very nicely, websites http://fireclub.co.uk/gayparties, http://theshadowlounge.co.uk, http://clubtrailertrash.com & http://thervt.org.uk the places to go for further details.
Then finally to Monday (30th May) and it seems that the clubbing steam has very much run out of the scene, with no Orange and just the usual clubs like “Popcorn” at Heaven & “Citric” at Ku-Bar. So it seems that the day will be very much a wind down from the hectic previous four days, although two worth more than a look are both Later, which holds their Bank Holiday special at Area, following on from As One which finishes at midday Monday, so is sure to be packed, while it BBQ time down at The Brixton Clubhouse, this more sedate way to wave farewell to this Spring Bank Holiday sounding much more up our street, especially after the weekend we will had. But don’t forget that the “grassy knoll” is sure to be filled with Bank Holiday party goers ready for that second session of “S.LA.G.S./Chill-out” at The RVT, all the applicable websites already having been given a mention.
London's Clubbin Bible
However, one website we haven’t mentioned yet is tip top clubbing & London bible, SeenQueen, who have their own take on what’s hot this Spring Bank Holiday, with a special section devoted to just that, http://seenqueen.com/web packed out with further fabulous features that will keep your eyes glued & you entertained for hours, so go take a look. While, if you want to be looking your golden brown best, then why not top up that tan, or indeed get one, by taking the quick & easy way of a sunbed at the best spot in town, Solarstation on Soho’s Archer Street. Run by the most charming & friendly man in the capital, Hassan, have a look at http://solarstation.co.uk before you pay a visit or just pop along & Hassan will do the rest.
Well that’s it for this special Spring Bank Holiday Best Bites & Short Shouts in what looks like a really busy one for London and a busy one for us which starts with Room Service tomorrow night (Thurs 26th May), then a quick jaunt to Gigolo before we head to Heathrow & our flight to Rome for Muccassassina’s season finale. But we will be back in London just in time for SuperMartXe’s “Moulin Rouge” and then, naturally, will be finding our spot at Beyond for “Supersize”, then, after a quick disco nap, will be off to Kings Cross for The Sunday club, before rounding off our weekend at Salvation’s “The Future” event. So, if you see us out come say hi, but don’t forget that you can now also follow our activity as we “nibble size review tweet” our way through the weekend at http://twitter.com/discomatt.
Next week we will be back to our usual format, so if you fancy a mention then get e-mailing us at matt@discomatt.com, or plaster our Facebook walls, the best entry being http://facebook.com/discomattlondon which will then get you access to our other two pages. In the meantime, whatever you are up to & wherever it may find you, have a fantastic Spring Bank Holiday weekend, nut please make sure that you, “Go There! Be There! (DISCO MATT)