Thursday, May 30, 2013

VOICES FROM THE LAKE = WOW


Missed out on this album that Resident Advisor rated #1 in 2012, which is blowing me away right now.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

LOS ANGELES DJ DATES NEXT WEEKEND

Excited to be playing LA's Cub Scout party next Friday and Kim Ahn's Modern Love pool party at the Standard as DONKEY.



GOOD TIMES: ANOTHER NIGHT ANOTHER DREAM

Good Times magically transformed into Jolly Times last Wednesday when the British (namely DJs David Oh and Bright Light Bright Light of London) invaded the DJ booth to recreate their 90s house  party appropriately named Another Night. 


The handsomeness that is David Oh, who, unlike his DJ partner in crime, had never DJed Good Times before. So happy that the New York-London DJ family is growing at a rapid rate. We're also looking forward to a few UK dates in the autumn ourselves. Stay tuned.  


Promoter Earl Dax strutted in wearing 10-inch pumps (or so it felt), apparently prompting stares of shade from that lady to his right. 


Munoz and Money hadn't been to Good Times in a minute and felt a little more compelled to drop in when they heard that there are only five Wednesday parties left before we wind down weekly Good Times at the end of June, take the summer off and reconvene in the fall for something brand new.


Manchild, me and Parker (from left), chit chatting about all the Memorial Day plans that laid ahead of us. After DJing DONKEY at Bassment (Thursday) and the basement of 11:11 (Friday) as well as attending both the Loft and Horse Meat Disco on Sunday, I'm happy to report that I'm still alive and so is New York City nightlife.


GOOGLE GLASSES UP IN THE CLUB!


Kevin (left) and Steven are both long-time members of the Good Times family, though they've been on temporary absence since they've both boo-ed up and are pretty much living with their respective husbands at this point. #MatureTimes


The ginger DJ bear known as Sean McMahill has also been DJing with Bright Light Bright Light here in NYC since they both share a strong affinity for everything 90s, including Jessica Folker (which was not played) and Jennifer Paige (which WAS played).


My other DONKEY half Mikey (left), seemingly being lifted up for the ultimate carry (190 lbs!) by the DJ/production genius that is Nita Aviance.


David and friends. Our doorman Big Scot came in at the end of the night and announced that there was an overwhelming number of English, Scottish and Welsh visitors in attendance. There was also an incredible amount of alcohol consumed.


The look goes as follows.


David and Rod, playing every Steve Silk Hurley remix you could possibly want to hear and then some! We most definitely need to bring these two back at some point in the near future since the 90s are the new 80s.


Michael moved back to New York from India only a few hours before this photo was taken but insisted on attending Good Times and meeting all the handsome bearded men that he has missed out on for the past 2.5 years.


A late-night check in with Kevin G., who always arrives on time for my 2am to 4am set.


Not sure what's up with the pink tint in this week's photos but Frankie (left) and Marc still look as sexy as ever. See you next week when guest DJ Michael Magnan serves you some of New York's finest beats with me at our FIFTH TO LAST Good Times! xx, Sparber

MICHAEL MAGNAN, DJ TO THE STARS


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

AND THEN ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY



GOOD TIMES: FIRST TIME AT THE FUNCTION

With only six more weekly Good Times parties left at Eastern Bloc, we made sure to include some newcomers as well as some of our all-time favorite DJs to round out our May/June farewell line-up. Good Times has always spot for newbie DJs to share their tunes and last week was no exception, with Ricardo Tavares and Buddha Funkenstein both guesting for their first time at our little weekly function.


Ricardo is no stranger to throwing parties in New York, though it's only recently that he took up DJing. He first impressed us with his New Years Day DJ set at Rich King's annual potluck fiesta and wowed us again last week with his excellent nu disco and house set.


Paul really got into striking a pose when I asked him if I could snap his picture (you should try it and see if you get the same results). He clearly knows his best angles too since he looks as handsome as ever.


If you haven't been to Eastern Bloc of late, you've been missing out on our brand new $3 Ass Juice shots, which I tried for the first time last week and, though they don't really taste like ass juice, they're almost as yummy and intoxicating as the real thing.


Rich (left) and AK, hosting an impromptu pre-IML conference outside the Eastern Bloc bathrooms. I'm also DJing in Chicago on July 13th for AK's birthday, which should be fun sexy dirty raunchy and dancey all in equal parts.


Despite his new 9 to 5 office job lifestyle, our former barman Rob was back last week to rub elbows and chesticals with Tara Miso Rice (right), who also took a break from nightlife for three weeks to hang in Cambodia.


CHUG-A-LUG! CHUG-A-LUG! CHUG-A-LUG!


Happy birthday to a newly beardless James Ryan! I met JR before I began at Good Times six years ago but as Quinn (in the background) reminded last week, a big group of us met and/or grew closer with the friends we now have as a result of Good Times and this very much holds true for me and JR. Now grow that beard back cuz I don't need to see that!


Daryl (right, with Charles) and J4 invited me to DJ their newish Sunday night party at the Monster this past week called Beat Juice, and although it wasn't packed to the rafters, the energy, performances and old school West Village clientele made for a fantastic evening. Which is why I'm stoked to be back at the Monster this Thursday with DONKEY (me and Mikey Fuentes) for Jools and Mandy's Bassment party.


Our other newbie DJ guest of the evening was Buddha Funkenstein, who is the cutest and sweetest living furby you will ever meet and he plays great music as well despite "not using headphones" as a general rule, which I didn't fully understand but maybe using headphones is old school.


A late-night drive by from Antonio, one of our favorite service industry friends who works around the corner and is always down for an after-work cocktail or an ass juice shot of either variety. See you next Wednesday when Rod Thomas aka recording artist Bright Light Bright Light joins us. He'll also be filming his upcoming music video so no clothes with words or images if you intend on being a video vixen. See you there! xo, Sparber

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN

 
The sixth to last Good Times is tonight, with guest DJ and recording artist Rod Thomas aka Bright Light Bright Light, who will also be filming some footage for his new music video so don't wear clothing with logos or artwork on it if you wanna be a Good Times video vixen. See you later.

Monday, May 20, 2013

AUSTIN DOWNEY DOES IT DEEP

If you're unfamiliar with DJ Austin Downey (last seen on Twerking HERE), let me catch you up to speed:

1. He used to DJ and NYC's Tunnel, Limelight and Palladium.

2.  He was roommates with Lina (!)

3. He is buddies with Frankie Knuckles (!!)

4. He DJs a monthly with Rich King and Brian Gately called Easy over at the Westside Tavern.

5. He just posted this new mix on mixcloud and it is turning me! Austin is a master sound craftsman and skilled song selector, all of which is very evident in the mix below, which is starting off my week properly, air horns and all.


Thursday, May 16, 2013

ESSENTIAL VIEWING: THE AMEN BREAK


FINALLY FOUND MY BEACH BOOK FOR THIS COMING SUMMER


THE BALEARIC SOUNDS OF GRACE JONES





Don't know much about this Balearic Sounds Of series that has just put out this gem but everyone could always use a little more Balearic Grace Jones / Tom Moulton / Larry Levan in their lives.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

BUDDHA FUNKENSTEIN IS CHRONIC


GOOD TIMES: SEATTLE vs. LONDON

It was only fitting that last Wednesday's weather forecast called for rain, as I had invited not one but two guest DJs from two of the world's rainiest cities—London and Seattle—to guest with me at my Good Times party at Eastern Bloc.



Up first for an early set was Nic Fisher. Nic hails from London and DJs a party called Gutterslut, which I've never actually attended but after hearing his Good Times set, I'm completely sold on checking it out the next time I'm in London. #fan


I finally made it to Contessa's (center) C-Unit party last Saturday and was blown away by the DJ sets, the space and the really decent sound system considering it was an underground / renegade Brooklyn party. So much love for this girl and all the energy she puts into making New York as awesome as it is.


We hear Juan Diego (right) was on his way to Montreal shortly after he attended last week's Good Times, which only made me excited for my own upcoming excursion to Canada this July to DJ Cub Camp in Toronto.


Everyone in attendance at last week's Good Times seemed to be visiting from London (including Gregorio, Alex and Jeremy, from left), which was quite fine by me since I can always use a little more London in my life.


Edgar (left) helps run one of Pittsburgh's most major parties known as Honcho and was out and about all over New York City last week, checking out our local talent and hyping his up-and-coming home city of Pittsburgh. (Did you know that Frank Gehry's Falling Water was allegedly built for a gay owner who was fond of hosting sex parties? Not sure if that's actually true but I hope it is.)


The handsome hosts and helpers at Good Times known as Matt (left) and Marc aka Marcus Isaacs aka DJ Tekshur aka the sweetest thugged up Jersey boy I know.


At the next Good Times on May 15th, the category is First Time at the Function since we have TWO guest DJs again, Ricardo Tavares (not pictured but he's basically the younger Brazilian brother bear daddy Rich King, left) and Buddha Funkenstein (right) who are new to the Good Times family. Come give them a warm family welcome.


If you haven't heard, we're winding down Good Times on a weekly basis so you might wanna come and check out it before the end of June when we call it quits. These two did and I'm sure they woke up with a few new phone numbers in their mobiles and massive hangovers.


The sexiness that is Rafael and his lady friend / neighbor, who was having the best time ever until she suddenly wasn't and had to head home early in a cab. Hoping they're both back next week for my late night set starting at 2am.


I laugh at this graffiti every time I use the Eastern Bloc bathroom. Whoever tagged Nita and Harriet on this wallpaper, thank you for the consistent bathroom smiles. 


This one was really feeling it for the entire evening but only took his shirt off for a short while before putting it back on, adjusting his headphones and giving runway for the entire length of the bar before exiting.


Getting their Good Times on.


Guest DJ Nark (aka Kevin Kauer, left, with Jerbear) has really been carrying this past year, first with his hometown parties in Seattle and now with his nonstop DJ appearances around the US. We love a young, ambitious cutie like Nark and his DJ sets sounded great to boot. 


Backwards fitted hats seem to be on the rise of late unless you're Jonas (left), in which case the sideways ball cap seems to work quite nicely. Shout out to Adrian in the back right for looking dapper AND for pulling off another successful Frieze NYC this past weekend.


 Yes and yes. Maybe it's time for me to start thinking about visiting London more frequently.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY LULU! Much like the fine french wines that come from his home country, Ludo (left) is getting better and better with age.


And last but not least, a late night drive-by from the awesome twosome known as Joey (left) and Matteo. See you next week for our First Time at the Function Good Times with guests Ricardo Tavares and Buddha Funkenstein. xo, Sparber