Curve and Whitney Day to co-host winter’s biggest girls’ night!
Feel like rubbing shoulders with the hottest women of the LGBT music world? Want to have your picture taken on the red carpet? Like to meet and hang with the Curve team, and moi, personally?
Then you need to attend the NEON Women’s Party in New York City on January 18! Presented by Curve and lesbian nightlife maven Whitney Day, this promises to be a night to remember. I caught up with Whitney Day to discuss the particulars of this night-of-nights.
NEON will be held at NYC’s premiere nightclub, Marquee. How many ladies are we expecting?
My events usually range from 500 to 1,500 women & LGBTQs. So no matter what, we’ll be expecting to party with at least a few hundred of NYCs best! My crowd is super diverse, and the party is open and welcoming to all LGBTQs and our friends.
You’re a versatile DJ, and the OUTmusic Awards celebrates many genres of music. For NEON, what kind of music will you be playing?
I’ll be DJing along with two other talented spinners—DJ M.O. and Amber Valentine. We each have our own distinct styles, so depending on the time of night you may be hearing hip-hop, deep house or throwbacks. Being that Marquee is known for having the best multi-million dollar sound (and lighting!) systems in New York, and one of the best in the world.
The vibe will be focused on club and dance music. You know, the stuff that makes you sweat and before you know it, it’s 4 am and time to dance on home.
You’re a big fan of Marquee as a venue. Tell us why.
Marquee is one of my favorite venues to throw a party and DJ at. There’s a reason why they’ve been the #1 nightlife venue in NY for over 10 years. The space is open and made for dancing—the management and service is top-notch! From the bartenders to the security, they do not miss a beat!
I’m personally obsessed with the quality of visual effects, from LEDs on the walls & ceilings and even a massive hydraulic disco ball! I’ve partied and DJ’d in clubs from Sydney to Tel Aviv, Miami to Las Vegas and these guys know what they’re doing.
It’s not surprising that they have one of the biggest nightlife groups in the world and have world-famous DJs performing at one of their many venues 7 days a week.
So this sounds like a night to dress to impress. What is the code?
I’m not a fan of dress codes personally—although in this case, anything NEON is encouraged! In my view, what makes NYC so interesting are the different types of people and unique styles that exist in our amazing city. Come as you are—if you want to look dapper, do it up! Feeling a funky t-shirt and jeans—go for it. Be you, feel comfortable, and have fun.
What is one surprise you can reveal about the night?
I kind of let the cat out of the bag early, but generally I think people know by now that I’m really into bringing something unique to each party, usually in the form of a special performer; always something unexpected that you’ll most likely never see at other women’s/LGBTQ events.
For NEON I’ve booked one of the hottest Brass Bands in NYC—PitchBlak. These guys are the REAL deal. They’re professional musicians (some of which I’ve known for more than half of my lifetime!) and man can they rock! Lead by out tubist, and my friend, Cee, the band blends hip-hop, funk and dance genres to bring a truly special musical experience.
You have many fans and followers, but for the uninitiated, share your lez nightlife cred.
There’s no short answer to this question! I produce a handful of large-scale events in NYC each year, like my annual pride event at Marquee (this June will mark the 3rd anniversary). I’ve thrown parties at the Downtown Dream Hotel pool, the DL Rooftop, Avenue, SRB & Lovegun in Brooklyn.
I have a massive Thanksgiving Eve event at The Park every year. But outside of the events I produce, I’m also DJing across the country and around the world!
I’ve DJ’d some of the largest festivals, parties and Pride events for women and LGBTQs that exist—from Miami Pride, to Sydney Mardi Gras, The Gay Games, Divers/Cite Festival in Montreal. I’m also the only US DJ to play at L-Beach in Germany each year.
This year I’ll return to Girls in Wonderland and have recently picked up a monthly residency at The Abbey in Los Angeles! I’ll be playing in New York again in February for the Empire State Pride Agenda, and at Bad Habit, a new monthly party in Brooklyn.