NYC Theme Party

Kostume Kult's Horned Ball #6. April 9, 2010

2010-03-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

HORNED BALL #6 - Paleolithikk

Kostume Kult's annual Spring ritual, featuring tribal beats, all night dancing, interactive art, games and prehystorical absurdity

At Warsaw (a large, amazing venue)
261 Driggs Ave at Eckford
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Subways: Nassau G (closest) or Bedford L

$15 presale at:
http://www.kostumekult.com/events/hornedball/

$20 door/ costume
$25 door/ street

Cheap Drinks all night (*details below)
8-10pm: 2-for-1 happy hour + food til midnight
21+

DJ's spinning House, Breaks and Electro in two rooms including Tektite (Kostume Kult/ Vitamin B), Morphous (Kostume Kult) Hellfire Machina (Bass Fueled Mischief), Lee Mayjahs? (PEX), The Bass (Disorient), Nigel Richards (PEX) and Fabian Alsultany (GlobeSonic/ Body Temple).

ARTISTS: Decor by ANIMUS Art Collective, Flora by Greg Skolozdra, Flying EL-Pterodactyls by Brooklyn Airdrome, Prehystoric video by Metal Tiger and VJ Lenka, Cave painting by Kritta, Photobooth by Joe Che, Mastadonia by Costume Jim, Dancers, Hula-hoopers, Stilters and YOU creating whatever you might for this interactive/ participatory arts event. (and more to be added soon)

DRESS: Horns, tusks, woolly mammal, dinosaur, troglodyte, urban kaveman, or anything extinct. An annual spring bacchanal - the idea is to wear horns of any type whether or not you want to play along with this year's sub-theme or not. Springtime arrives and the animals are coming out of hibernation!

FEATURING: Horn and prosthetic brow-ridge vending, cave & body painting, drag your mate by the hair races, bison tartar, pin the tail on the mastodon and anything else YOUR might want to create...

MAKE ART or VOLUNTEER? This is a huge venue with many corners to gussy and much room to play. There's a main room with a stage, balcony and backstage area, a good sized bar area and a side room so please let us know if you want to create or otherwise empower others... Incentives offered!

GET INVOLVED by emailing producer Ilya at ilya.cb@gmail.com

SEE THE VENUE?: On March 20th, Disorient will be hosting their Glamtech event at the same location and you can see it then or drop by on other nights--- www.warsawconcerts.com

DRINK PRICING (10pm to 5am with a 2-for-1 happy hour 8-10pm)
- $5 beers including premium bottles and draft pints
- $5 house wine
- $5 shots
- $6 drinks
- $7–8 top shelf liquors

FOOD: (til midnight)
$5 entrees (Polish fare) including Pierogis, Hunters Stew, Kielbasa platters, Polish canapes

A Burning Man project fundraiser.

GalaGalactic, Feb 5: Multi-dimensional, Space Inhabitant Theme

2010-02-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

This event's facebook announcement says:

"From the bleeding edge of the known Universe, please join the inhabitants of the Cephalopoda Galaxy on a multi-venue, mutli-dimensional voyage into the phenomena known hitherto this side of the solar system as GalaGalactic!"

Friday, February 5th
8:00pm - 4am

Not only is this a multi-dimensional and multi-media event, but it is also a multi-location occasion. The first stop includes a viewing of a "groundbreaking digitally animated alternative music show SonicVision on a mind-warping musical roller-coaster ride through a fantastical dreamspace" at:

HAYDEN PLANETARIUM SPACE THEATER
SONIC VISION
Exclusive Viewing
8:00pm
81st between Columbus and CPW
Trains: B or C to 81st Street. 1 to West 79th Street.

Then, at the second stop, enjoy some space groove and party down at:

HUDSON TERRACE
9:30pm till 4am.
621 W 46th Street between 11th & 12th Avenue
Please enter through the private east entrance (not the main entrance).

Music, visuals, and a "late-night luminescent capoeira performance by special guests."

And now, for the theme costume part...

"SUGGESTED ATTIRE:
Out of this world supernatural space inhabitant, luminous mutant space goddess, exotic refugee sky creature, mod space bubble fantasm, silvery pie in the sky suits, space men, green men, glowing rings, stars, tubing, mirrors, molds + membranes, martians, space invaders, britelite, space hallucination, and pocket rockets!"

"TICKET PRICES:
$25 pre-sale: all-inclusive - Sonic Vision + Hudson Terrace ticket
$12 pre-sale: Sonic Vision only ticket
$15 pre-sale: Hudson Terrace only ticket
$20 Hudson Terrace only ticket @ door"

Full details at the event's facebook page: Squid Row presents GalaGalactic

Rumble in the Jungle? A Jungle wrestling theme party, Feb 18.

2010-02-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

We'll open our February 2010 party tracking with a rather curious event coming up on the evening of Thursday, Feb 18. Check this out:

It's a wrestling party with a "jungle" theme for February, presented by Grapple Den at Tagine Restaurant at 537 Ninth Ave.

For this one, wrestlers ("participants") and spectators are encouraged to dress in jungle attire. And while admission ranges from $5 - $20, wrestler-participants dressed like rain forest denizens can get in for free:

"**** FREE admission to grappling participants dressed for the JUNGLE theme ****
That means leopard print singlets, tribal gear that you can roll it, leaves and greenery, animalistic attire." from GrappleDen.com

The event organizers have said they will be decorating the party venue with greenery, bringing in some foresty green lighting, and introducing some floral elements and animal prints into the hookah den location.

Jungle wrestling in the dead of winter? Now that's pretty wild. Or is it just very New York?

Arabian Night Theme Party Planners - Zohar Productions

2010-01-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

While this entry does not discuss a specific theme party going on in town, I will use it to point out a company I keep running across in my theme party searches.

Zohar Productions: Moroccan Theme Parties, Arabian Nights, Gypsy Caravans, and Ancient Civilizations theme ed events.

While I have never seen first hand the work by Zohar Productions, I have spent some time looking over their website and the photos therein. The company appears to specialize in part planning and in providing party resources, such as decor, musicians, dancers, lighting effects, sudan chairs, tents, and more, all with an Arabian or Moroccan style.

I hesitate to take photos from this site, but I will instead cite some of the text from the "About Us" section:

"Zohar Productions, Inc., based in New York City, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Miami, was established in 1987. Laura LeRoy, Producer and Special Events Coordinator, is Founder and President of Zohar Productions. Zohar Productions is a recognized leader in the field of event planning specializing in Arabian Nights, Ancient Egyptian, and Moroccan special events. [...] Zohar Productions is a high quality source of Moroccan theme parties and Arabian Nights special events with tents, décor and entertainment." http://zoharproductions.com/aboutus.html

It all looks really nice, especially the section that describes the various resources and entertainers that can be provided for the "Circus Exoticus," such as acrobats, stilt-walkers, jugglers, whirling dervishes, snake charmers, professional sudan chair bearers.

Impressive. I just wish there was a list of upcoming events! I'd love to write about and share word about an upcoming local Moroccan or Arabian themed party here in NYC for 2010.

GLOW - Blacklight in Brooklyn, Dec 26

2009-12-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

A classic theme, and one that id not done as often as you might expect: Blacklight!

The next upcoming blacklight party I have come across is called GLOW, on Saturday, Dec 26. Some info for you UV rave fans:

GLOW
@ Hello Brooklyn
18 commerce st Brooklyn NY
www.hbnyc.com
Train station: Smith/9th street Fand G stop
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION INFO: hopstop.com

DOORS: 9pm to 5am
ADMISSION:
$15 in advance @ BROOKLYNGLOWS.COM till dec 24th
$20 @ The door Before 11pm
$25 After 11pm

SOUND:Reinforced sound by AUDIOLUST and SUPREME SOUNDS
LIGHTS:POWER TRIP LIGHTING
LAZER: SUPREME SOUNDS AND POWER TRIP LIGHTING

The party flyer posted on the GLOW facebook event announcement mentions "free UV face and body painting and glowsticks"

That is promising for a splendid blacklight effect.

Remember, folks, that neon colors work just as well in giving off a blacklight glow effect as do pure whites. Now, I know a lot of you think of glowing white when you think UV, but if you can get your hands on UV reactive neon colors, you can whip up a stunning blacklight look.

... a look that'll look amazing on the rave dance floor.

Watching the Ball Drop. New Years 2010

2009-12-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

Now I'm on the hunt for New Year's Eve theme -esque parties. That's right. Time to look into who's theme-ing it up for New Year's 2010. Here's my first find:

New Year's Eve Party in Times Square
@ Times Square Art Center
300 West 43rd Street (3rd Floor)

Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 8:00pm - Friday, Jan 1, 2010 at 4:00am

Some of the promotional info from this party's facebook anouncement:

"Bring in the New Year close enough to Times Square to be a part of it, but not actually near that crazy mess!

... many New Yorkers have most likely done the Time Square New Years Ball drop once in their life. If you have you know that its a huge mess over there, with no place to go to the bathroom, or space to move around or even alcohol.

Well this party is close enough to Time Square where you can feel like your part of the crazy celebration happening only one block away, but at the same time we have all the things that the crossroads are lacking! We have tons of space, with plenty of alcohol flowing! Join us for a New Years party of epic proportions!

There is no expensive entry fee or wrist band or any of that nonsense. We have rented out a loft space where we will have a bar with $5 drinks to purchase. We have DJ's, Bands, and a giant projector so you can watch the ball drop, as well as plenty of space where you can make out at midnight!"

Where's the theme aspect?

Guests are asked to consider Ball Gown and Black Tie apparel, but this is not a strict black tie affair. In other words, such attire is optional.

However, this crew of party people would gladly welcome creative attempts at Ball Gowns and Black Tie attire. This is a chance to get dressed up and spiffed out for a party without a door cover but with a bunch of theatrical, fun loving folks.

More info from the facebook event announcement:

This party will be free/ no door charge
$5 drinks (beer, wine, champagne, vodka)

This invite open to everyone, so bring your friends!
Ball Gown & Black Tie apparel optional.

Hosted By: Dana Sterling, Nick McGlynn, Spanish Rob

So, all you jaded New Yorkers, why not take a moment to get dolled up and head out to Times Square for the ball drop into 2010? It's a chance to get decked out for fun, to throw on some friendly sophistication, and to rub elbows with fellow dolled up New York City dwellers.

Private Eyes and the Femme Noir: Fri, Dec 18

2009-12-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

One Good Reason, known for their "down and dirty dance parties for the underground," presents a new "cops" themed soiree called "Private Dicks." Coming up on Friday, December 18, 2009.

The underground private eye theme is flavored with femme noir and combined with hot DJs and hot music to burn up the dance floor.

Here's where the costumery comes in. Classic detective-wear and high rollers style is encouraged. The Private Dicks event announcement on Facebook says:

"Although not an official 'costume' event per se, the dress code will be enforced. Be seductive. Wear that sexiness you bare so well! Put on your fedora. Wear your sparkled gown. Show us the garter and stockings underneath your overcoat. Be inspired to be inspiring.

Please no jeans, sneakers or hoodies. "

Further details from the announcement:

$10 before 11pm or if you RSVP'd to the last party (they have the lists)
$15 via this RSVP, before midnight or in private dick wear
$20 door

Cash bar available, smoking ok.
Location via RSVP only.

Information found via http://tinyurl.com/privatedicks

Stimulate 12/19 Twisted Christmas on the Dancefloor

2009-12-08T11:08:00.001-08:00

Stimulate, 2009 Holiday Edition. This December 19 "Holiday" theme party has a variety of fun themes all going on at once. Firstly, the event is subtitled "Über XXX-Mas w/HANZEL UND GRETYL live" and it promises Go-Go dancers and Latex Elves. Primary theme: A little bit of Naughty and Nice this holiday season.

How to illustrate that theme? Well, but following another important party theme for Stimulate: wild, fantastic, and outlandish attire. For the Holiday theme, the dress code recommends: SeXXXy Santas, Latex Elves, Racy Reindeer, Christmas Toys, Red & Green.

Otherwise, these costume choices are suggested: Steampunk, Cyberpunk / Electrohead / Rivithead / Industrial, Gothic, Fashionista, etc, etc, PVC, Leather, Latex.

Hit the dance floor with some jacked-up, all-out, over-the-top wild and sexy holiday attire. A la fantasy costume style. And preferably something you can dance in!

LOCATION
Crash Mansion 199 Bowery @ Spring St (1 block north of Delancey St) NYC 10002
$14 in Advance / $17 Day Of Event. 21 + 9pm-4am

Sponsored by/Advance Tickets Available at:
Gothic Renaissance : 108 4th Ave between 11/12th Sts. NYC
Vampire Freaks : 189 Avenue A between 12/13th Sts. NYC

"December 19th: the "Über XXX-Mas" Bash w/HANZEL UND GRETYL + COLUMBINE ! Sight * Sound * Touch * Taste... Get your monthly Fix! http://www.STIMULATE-ME.com"

Fang Club NYC (Dec 6 at China1)

2009-12-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

Although the MySpace page for Fang Club NYC says "THE 1ST RULE OF FANG CLUB IS, DON'T TALK ABOUT FANG CLUB!!!," I am going to try to talk a bit about it from what I have gleaned.

I came across a promo for Fang Club NYC while cruising on MySpace today. The promo announced the Fang Club party that will be taking place on Sunday, December 6, at China1 in Manhattan (50 Avenue B). It's the "Bloody Christmas" edition.

This party's dress code states "Dress to Impress" - always a favorite dress code of mine! It says "no sport hat, blue jeans, khakis" - again, sounds good to me.

From what I gather from the Fang Club NYC myspace page, this is a party attended by members of the nightlife vampire scene. Pardon me if I don't get all Scene protocol correct on this. The 2nd rule of Fang Club is that you must have fangs. So, there is a great and fine theme right there!

And, if I understand the postcard graphic correctly, FangSmith Ra Ubasti will be there to discuss (or make?) custom fangs.

I am not entirely sure if this is a private party, a public party, or if newcomers can attend with prior permission. I gather that, since there have been public event announcements, that there is a way for newcomers to get in, if they have a sincere interest in fang and vampire scene nightlife.

Find the Fang Club NYC myspace page here: http://www.myspace.com/fang_club_6
Find the Fang Club December 6 party at China1.
See the promo postcard graphics I've included here.

Introduction to The Theme Party Blog

2009-12-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the very first post in the brand-spankin' new NYC Theme Party blog!

This blog will be part calendar, part web directory, part feedback collection, and all entirely focused on parties in New York City (all 5 boroughs, with perhaps some NJ input) that involve costumes, dress up, masquerade style, or any chance for participants to get outfitted up for a night of mayhem.

For the time being, I hope to use each individual post to talk about one specific party, or perhaps two related parties. I hope to also be able to get a google calendar on here in some way, or even to attach it or link it in.

As for me, your humble narrator, who am I? I think that might be of interest to some readers. I am one of several potential contributers to this blog. My name is Damien, and I am indeed a NYC denizen. I am a great fan of costumery and dress up, but for me, I need an occasion for dressing up. I need a place to go. And, unfortunately, unless one of my usual party venues is specifically having a pre-announced special theme, I do find it fairly difficult to find public theme parties and costumes parties to attend.

So, with a little elbow grease, a little networking here and there, and some web searching, I am proud to bring you the NYC Theme Party blog!

Up, up, and away.