The Juice Box

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 bottles of water

by Jim Hauck

Sunday in New York was a hot, muggy, typical eastern day, and it was time for what is one of those legendary outdoor dance parties the NY Pride Pier Dance. This 24th installment was a chance for yours truly to finally see this party and experience other parts of the dance scene in New York.

To set the stage, take a rather run down pier on the riverfront, covered in an asphalt surface, throw up a bunch of lighting rigging, line the edges of this long pier with tented booths/bars, speakers and poof there it is – Pier Dance. Now this does simply thing a bit, but it really is just that simple. A large pier on the river.

Arriving a bit early to get in and get a lay of the land, the first thing noticed, was a lack of directional signage and we found ourselves, VIP tickets in hand, turned away at the gate and sent back and across the street to check in for a wrist band (an area we had already walked by as well). Not a good start, but OK. We get to the check in and the lack of organization and processing gets worse, and we were early, no lines yet. Finally someone figured out there should be a VIP line and a standard line – perhaps another opportunity for signage? We were quickly processed once the crew working the check in figured everything out, no special security checks or pat downs, and we were back on our way to the gate. The crowd was now being held at the gate as many people looked at each other trying to figure out what to do, until the lone voice of a female finally said we have people ready to go, let’s get them in! Bless her!

As we entered the long, narrow pier, there was again no clear signage on where VIP was or anything, and it took a lot of probing and questioning to find out. We did however discover this long side of the pier walk that took us back to the rather spacious VIP area. The VIP section had it’s own bathrooms, including an entire set of air conditioned toilets (special treat on a hot day). The bars were plentiful and free drinks (cocktails, water, sports drinks, etc.) flowed all day from a very friendly volunteer bar staff. There was also a raised platform at that end of the pier separating the VIP from general area. VIP stayed comfortable all day for room and space to spread out, and I would recommend anyone who goes to this party to splurge on the option.

As the day moved along, we were blessed with a few clouds to block out the very potent sun and keep the temperatures just slightly high, but the humidity made for a sweaty day no matter what you did. The slight breezes offered a refreshing time here and there to let you get some natures cooling down. About 5:30 or so the crowd began to swell in size and there was a great energy building.

Steven Olivierri delivered a great opening set, playing a mix up classics for a t-dance, some more modern mash ups, but overall keeping the energy up and where you want it for a day time party. The crowd was being wound up nicely for the main act to come. Steve kept a great beat and musical selection going and then there was the first performance break of the afternoon. Sophie Ellis Bextor took the stage, in a rather quiet performance to sing a few of her hits like Murder on the Dance Floor and DJ Made Me a Dancer, with minimal amounts of talking and a great transition to the main course of the Freemasons.

The Freemasons took control of the party and immediately waved their magical musical wand over the event and took it to another level. Just like their performance at White Party Palm Springs, I believe there is nothing this dynamic duo can’t do, and when you bring them into your party they are a great energy, fun performance, and music absolutely everyone loves. The crowd was off the hook and the fun really kicked in as the sun set and the lights under the direction of Guy Smith started to come alive. What I will say I loved most is that this was a longer Freemason’s set, with a lot of new material, showing how diverse these guys are becoming and how well they have learned what their gay followers love to dance to. It was hard to not find someone with their hands in the air, singing a long, and just being full of beaming happiness in the music.

Then this is the sad part, and honestly it pains me to have to go here, but what would have an almost perfect day was basically spoiled by two key things. When the Freemasons were done, and the crowd cheered them on, were introduced to Ultra Nate and a performance of songs that felt old and out of character for the party music we had just listened to including her song Automatic. Honestly, we knew Kylie was in town, couldn’t someon have got her to the party? In fact Ms. Nate spent more time asking for more volume, more monitors, and more of everything and all I kept thinking was more Freemasons please.

It was now 10:30, the party is in the final stages, and the fireworks start. Now I am the first to tell you that finding a perfect performance song is hard to do, but whomever picked the choices for the fireworks show, certainly should have their head examined. Some choral rendition of a song I do not know, played very slow and way too long, leading into another ballad and then finally into something that picked up the tempo a bit (but I was already walking down 14th street by this time so I do not know what it was). Fireworks are jubilant, celebratory. Starting with a ballad is awesome, but give me some kick to raise my spirits with the fires in the sky. Big missed opportunity here.

Overall, a very fun party. The crowd was very social, very friendly, and no matter where you looked people seemed to be having a good time. It was a mixed group of many ethnicity’s and ages, bears and muscle, and a lot of young men sporting facial hair (I am so happy that is back in style). There were a few noticeable drop outs from people going a little too far, but given the hot day it did not seem that bad for what I was seeing and how bad it could have been. I was amazed at the obvious sales going on around the dance floor, no quiet mind you, but in your face opportunities for products. Additionally, it seemed there were more drunken 20 to 30 somethings than I have seen in a long time. And sadly, if there is one memorable moment, it is when this boy from San Diego, drunk and messy, decided to pull out his member and proceeded to urinate all over his friends and even when they moved, he turned and continued to relieve himself all over the back of his “boyfriend”. Can you give me a gig W-O-W? That was messy and certainly gave my friend and I good reason to head to another part of the dance floor.

So thanks to New York for giving me an alternative pride event to go to. It was great seeing friends from SF in town throughout the day and catching up with local NY friends I have not seen in some time. I highly suggest if you have never done it, check out the NY Pride Pier Dance – it is an event worth attending.

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Tags: freemasons, Pier Dance, Steven Olivierri