Next week we work on putting the kickstand up.

Once again it is like 4:30 in the morning and I am driving home from one of Eddie Murphy’s legendary gay party nights.  I had intended to take a few pictures and be on my way before midnight.  Ha!  Like that’s going to happen.  The nights Eddie runs at Shy Lounge in Levittown on Saturday night, “Gation”, or “Dabunk” at The Bunkhouse in Sayville on Friday nights, you are in for a treat. 

The crowds are very diverse ranging from 18 year olds just getting into the scene to the college gang out to unwind after a week of study, and even the more experienced group who just simply enjoy being included at a happening place. The dance floor is always busy and I can tell you some of the best dancers I have shot pictures of have come from the Long Island crowd.

The cover of Metroline two issues ago actually came from a candid shot taken on the dance floor at Gation.  In case you are wondering it was one of the most commented on covers this year.  It also garnered the number one hit list for visits to our Web site.  I guess the Long Island crowd tends to keep on top of who’s who when one of them gets published. 

Eddie has put together a really great crew of people who go the distance to ensure guests have a good and safe time.  Security sometimes seems a little stiff but they all have a great heart and do the best at keeping everyone safe.  The door staff always has a smile on their face that makes one feel at home as soon as they walk in the door. 

Eddie has a unique promoter program where the regulars who get to become part of the party are encouraged to bring their friends in.  As they act more as party ambassadors they can also defer the cost of the night by being included in a split of the door.  This way Eddie does what he does best; give back to the community by sharing its success.  This not only makes everyone feel included but it actually includes him or her.  That seems to be one of the secret keys to his parties being some of the best ways to spend a night out on Long Island.  I guess I really don’t mind how late it is after all.

Tags: 2010, 37-06, LATE MARCH