Wednesday, April 21st

My camera has arrived kids. A big boy camera. Don't be surprised if I'm up in your face with my D70 popping off flashes left and right at you. My first test drive was on Monday night at Clark's On Clark for the Bar Olympics. Not only was the event hysterical, but this was the first event I've attended this year where the crowd was there to just have fun. Oh, and my home bar Spin won first place!

In the past the Bar Olympics have become this insanely cutthroat competition, with bars at each other like two drag queens fighting over the last auburn wig in the shop. The community has no use for any of that. The events are meant to further the gregarious nature of the bar staff community around town. Hopefully the spirit that was raised at Clark's will continue. A big thank you Miss Gina with her divalicious emceeing and to Clark's for a great event!

What a wild ride Halsted is having right now! Cell Block is closed "due to rain damage" Mm hmm. And Buddies has not only been sold, it's been gutted and is rapidly changing into the rumored French Bistro. Ooooh la la, how very. Oh wait, Ooh La La closed a few years back.

Overheard: Felt has been sold and bought. It will be interesting to see if the space changes much. Or maybe the sounds. Am I the only one who does NOT like to hear circuit music while sipping a high priced cocktail? That space should have deep soulful lounge and laid back grooves. In my opinion, it needs to let go of the pop ASAFP.

And in other news, Voltaire has been bought by the owners of Hydrate. I hope we can all look forward to another good addition to Halsted's nightlife corridor. And Mark & Rodney, you two beautifully gorgeous menz, if you are reading, I'm free every evening except Friday nights. My Deep House records are just itching to be played. Much Love!

Last night I popped into Roscoe's for their Drag Race. Frida Lay was fabulous as usual, and there were some newly minted queens strutting their stuff on stage. The first-timers are always my cup of tea. Watching them perform with their limitless energy and zest for the music is incredibly enjoyable. Passionate people, in any endeavor, should be praised for their energy.

One final note. May 1st is our monthly House and Hip-Hop party at Spin. For those of you who have been screaming about the lack of a Hip-Hop dancefloor, this is your chance kids. I'll be DJing the early House set, and ST1 will follow with Hip-Hop. DJ Stoney will close the night. Come out and help keep this party running on Halsted!

My heart beats with you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik