Stuff @ Night - "JUST Wednesdays at District"
A Hump Day worth heading out for
By HEATHER BOUZAN
August 3, 2006
You’ve got your post-work haunt, your Saturday-night go-to, and your late-night hideaway. You have designated spots for first dates, second dates, and third-date clinchers. You can tell the difference between a Eurotrash club, a college dive, and a lounge-y hotspot at the nod of a bouncer. In short, you’re no novice. But when it comes to midweek plans, you somehow draw a blank.
Michael Winter, the man behind the scenes of " Heaven Fridays " at Saint and " Wicked Saturdays " at Whiskey Park, among other events, has recently launched " Just Wednesdays " at District (180 Lincoln Street, Boston, 617.426.0180), simply, he says, as " a reason to go out. " A promoter extraordinaire and, after 15 years in the biz, one of Boston nightlife’s veterans, Winter knows his stuff. " I just figured that Boston needed a really good Wednesday night. They needed a good middle-of-the-week, a good hump day, " he says. Winter has a few Wednesday events under his belt, after all; he was the force that injected style into Wednesday nights at the Foundation Lounge, now a popular destination for city socialites.
" To be quite honest with you, " says District co-owner Frankie Stavrianopoulos, " people who are in the know aren’t really going out on the weekends as much as they’re going out on weekdays. " District reflects the trend: Wednesdays, the only night specifically promoted, are the busiest nights on the venue’s calendar. The crowd ranges from industry people on their night off to Financial District professionals looking to let loose midweek.
District defines itself as an ultralounge, an upscale restaurant-club fusion that’s very NYC. Go early with a group of friends and order apps to share, or reserve one of the white-patent-leather banquettes for later —ask for bottle service and hang out for prime crowd viewing. It’s a bit older, a little more personalized, a tad more upscale than your run-of-the-mill club. Birch logs behind the bar make the space feel earthy, comfortable, and chic.
One of the best parts of " Just Wednesdays " : you won’t go home hoarse after being forced to yell over the DJ all night long. " What’s different about [District] is that it’s conducive to talking, " explains Brendan Maloy, who handles marketing and PR for the lounge. " It’s fo rgroups to get together and enjoy being together; that’s what the place is all about. " Michael Winter definitely knows the difference between music that’s hot and music that just hurts. His secret? You won’t find anyone spinning the tracks at " Just Wednesdays. " The lounge is so young (it opened on June 14) that it’s still applying for a DJ license. So what’s a seasoned club promoter to do without tunes? " I have a guy who actually spends four hours making me CDs the night before, " says Winter. " We can’t actually have a live DJ scratching and getting on the microphone and pumping up the crowd, but, you know what? It’s a lounge. Yeah, we want people to dance, but we [also] want people to mingle and talk and drink. " Trust us, nobody notices the difference.
District may be young, but its Wednesdays are already getting exclusive. Entry is by invite or RSVP only, though you can attempt to score a spot on the list by e-mailing winter@eastcoastclubs.com or by calling 617.921.7799 ahead of time. As for walk-ins, well, if you look good, Winter might just give his rules a second thought. " If someone comes out on a Wednesday night and they’re dressed to a T, or a nice couple shows up that just went out for dinner and wants to come in for drinks, I’m not going to refuse them, " he admits. " But if we have seven guys show up who aren’t dressed correctly, I’m not going to let them in, you know? "
So where do the owners see things going in the coming weeks? All are in agreement: this party’s only going to get bigger. Stavrianopoulos sees Wednesdays at District evolving into a key night in the city. Winter, who’ll still be manning the door, just shakes his head. " September, forget about it. It’s going to be so hard to get in. " If this guy can’t help you, looks like you’re heading home to drown your sorrows in a warm beer and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Better luck next week.@
Boston Herald - Inside Track
By Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa
w/ Erin Hayes
excerpt from Thursday, July 13, 2006
See actual photo here
Stuff @ Night - Life of the party
By HENLEY VAZQUEZ
Photo by ELEVIN.NET
February 28, 2006
By the time you arrive at a club, chances are you've already spent hours preparing. You had to choose the right outfit, fix your hair, and stock your wallet with cocktail money. Maybe you even cranked up a couple of tunes to get you in a dancing mood.
And you're not the only one getting ready. Have you ever wondered what kind of work goes into prepping the club itself? No, it's not just the bartenders and doormen (although they're an integral part of the pre-party team). The other true ringmasters of Boston's nightlife are the club promoters. You've seen their flyers and attended their parties; maybe they've ushered you in from a long queue or stopped by your table or bought you a drink. But you probably know little about exactly what role promoters play in the club community. We tracked down some of the city's star promoters; here's what we found.
A simplistic definition of a promoter's responsibility is getting you to the club. But the true nature of his duty is far broader. Days before an event happens, the party wheels are set in motion. "We put together our e-mail newsletter at the beginning of each week," says Salvatore Boscarino of 6one7 Productions , a group associated with parties at Rumor, Aria, Underbar, and Matrix. "Then we have a staff meeting with our subpromoters to go over the different kinds of events coming up so they can start the buzz around town."
But getting the attention of party mavens like you is no small feat. Boston may be a relatively small city, but the competition among clubs is fierce. From flyering Newbury Street to blasting text messages, the promoters use every tool at their disposal to convince you that their party should be scheduled into your planner. "The biggest thing is personal phone calls, personal invites," says East Coast Clubs ' Michael Winter of his work with Rumor, the Foundation Lounge, Saint, and Whiskey Park. "If you're not a phone person, if you don't want to talk to people, forget about it. You shouldn't be in this business."
But convincing you to check out a party is only a fraction of a promoter's tasks. Should you arrive and have a terrible time, you're unlikely to return - and your friends will follow suit. So from the second you take your place in the door line, a good promoter has his eye on you. If you've reserved a table, he'll make sure the VIP treatment extends from expedited entry to drink service. Just ask Frankie Stavrianopoulos of 6one7. "We stay on top of everything from waitresses to bartenders," he says. "If there's any negative feedback, we want to nip it in the bud." That level of service continues throughout the night, encompassing every aspect of your evening. Love the music the DJ plays? He's likely getting tips from the promoter about what the crowd wants to hear. Wonder who that friendly guy is wishing you a nice evening as you leave? That's probably another promoter, making sure you depart with good memories.
If that doesn't sound complicated enough, consider the extra responsibility heaped on someone trying to please both the performers and the audience. Dmitry Rozenblyum of Coast to Coast Entertainment is currently planning an event at the Roxy with two DJs and the French singer Ingrid. "Because Ingrid won't be able to use the PA system for the club, I need to bring a certain system, meet them at the airport, bring them to the club, do a sound check, then put them in the hotel, and plan an after-party," Rozenblyum says. "And then I need to bring 1500 people to the club."
To be sure, the job is no cakewalk. And to build a good rapport with both the clubs and the customers, the city's promoters work hard even on their nights off. Jairo Dominguez of FUTURentertainment , which partners with the Foundation Lounge, Mantra, and Excelsior, admits that his marketing strategy relies as much on personal relationships as it does on the ubiquitous flyers and mass e-mails. "Being out and taking care of people, even when it's not our event" tops his strategy list. "If people want to go somewhere, and if we can accommodate them by getting them in, we'll do that. I could call my friends at Rumor or the other clubs, and they would take care of our best customers even if we're not involved in the night."
That's a sentiment Michael Winter seconds. "The best type of promotion is word of mouth," he explains. Be a presence on the nightlife scene, provide a service unmatched by others, and chances are people will come to rely on you as a guide to the city's happenings.
So with all the attention to details, do these guys ever get to kick back and enjoy their evenings? In a way, yes. Sure, they're working the whole night, but they all clearly love their jobs, and once the party is under way, they do have a chance to socialize. The men of 6one7 and FUTURentertainment - and yes, at least in Boston, most club promoters are men - confess that after 12:30 a.m., they're able to relax a bit ("But you're still making sure everything's running smoothly," says Dominguez). Even Winter, who rarely leaves his post at the front door, generally heads inside briefly to say hello to friends and repeat customers. Just because there's a social aspect to the job, though, don't think that these guys are getting paid to party. Spend five minutes speaking with any one of them, and you'll notice that his focus is business, not pleasure. They talk about providing a product, catering to a particular demographic, and serving their clientele. References are made to growing their businesses and expanding the market. Throw some suits on them - okay, and maybe give them a shave - and they could easily pass for deal-making financial types. Which, in a way, they are - and some of the best.
By now you might be thinking, hey, maybe I could do this. But a love for parties and a large list of friends aren't all it takes to become a club czar. Many local promoters have been actively involved in Boston's club life for years. Stavrianopoulos, Boscarino, and Ace Gershfield of 6one7 began their work as undergrads at Northeastern University, and Winter got his start working security on Lansdowne Street. Dominguez established his reputation in the entertainment business as a bartender and door host during college; Rozenblyum had a former life as a local DJ. Every one of them built all-important industry contacts through years of working with other promoters and club management - and those relationships are not easily replicated.
Even those who make it in the business admit that, no matter how glamorous the lifestyle may seem, drawbacks do exist. Start with significant others: the guys we spoke with have found that girlfriends are generally less than thrilled when their boyfriends stay out all night and work weekends. "I can't even tell you the last time I went on a date on a Friday or Saturday night," says Winter. And even if they can make time for the women in their lives, being recognized at every restaurant and bar in town can be tough. "Sometimes you've got to go to Rhode Island or something just to have a good time, so they get your full attention," says Gershfield. For the most part, though, the downsides are outweighed by the love of throwing a good party. "I guess I really enjoy showing people a great time," says Dominguez. "That, in and of itself, satisfies me."
So what comes after a successful career as a promoter? "Of course I'd like to own my own club," Winter says. "A lot of us guys who have been in the industry for a long time, that's our next step." Dominguez, who is already a partner in BarLola, agrees. "In the end, promoting has its great things, but if you offer a good product, something new, it can last for a while," he says. Rumor has it that 6one7 Productions may be partners in a new restaurant/lounge - good news for fans of its already popular events around the city. But regardless of what may come, for now the city's nightlife thrives on the behind-the-scenes work of these tireless promoters. Without them, we'd still go out at night. But we'd miss the unique energy that comes from their ability to fill a room through sheer charisma. "A club could be beautiful, but if there isn't that social-knit environment, no one's going to have fun," says Stavrianopoulos. "It's just going to be a room full of people."
Boston Herald - Inside Track
By Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa
excerpt from Friday, October 14, 2005
And who was the most Famous guy in the room at the Foundation Lounge's weekly ``Famous'' bash? It was none other than Nomar Garciaparra 's uncle, Victor Campos , who tag-teamed a dockside rescue of a tipsy twosome in Charlestown the other night! Other not-as-Famous people who showed up at the Hotel Commonwealth's chi-chi spot: ``Apprentice'' washout Michael Tarshi, Dave Andelman of ``The Phantom Gourmet'' and Michael Gregorio , late of ``My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss.''
Stuff @ Night - Alpha Male
By TAMARA WEIDER
Photo by Joel Veak
October 11, 2005
Michael Winter , club-event promoter
What got you interested in the club scene to begin with? It was the girls, wasn't it? Over 10 years ago at 18 years old, it was the macho-man ego; thought I was a tough guy, and wanted to make extra cash for college. Okay, fine, it was the girls.
You've done everything from working as a club doorman to throwing your own events. Which club job is your favorite? I loved being a doorman, but it's been so rewarding to have my own production/marketing company with two sold-out nights every week. I bust my behind to throw killer parties; there's nothing better than reaching capacity by 11:30, and being able to go in the club and get paid to party.
What's the best party you've ever thrown? I'd have to say I threw some amazing keg parties back in high school, but my Saturday events at Whiskey Park have been my best parties, selling out every Saturday for over a year.
What's the longest you've ever gone without sleep? Three and a half days without sleep due to working both my nights, working both days, and then flying to Vegas to party.
As an event planner, what three things can't you live without? Modern technology (text messaging, e-mails, and cell phones), tons of friends that go to all your events, and great help like a graphic designer for a brother.
When's the last time you had a quiet night at home? My home is quiet every night, since I live on a vampire's work schedule and usually don't get home until the crack of dawn.
What's your favorite drink? One thing that people can't believe about my working in this industry is that I haven't touched booze in over 10 years. So, I would have to say to survive in this industry I turned into a Dunky Junky.
- Tamara Wieder
New York Post - Yankee Panky Night
By JENNIFER FERMINO Post Correspondent
Monday, October 3, 2005 BOSTON — After clinching the division title Saturday, a few of the Yankees decided to paint Boston red. Second baseman Robinson Cano was the life of the party, heading from Fenway Park to Whiskey Park, a swanky South End club owned by Cindy Crawford's husband, Rande Gerber. With a Grey Goose and cranberry in one hand and a champagne flute in the other, Cano would have made Babe Ruth proud as he canoodled with a blonde and a brunette. Cano, 23, who five months ago was still in the minors, danced to a Kanye West song with the leggy blonde, then made out with the brunette, who wore a white Grecian dress and brown knee- high boots. As the fabled New York-Boston rivalry turned to ribaldry, Cano was joined on the club's leather loveseats and faux mink fur couches by fellow rookie Chien-Ming Wang and a couple of bawdy bat boys. No one was worried that only hours later, they would have to wake up for yesterday's game — because the game meant next to nothing for the Yankees. The hot spot is a regular hangout for the Bombers when they're in Beantown. "I'm happy to see them celebrate. I love the Yankees," said one waitress, originally from Long Island. The Yankees uses their pinstripe credentials to cut ahead of a line that went around the block. Once inside for the popular "Wicked" party, they received more congratulations than heckling. "They were amazed, they didn't think Boston would be like this," said a bar staffer. Snazzily dressed veteran Ruben Sierra stopped by for a glass of Veuve Clicquot. The rookies may have put in extra innings at the bars, but several seasoned players chose to stick to the hotel minibars. Derek Jeter invited a few friends to his room, where they watched a pay-per-view boxing match, team sources said. Gary Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez each had their wives in town, and also played it safe. Not far from Whiskey Park, Yankee skipper Joe Torre enjoyed an Italian feast at Davio's. He and bench coach Joe Girardi enjoyed pasta and red wine, although the meal was frequently interrupted by congratulatory phone calls Torre received on his cell. Additional reporting by Jeremy Olshan
Boston Herald - Tracked down
By Inside Track
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
`Bourne Supremacy'' babe - and Wellfleet summer res - Julia Stiles stopping into Ben & Jerry's in Eastham for a cone . . . Surfer dude Jack Johnson asking the Nauset Surf Shop crew where the waves were crankin' (they sent him to Outer Beach) . . . ``Dancing with the Stars'' hoofer Joe McIntyre tail-gating with his buds on Shea Field at the Heights before Boston College 's loss to Florida State . . . ``Meet the Press'' poohbah Tim Russert , whose son, Luke , is an Eagle, cheering in the stands at the same . . . New England Patriots running back Corey Dillon and Boston Bruins biggie Joe Thornton ushering in the weekend at Saint . . . Red Sox shortstop Edgar Renteria , pitchman Bronson Arroyo and first baseman Kevin Millar celebrating 2-1 win over the A's at Whiskey Park which may have something to do with Sunday's 12-3 meltdown . . . Poster girl for wardrobe malfunctions Janet Jackson asking Faneuil Hall ice cream queens Carol Troxell and Sara Youngelson at the Beverly Wilshire in La-La how the Red Sox were doing (gulp) . . . Foxboro homegal Liga Cogliano making the Emmy red carpet scene with her hubby as a guest of hostess with the mostess Ellen DeGeneres. |
