Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Erasure’s Andy Bell to headline Gay Ybor Days

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

So I happen to be riding a roller coaster at the Universal party at Gay Days in Orlando last week and happen to be sitting next to the owner of the clubs in Ybor City, Tampa, USA.  Ybor is the area that most of the clubs are located in the Tampa area..at least the cool ones and the gay ones! He told me that they are planning a huge event for July 4th Weekend this year and that it will feature one of my favorite artists of all time Andy Bell from Erasure.  Erasure is one of the all time best groups that you never hear much about but yet they helped make electronic music and gave the gay community something to take their minds off of things when faced with years of discrimination and hate.

Andy Bell from Erasure is scheduled to perform during Gay Ybor Days for the Closing Party at the Honey Pot at 1507 E. 7th Ave.  Door open at 9pm for this event.  The Opening Party starts out as a VIP event with Idol, Drag and Strip on Thursday, July 1st.  Hamburger Mary’s is hosting a Amateur Strip Contest at 12am located on the 2nd floor of the Centro in Ybor.  If you have not been to this Hamburger Marys you are in for a surprise its one of the best locations I have seen and you will love the atmosphere!

Friday night July 2nd VJ David Knapp spins all night at “Enter the Ice Age” at the Steam Party at The Honey Pot.  Not only does the Honey Pot have a impressive drag queen stage but they have a dancefloor where you can get on levels and show off your moves.  Tons of hot guys and good music you would expect from Knapp.

On Saturday, July 3rd, the Official Gay Ybor Event takes place with a bar crawl starting at Reservoir bar at 5pm going on until 9pm. If you are still stumbling around by that time you do not want to miss my favorite club in Tampa called the G-Bar around 10pm.  Las Vegas and America’s Got Talent Derrick Barry as Lady Gaga performs at G Bar on Saturday night (probably sometime around 12am?).  G Bar has some of the hottest bartenders and shot boys around. There will also be a performance from Matthew Rush at the Ybor Eagle bar down the street if the twinks at G Bar are not enough for you.

July 4th the big day to celebrate America’s Independence there will be a pool party from 3pm to 8pm with a $10 Keg with DJ CK and DJ Jeffrey J spinning poolside at the Green Iguana Hawaiian Village at the Days Inn @ 2520 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa.  This is located close to the airport.  Following the pool party madness there will be a Miss Firecracker Pageant starting at 9pm at Hamburger Mary’s then the City of Tampa presents a July 4th Fireworks Spectacular best viewed from 15th street parking garage in Ybor City starting after 9pm.

VIP All-Access passes are available for only $69 which includes too many things to list.  The hotels in the area closest to Ybor City are the Hampton Inn off of East 7th and Hilton Garden Inn off East 9th.

Andy Bell releases Non-Stop’s first single, Call On Me on June 1st. Featuring an exclusive track, Had It All, plus remixes of the title track from Wyda Productions (Eddie Craig & Jim Sullivan of the Wideboys whose previous remixes include Rihanna and Taio Cruz feat. Ludacris), Vince Clarke, Chicago’s Hey Champ and Deadboy (described by Clash as “the next future garage mastermind destined to blow up in 2010”).

Michelle Williams Performs for Dallas Purple Party

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

We hit up the Dallas Purple Party main event last night at the House of Blues.  The event was in a way one of the most hyped events I have been to in awhile for the North Texas city.  You would see it as peoples facebook pictures and not even know who was commenting on fb sometimes because of the purple circle logo.  It was also awarded the best circuit party of the year from an online circuit forum “JustCircuit” which is also a sponsor of the event.  It seems like there is always something that is going on out of town such as Las Vegas pride or Splash that keeps me from attending the Purple party even though I spend a lot of time in Dallas.  I thought I would check it out due to all the past hype it had received and it was its 10 year anniversary.

We first get to the House of Blues and do not see any line or anything to get inside so get worried at first.  We get inside the event and finally see people so feel a little assured after paying $65 at the door and a $5 HOB ticketing fee.  I was pleased that we did not have to pay a more expensive cover at the door than the pre-sale of $65 at Nuvo that we missed out on.

Joe Gauthreaux was the DJ and he never disappoints. Hes an outstanding house DJ who plays vocals that keep the dancefloor grooving.  We knew we would hear good music but had no idea the acoustics would be so horrible.  It was the worst acoustics since the bombed Galveston Beach Ball about three years ago on Memorial Day weekend.  Actually that party may have had better sound.  This sound was not adequate for a major circuit event but this is normally related to the venue.

Lady Gaga ‘Bad romance’ came one with cheerleaders doing flips and turns and twists.  I thought I had walked into a pep rally or was it a Cancun Spring Break commercial.  It was not like a glee cheer leading squad such as the Cheerios but was not anything fierce you would want to see at a circuit party.  I ask where is the fierce-ness?  I will not deny there were a few hot guys up there even some hot blond twin boys who I would have loved to have seen dancing after the performance but they may have ran out of there after the next blunder.

Michelle Williams took the stage earlier than we expected.  She was on stage singing survivor and there was not much warning for her to appear.  Normally at these things they will not appear on stage until 1am or 2am.  The White Party in Palm Springs acts do not come on until 1:50 or so to keep people waiting and guessing.  The former member of the diva group Destiny’s child sung ‘Survivor’ and another DC song before she broke out with one of my favorite dance songs of 2009, “We Break the Dawn.”  She almost seemed awkward up there without any dancers singing to the song because in the video it had some of the hottest dancers I have ever seen.  I had to replay “We Break the Dawn” a few hundred times to check out them hotties.  It was great seeing her live and she loved the crowd so much that she wanted to do another song that has not been officially out yet.  She asked a few times if the DJ had the song and they kept trying to play a beat to run her off stage like she was on the Grammy’s or something.   Update: This may have just been a communication problem with her manager with what tracks were played.  I do feel that she should have had backup dancers though.

We ended up leaving and going to s4 to dance a bit before the afterparty at what used to be the legendary Stark club in Dallas West End district.  Now called the Tunnel the fierce Power Infiniti worked it out for the sweaty crowd.  The sound was good and it was the perfect venue for the after hours event because it was close to the HOB.  They were only charging $20 for this so event.  I think next year I will just skip the main party and goto after hours if its at the HOB.  I’d rather see the main event at Club One (excuses) or a place that can get the music flowing better than HOB.

The Purple Party events benefit the AIDS Services of Dallas. It always makes you feel better even if you did not have the most amazing experience to know that part of your ticket went to a good organization or cause.  Although, I think we will have to pass next year and hit up Las Vegas pride, First Splash in Austin or another event the same weekend.

Closing Party

The Closing party was a fantastico event that was only $10 with DJ Paul Kraft and DJ Michael Tank at the newest club in Dallas.  The Brick which has state of the art lighting and sound system was quite impressive and even a patio for the smokers.  Read our full review on the Brick (note it is now open until 4am since the review). The event started out Friday night at the Lizard Lounge which is a legend in itself making two legendary venues for the event with the Stark Club.

Sad week in Dallas

While we are on the subject of the city of Dallas I should mention it has been a rather sad week here.  The gay community has been mourning the death of a bar owner who not only was an entrepreneur but a risk-taker opening up bars that changed the Dallas Scene.  The owner of the Tin Room and Drama Room was found dead exactly a week ago and if you have been in one of his establishments you can tell things are just not the same.   Our condolences go out to his friends and family and hope that his bars and his vision for the nightlife scene in this city continue. Marty Hershner was only 30 years old.

Roundup of the White Party 2010

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

White Party 2010

We were at the White Party this year for our second year and have made a few posts about the party so far.  We were not able to put up our Ke$ha pics yet because of some problems but here are the pics of Ke$ha.  She was amazing and looked hotter than a firecracker.  Of course, that is what I said about Lady Gaga last year when she performed for us shirtless guys in the crowd.  Kesha kept mentioning she wasn’t going to get laid but the rest of us were going to get laid and kept saying how much she loved us and the White Party.  She sounded great, looked hot, and hope to see her again.. Yes, I am now a big Ke$ha fan.  I would love to party with her sometime.  Ke$ha lets be BFF’s.

Perez Hilton seems to hate on Kesha because she wrote a song about Britney Spears in her younger years and she may have said something about pushing Justin Bieber around in a cart because he was so cute.  But hey Justin is cute and he is that adorable.  You just want to pet him lol.  I can agree with Kesha and no reason to hate on her.  At least Kesha was singing live which was a surprise in a club or event performance.  I sat on the same row as Perez Hilton at the VMAs and was not thrilled with his non-acknowledgement of me when I tried to get down the row to sit in my seat.  He was a total jerk off.  He also embarrassed the gay community calling someone the F-word.  Kesha has never done anything like that and yet he tells her to close her mouth.  Kesha can open her mouth anytime she wants and I would even make out with her!

Not only was Kesha hot that night at the White Party but the Freemasons were hitting up some hot beats that everyone seemed to enjoy.   The VIP area was breathtaking it was like heaven.  I really thought I was in Heaven seeing white all around and all the areas you could venture off into holding a VIP pass.  It really does not cost that more extra and you get so much more out of the events.  They offered masseurs that were hella hot and knew how to work their hands while you were feeling euphoria.  I like how they had massage boys with massage chairs and not lay down beds.  I would feel uncomfortable being in a bed opposed to the chairs.  There was water that kept being refilled in this area which kept us from having to go get tickets so many times.   The tickets are certainly annoying I wished there was a way around the ticket policy.

The after party to the main event at the Renaissance was not as great with music because the vocals were lacking according to other DJ’s and guests.  Where was the VIP in the after party events? It was nowhere to be found or hidden.  That was the event that I really needed the VIP room.  I guess we didn’t look hard enough.

The T-Dance we talked about here and how Britney Spears attended and Agnes gave a great performance.  The closing party was ok.. not as much energy as last year but last year was Rosabel and this year was Tony Moran so some difference.  The pool parties were fabulous Friday and Saturday.  Sunday everyone was mainly at the T-Dance or resting up for it.

A summary of the White Party in Palm Springs is that it is the event of the year and if you missed it you missed the gay version of Coachella Festival. I will also go a step further and say it’s the gay SXSW or the gay circuit event of the year.  Jeffrey Sanker definitely knows how to put on a party and not screw things up.  He is definitely a hero of the gay community for putting on such a great event and giving us the opportunity to party like rock stars all weekend long.

Then it was sad that it all came to an end.  Now I can be motivated to start working out for next years White Party (and the many other parties inbetween).

Pics of Erika Jayne performing,
Pepper Mashay performing at White Pool Party

White Party Palm Springs Live: Erika Jayne Performed! Pool Party going on now!

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

We already have been through night one of the big big White Party.  DJ Abel played last night to a crowd wearing nothing but boxers or briefs.  It was quite a hot site to see so many walking around in their underwear.  the only problem was trying to use a drink ticket and having no wallet to buy the drink tickets which was a big hassle.  The alcohol also closes at two for those of us spoiled by drinking in So Florida and Vegas.

They also had a no-re enter policy which was very crappy for those of us who are staying in the hotel and want to take a break or a boy.. um hell its a party WE are paying for in the HOTEL we are paying for.  Why the hell cant we leave and come back.  You guys are making your money here there is no reason to have such tight rules.

Erika Jayne performed a hot hot performance with nothing like her other performances.  She brought out whips, boys that could go for lady gaga, and a great high energy production.  I could have watched that much longer than it lasted.  Here are some pics we got of Erika Jayne’s performance

The pool party is going on now if you are a guest at the hotel it is $5 off.  There will be a performance by Wynter Gordon later and and music by Brett Hendrichson.  I heard her sound check earlier and its gonna be hawwt!!

Winter Party 2010 Wrapup

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

WinterParty this year was so much fun just like every year.  The weather was not too bad a bit cooler than last year but still felt good in the Miami Sun.  The weekend kick started with a big friday night with Rosabel and a performance by Erika Jayne.  Then everyone woke up the next day to the most beautiful scenery at the Pool party with the hottest djs on the planet… the Perry Twins at the Surfcomber Doubletree.

Saturday night was the event at Parkwest who we swore we would not attend again and DID NOT.  We heard it was ok but the Parkwest venue is just not anything we would pay to enter again no matter who is performing there.  Sorry, you guys can do much better!  We did get a ride downtown and check out Discotekka and had a blast.  It was a 18 and up club that was open late and had performances from T.P Lords.  Here are pics of Discotekka and T.P. Lords performance.

Sunday was the beach party and then the final party which had so much controversy.   This year we saw a few bitter exchanges between The Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Peter Rauhofer.  The site StopPeter.com and many flyers were given out along the streets in front of Mansion to stop the Winter party attendees to not pay for Peter Rauhofer’s show.  While I do agree with the Task force about someone going head up against a charity or not-for-profit organization that gives back to the gay community they were not even in the same city.  If they were both in Miami beach then I think Peter Rauhofer should just give up forever and say goodbye but seriously a party in Downtown Miami is not exactly walking distance from my hotel in South Beach.  Sometimes competition is a good thing -  I mean Twist did not exactly close its doors for the Winter Party or anything.  Thank God because Twist was a blast Sunday night.  Peter kind of sucked!!  It is a shame Peter did not give back any money to gay organizations but it shows he has no heart at all.  His event was not as busy as last year and I think Peter Rauhofer will lose lots of followers because they will see him in a different light after he could not give back at all to the community.

I wanted to bad to go see Tracy Young downtown at Space but just did not get around in time to deal with driving downtown which can take forever when your ready to party.  We ended up at Mansion to see Offer Nissam and because it was close to our hotel.  Definitely not to support Rauhofer.  Offer Nissam Canceled on the event and was a no-show.  Talk about false advertising!  They kept the Offer Nissam wording on the Mansion signage all night long and did not bother to take it down.  They should have offered a discount on the $60 cover knowing Offer Nissam would not be attending.  I left shortly after finding this out because I could not stand Peter Rauhofer’s music anymore.. went over to Twist nightclub and had a blast with cheaper drinks.

Ke$ha to Perform White Party Palm Springs

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

KeshaWhat What! Jeffrey Sanker knows how to impress.  I noticed he was on facebook the other day asking who everyone thought would be the best performer to bring to the White Party.  I saw many say Lady Gaga, Ke$ha… and lots of requests for Adam Lambert.  I even saw some interesting names such as Dolly Parton and La Roux (wow that would be fun as well).  The big headliner will be Ke$ha.

Ke$ha is set to perform at the White Party 2010 in Palm Springs, California.  The artist who likes to spell her name with the money sign is set to perform Saturday, April 10th on the same stage that we fell in love with Lady Gaga.

Their are a few things to remember this year.  First that the White Party will NOT be on Easter Weekend like in years past.  So make sure you get your vacation days off for this big event.  Also, the Renaissance hotel is the host hotel this year and it will most likely sell out faster than last year because its newly remodeled.  They did a $25 million remodel on this hotspot and now its a Marriott ran chain which is a plus!  The Renaissance is the same exact location as the host hotel before with the remodel and name change.  It previously was the Wyndham. So yes its more fabulous now.

Friday, April 9  -  Noon to 6pm DJ Luke Johnstone Friday Pool party with Free Admission.

9pm to 4am  Boxers or Briefs underwear party with DJ Abel in association with iclubpapi in the Renaissance Hotel Grand Ballroom.  There will be a secure clothes check available.  Erika Jayne will be performing this event.  You know we love her!

Saturday, April 10  Agnes will perform “Release Me” with DJ Brett Hendrichsen from Masterbeat playing the poolside music.    Saturday night  at the Palm Springs Convention Center Ke$ha will be singing live and The Freemasons (DJ’s. producers, remixers) will be spilling in the main room while Chi Chi LaRue works her tits over in the Electropop lounge.  The Freemasons have some great remixes out one of them is Whitney’s “Million Dollar Bill.”

4am to 10am Afterparty event – Then Chus and Ceballos plan to bring a in state-of-the-art lights/sound  and mind altering lasers for a party in the Renaissance Ballroom.  A special performer will be announced in a few more days on top of all of this for this DJ set.

The Sunday Pool party will feature DJ Joe Gauthreaux and a performance from Shontelle who sings “T-shirt” $15 to get in and $10 if your a hotel guest.

Sunday is the famous Tea Dance under the Big Top from 3pm to 9pm with a Brand new location across from the Palm Springs Convention Center.  Just look for the big Ferris wheel and listen for the pounding beats of DJ/Producers Moto Blanco.  My favorite part is DJ Wayne G. from Heaven London – um yes the best club in the World!  Special Live Performance to be announced Feb 15.  They plan to have a bigger dancefloor, new rides, the ferris wheel, and fireworks!    The closing party will be Sunday from 9pm to 6am with DJ Tony Moran and if you can still move after all of the above then you are one hardcore party animal.

I would be nice if we did not have to book the hotel for a minimum of three days but it looks like there is no way out of that.  I waited last year last minute to book the hotel and they let us book it for two days only which was nice.  That way we could party in LA a few nights before we came to Palm Springs.  Last year, Lady Gaga was just amazing and so were all of the DJ’s including the Perry Twins and Andy Bell at the pool party!  This year is looking to be just as exciting and I cannot wait!

I noticed the sponsor of this years White Party event will be a natural drink company which is nice.  Maybe we will start getting more natural drinks in the clubs instead of the high fructose junk.  The company also has a coconut water beverage and I guess that is the next biggest thing since Madonna is even on board now with a Coco beverage.

So get that pedicure on your toes toes so the DJ can blow the speakers up at the Renaissance hotel in Palm Springs!

Circuit and Nightclub Guide 2010

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

A New decade starts with 2010 and new beginnings should take place with a new ambition, success, peace, hope, and love for each other and ourselves.  Whether you woke up in Vegas for New Years Eve or you woke up in London you should know that the world will be even more beautiful as it shines into 2010. Thinking back to last year there are events that we missed out on and hope to capitalize on these in the new year.  Here are some upcoming events for the new decade upon us.

Adding more to the list soon! Comment below if you would like to add your event (without spam please)

January 2010

January 3, Lady Gaga Fame Monster Tour  Hard Rock Orlando, FL

January 8  (Friday) NJ Gay Nightlife & Outings presents Hydrate at Sahara Sam’s Oasis with DJ Rhino Starr (Philadelphia) + DJ Justin Ryan (NYC).  New Jersey’s Only Gay Indoor WaterPark Event (the only waterpark event I have seen and it’s 20 minutes from Philly and 90 min from NYC). Beer and Vodka bar is included in the $45-55 admission but the event is 21 and up and open from 9pm to 2am.

January 8-11 Gayvn Expo 2009

January 17-24 Katy Perry makes appearance at Piranha in Vegas.

Aspen Gay Ski Week in Aspen, Co. (GaySkiWeek.com)

January 30 – Erika Jane performs at Krave Vegas with DJ Morningstar

February 2010

HBO Real Time with Bill Maher returns for a new season!

February 13-14 Everyone must have Valentines Weekend Syndrome in Dallas there is sure an awful a lot going on… Chi Chi LaRue @ Tin Room Dallas; Carnivale S4/JR’s/Sue Ellen’s Dallas; Kimberly S at the Brick Dallas; and Alexandre’s has a special electronica dj spinning

February 20-27 Telluride Gay Ski Week

March

March 1-8 Whistler Gay/Lesbian Ski Week @ Whistler,BC.  They play host to one of the largest international sporting events, the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and open up Pride House 2010.

March 3-8 Winter Party Festival Miami, FL

March 13  MadonnaRama Houston @ Sobe  (DJ Ed Bailey)  – our favorite party of the year!!

March 17-21 Mammoth Gay Ski Week @ Mammoth Lakes, CA.

April

April 1-4 Jungle in Houston, TX – Friday Tony Moran; Saturday Roland Belmares with an afterhours DJ Lydia Prim. Produced by Bayou City Boys Club with 100% proceeds going to HIV/AIDS organizations in Houston area. JungleHouston.com

April 4 – Easter 2010

April 9-12 White Party 2010 Palm Springs, CA (XXI). Completely remodeled host hotel @ Wyndham Resort.  Bigger T-Dance with more rides and International DJ Lineup. JeffreySanker.com for more details.

April 30 – May 2, 2010 Dallas Purple Party with DJ Joe Gauthreaux, Chris Cox, Alyson Calagna, Michael Tank with performances by Bryan Konrad and Power Infiniti (benefiting Aids Services of Dallas)

May

May 27 – May 31 Pensacola Memorial Day Weekend @ Emerald City
Friday May 28 – DJ Jay-R Emerald City Nightclub
Sat May 29- Sweat @ 9pm DJ Joe Gauthreaux with afterparty at My Spayce at 2am,
Sun May 30 – Friction with DJ Dewight Barkley at Emerald City

June

Gay Days 2010 Orlando

Pool Parties at Gay Days 2010-  There is so much going on this year for gay day celebrations especially with pool parties.  There will not only be reunion parties back at the Buena Vista Palace but the Mark Baker Events group is hosting a Friday and Saturday daytime themed parties in conjunction with Atlanta Hearts and BoiParty.com on the grounds of the Holiday Inn which can only be attended by hotel guests.  The biggest of the pool parties will be over at the Gay Days event at the Doubletree with more of a Expo center and more variety. [UPDATE-Reunion pool parties have been canceled and the pool parties will consist of the Holiday Inn and the Doubletree now.]

Saturday, June 12th Tom Whitman & KIIS FM present WONDERLAND the largest event at LA Gay Pride Paramount Studios (780 N Gower)(7pm to 3am) [tomwhitmanpresents.com $85 At the door]
DJ MANNY LEHMAN and DJ WAYNE G (UK)

June 18-20, Columbus Pride 2010 - Cyndi Lauper is scheduled to perform at the Q Bar.

June 25- Gay Pride Houston, SF, NYC, OKC. San Francisco Colossus Pride Weekend in Black and White June 25-27 with Tracy Young and Joe G.
June 27 – Freemasons play for Dance on the Pier as part of NYC pride.

July

Friday, July 2nd – Thursday July 8th – Independence (The Crown and the Anchor Presents) Provincetown (P-Town) OnlyattheCrown.com
Friday, July 2 – DJ Eddie Baez P-town
Sat. July 3 – Roland Belmares
Sun July 4 – Tony Moran
Mon July 5 – VJ Tom Yaz
Tues July 6- Mike Cruz
Weds July 7- Chris Racine
Thurs July 8- Joe Gauthreaux

August
Saturday – Sunday, August 7-8, 2010  Northalsted Market Days takes over 4 blocks of N. Halsted street, between Belmont and Addison in the great city of Chicago. The event features four music stages where more than 40 top-name local and national music acts perform.

August 13-19 – SunDance a Russian River Party Weekend in Guernerville, CA (guspresents.com)

August 20 – 28, FESTIVAL in MYKONOS – XLsior FESTIVAL 10 Glamorous International Events, 21 Exceptional DJs, 40 Sexy Performers on 1 Dream Island in Greece. (xlsiorfestival.com)

Sept 4-5 – SPLASH DAYS – Hottest lake party of the year at Hippy Hollow area of Lake Travis in Austin, TX. The main event is now back at Austin Music Hall. We bitched and bitched and they finally listened to bring the event back to the Austin Music hall instead of that junk they had it at the last few years with DJ Brett Hendrichsen of Masterbeat. Adult Swim after hours with Seth Cooper at the Sky Lounge just down the street from Kiss and Fly.
Sun. Sept 5 – Get Wet Lake Party at Hippy Hollow @ Lake Travis, Austin, TX
followed by a Sky Lounge closing party with DJ Roland Belmares.

Fall 2010
Sat. Oct. 9 – Sun. Oct. 10 Atlanta Pride Festival at Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta celebrate this year 40 years of pride in Atlanta.

See What happened in the Fall of 2009 and 2009 Guide.

New Years 2009

Planning Ahead for 2010 – Don’t Miss events

Major Changes for Gay Days 2010

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

gay days pool partyDeja Vu? Yeah really. There are major changes again for Gay Days slated for June 2010. The events held in Orlando and in the Disney area will have new promoters and different host hotels as just some of the major changes.

The main Gay Days people not to be confused with GayDay or OneMightyWeekend promoters have the expo with all the booths to check out normally held at the International Plaza Resort which is sort of an aging hotel. We normally stay at the Buena Vista Palace because it is so much nicer and offers better views of the hotter variety of boys than the other host hotel. They are really two different crowds one for the more club or circuit crowd and the other for the more bar friendly crowd. Not sure if I explained that too well but you would have to look at the pics to see.

This year may really change up what crowd stays at what hotel because this year the Gay Days group will be at the Doubletree Resort Orlando located central to all Orlando theme parks and not necessarily in Disney. Which is walking distance to Sea World but not as close to Typhoon Lagoon. This kind of makes it easier access to party in downtown Orlando but a much longer drive to the Disney events than last year if you were staying at the International Plaza resort. The good thing is that it is at a Doubletree and you can probably get Hilton HHonors points for staying at this resort. But who needs to be near SeaWorld… Fish anyone? You do get free self parking at this hotel with rooms starting at $99 and there are 3 pools with a larger Gay Days Expo space.

The Gay Days event will celebrate its 20th Anniversary in 2010 but at this time offer no night party dates like it did last year or the previous years. I assume it is waiting to see what happens with the Mark Baker and other events going on but he may be seen as a competitor since he claims on his site to have a host hotel. Not sure where this host hotel is located yet because the Mark Baker events site has not updated the information.

One Mighty Weekend may not be around this year even though the OneMightyWeekend.com site offers a coming soon banner. The One Mighty Weekend ran by promoter Johnny Chisholm seems to have filed bankruptcy and even last year did not throw its annual Typhoon Lagoon Beach Ball party which had been scheduled for months. This year there is no mention of Beach Ball or a Typhoon Lagoon party which is my favorite party and still took the top ranks last year with a last minute party thrown called Let’s Go Play with Lydia Prim.

Mark Baker Events will host Grind at House of Blues Thursday June 3rd, a pool party at a TBA Host Hotel Saturday June 5th, and a Stratosphere Party that night. Arabian nights event to follow with no dj line-up announced yet. Sunday has a pool party scheduled with a DJ Abel Fasscination at Hard Rock Live.

The best advice is to wait to buy tickets to anything right now and see what the future holds. I waited last year and did the right thing it was far less stressful with all the circuit drama going on. I am worried about hotel rooms though because I really enjoyed the Buena Vista Palace resort and loved the pool parties. Let’s hope Mark Baker picks a good hotel that is close to the other host hotel because I think we all enjoy the Expo and seeing our friends at the other Gay Days parties.