Bartenders’ Balls

A long time ago, a very bright guy over at KBA Marketing (Jon Deitlebaum) sat with me, and we came up with the idea of an end-of-year party for club/bar personnel. The Bartenders' Balls were not just a magnanimous gesture from RJR Reynolds (of Camel Cigarettes fame) and the liquor brands that sponsored them, but rather an attempt to project positive thoughts about specific brands into the minds of those pushing them on the street level. Even though the balls -- like all corporate endeavors -- were rooted in greed, the enthusiasm from corporate executives trying to make the event better each year was simply unreal.

The first Bartenders’ Ball was held in the ancient Roseland Ballroom. I remember going with Michael Blatter to see the ancient venue. Gray-haired couples slow-danced to ancient music as we did our tour. The first Bartenders’ Ball featured Grace Jones and Run DMC. In later years, Debbie Harry performed, plus Ru Paul and the B-52s and James Brown and Lenny Kravitz. These affairs needed to be held at the Hammerstein Ballroom as the acts and crowds got bigger. Open bars and free food made this annual post-Christmas affair a must-attend soiree for club staffs that hadn’t had much of a break during the preceding holiday season. Eventually they kicked cigarettes out of the clubs, and the Bartenders’ Ball faded away. Every so often somebody does an event and they use the name, but these were the winners.

This Monday, an event modeled on the Bartenders’ Ball will be held at M2 (formerly Mansion). Besides a Monday night of fun for club/bar and now restaurant employees and management who have been beaten down by the harsh realities of this recession, there is a political necessity for the event. Although the New York Nightlife Association and New York State Restaurant Association work tirelessly to protect the interests of drinking establishments, there are legislative pitfalls and enforcement that continuously threaten nightlife as we know it. For this event, a splinter committee of the NYNA and NYSRA—the Nightlife Preservation Community—will host an affair that will look, smell, taste, and sound very much like those old Bartenders’ Balls of lore. Like the old parties, this event will be invitation-only and will have an open bar from 9pm to 1am, plus free food for club owners and decision makers. M2 has generously donated their space and staff. The public can come after 1am, and there will be no cover. It is important that nightlife faces the issues that threaten it with a united voice and armed with tools to protect itself. Nightlife employs some of the best marketing minds out there. The riches and excitement attract street geniuses and university-trained players alike. The tools of our trade will be made available to candidates and other governing officials who favor a cooperative effort between nightlife and the industry’s home communities. If you want to learn more, the NPC website is now live. It isn’t 100% done, but you can get more details there.

This Monday’s talent line-up reflects the graduation of the DJ from that guy or gal up there in the booth to the rock-star status many enjoy today. Every DJ on the list has volunteered their time and good name to this cause. Many others were willing to help, but there are only so many hours in the night. Chloë Sevigny will host this event, and there are dozens of political figures coming by to see if we are real. If you own or operate a venue in New York, I encourage you to contact us and come to this wonderful free event. If you just want to come by and help support but are not employed by a venue, please join us at 1am and enjoy the legendary DJ offerings. Funkmaster Flex, Jus Ske, and Mel DeBarge are the latest to join us. There will be many surprises and a good time will be had by all.

For more info, try or send me an email at .