Steve Lewis
November 10, 2009
Every field of endeavor has its icons, and nightlife is no different. To be an icon in this world, one has to be successful and stay relevant. After all, you’re only as good as your last party. For every genuine icon, there are swarms of scenesters who occupy the pantheon in their own minds -- putting the “I” and “con” in the word. But it takes a certain amount of swagger to succeed in this business, so they should be forgiven. Besides, they are always the easiest people to shop for around Christmas: any mirror will do. Listed below are my six New York City club icons -- solo artists and teams -- and the up-and-comers with the potential to replace them, if only their predecessors would move to India (or somewhere even more remote, like Brooklyn).


Nightlife is getting bigger -- it can no longer be looked at as a 10pm to 4am sport. Promoters and their followings are no longer content with just late-night revelry, as brunches at fancy restaurants and roof decks and pool parties service the chic set now that summer is here. Eventually promoters will control the lives of their patrons 24/7, or someone else will. The Hamptons are doing great despite dire predictions -- but it's still mostly a money-losing proposition for those pulling the strings. Owner and promoter types feel the necessity to control their clientele, especially the hot girls, lest some other promoter type entice them away with visions of sugarplum fairies or more Grey Goose. It’s day- and nightlife, and as entrepreneurs start to embrace this concept, more swag and privileges will accrue to the swagged and privileged.
Terry Casey’s