interview with E-MAN

recently, i had an opportunity to catch up with one of new york city's busiest club promoters... the man himself... E-MAN. this man is everywhere and trust me, if you know new york city nightlife, you will know exactly what i mean. i first met E-MAN online. we were both on AOL chatting from a chatroom. E-MAN has been supportive of my endeavors as he knows what it takes to be a promoter in new york city. i admire him for his strength. i consider him to be an ICON. it wasn't until the "many men, many voices" retreat sponsored by POCC, that i had the opportunity to actually get a little closer to E-MAN and i'm glad i did. check out this interview with E-MAN and find out why he's EVERYWHERE.

1. How long have you been a part of New York City nightlife? I used to go to the Paradise Garage, even though I was technically too young to get it in. It was the most amazing experience in the world, the sound, the lights, the music, The dancing, the customer service... I fell in love with the nightclub industry through my experiences at the Garage in the late Eighties.

I joined the nightclub industry in the early nineties, when I got a job just before the opening of the original Sound Factory. I later went on to become the Manager of Sound Factory where I learned very many things about the business and since then have worked just about everywhere and with everyone in New York Nightlife.

2. Tell me about the most exciting moment you've had at Clubhouse? Clubhouse is the brainchild of Frankie Paradise it is a midweek dance party that has been going on for 10 years. I was hired by Khris (Frankie's partner at the time) because they were having a problem getting people to attend. Together we reformatted our marketing and promotional strategies and made Clubhouse a success.

With all of the celebs and colorful people I have met thru my years at Clubhouse. It’s hard to pick just one experience that stands out as the most exciting but one of them for sure is the night our party fell on New Years Eve. The owners of the club booked another party on our night so we had to wait until 3:30 am to open. We never thought anybody would show up it was the coldest night of the winter, Frankie was out of town so I had to do everything myself.

I got to the club at 3am, expecting nobody, instead I saw a long line of people, 3 to 4 wide, and half a block long... people that had been standing there from midnight in the cold just to come to Clubhouse. That was very exciting to know that people like us and enjoy our parties.

3. What would you say are the keys to a good party?
a. a great deejay
b. an easy to find location
c. a disciplined staff
d. a crowd that feels at home at the party
e. an imaginative promoter
f. patience, persistence and flawless customer service
g. a good business strategy

4. You've seen a lot of new York’s gay youth grow up. what influence do you think you've had on them? I have always felt that the best thing I can do is just be me. If I’ve had any effect at all, I hope it's the lesson that everyone can be who they are. Uniqueness is not a weakness. We also give out safe sex info and condoms at every one of our parties... I think ultimately the people who frequented any of my events can tell that I care about them.

5. What do YOU do for your own entertainment? I did stand up for a while, and I just love anything funny. I absorb a lot of funny TV and movies in my downtime. I love to read, listen to books on tape, workout, eat out, I run a few online groups and PS2.

6. Who would you consider to be 3 icons in new York’s black gay scene today? That’s the kind of question that can get a brother in trouble... if I pick just 3 I’ll hear from the people I didn’t mention. So, I will answer this way... This year we lost a true legend that paved the way for all of us Promoter Mike stone. I always told him he should write a book about his life .. I know eventually someone will, and we will all be in awe of the life of a great, great man in our industry.

7. Did you know that 46% of African American men who have sex with men are HIV+? how do you feel about that? and how do you think that will effect the next generation of black gay men? Wow! 46%? I find it hard to believe the statistic, but it’s a warning to everyone that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF DURING SEX BECAUSE ONLY YOU WILL DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.

Well that about does it. If you want to get even closer to E-MAN, be sure to check out his website or give him a call at: www.EmanNYC.com and (212) 330-8101.