So I started my Saturday having to get up early and go see the matinee of “A Little Night Music” with Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch. I had seen the show with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury and had enjoyed it. Just to see them on stage was worth the $145.00 per ticket. The show itself is known for the song “Send in the Clowns” and that is about it-kinda dry. Seeing it with the new cast was like watching a whole new show! I always go thinking I am going to hate Bernadette Peters but before intermission I end up loving her! She is Broadway at its best and everyone going to a show should forget the trendy shows and see pro’s doing pro’s work!
After the show my friend and I went to the West Bank Café for dinner with friends from yesteryear. It was a great night and at 10:30 I was ready for bed and eventually sleep- depending on my friends frame of mind. Then I remembered Antonio’s birthday bash at Feathers. I hate making promises and I know he is in for a crash. Maybe tonight’s party isn’t worth rushing for, but a promise is a promise and I excused myself and drove back to Jersey.
Well what can I say…..
Last night Feathers saw another successful night thanks to Antonio Cedeno Presents TiKi Beach Party. The moment you entered Antonio was there to offer you a lei and a compliment on how you looked- this guy has old fashion charm which is much needed in today’s night life and it is what separates him from other promoters. Antonio greets you at the front door and makes you feel like you are entering an event, not just a night at the bar. There were extra lei’s that were lying around and everyone had fun “lei-ing “each other. Even dancers ANTHONY AND KAFE were “lei-ing” some of the customers.
The dancers, both a compliment to the profession, walked around and engaged customers in conversation and then some! They were so friendly and approachable and when they danced they had everyone stopping and staring in awe. They were so in demand that while one danced on the boxes the other danced on the bar! The crowd loved them and I promise they will be back-look for those names and check them out!
An unexpected surprise was Antonio’s GUEST BARTENDER- JOVANNI ! OMG! The guy was breath-taking and sooo kind. He was courteous and knew what he was doing! This was his first time behind the bar, but handled it as if he was doing it for years, but looks too young for that to be true -very nice eye candy. Antonio wants to have guest bartenders as a feature to his parties in the future. Just a little extra eye candy for a special night!
Although the wonderful sounds of both John Rizzo and Lady Tita were GREATLY missed, Antonio Cedeno was able to find someone who brought new life to an old dance floor and that someone was guest DJ Billy Carroll. The crowd went wild for him and many came out just to hear his sounds! His improvisational skills were tested when the guest performing artist, Bianca Del Rio, ad-libbed an impromptu dance off contest. HYSTERICAL! Downstairs in what was turned in the TIKI lounge DJ LORANT was spinning. His sounds were incredible and brought a unique and much appreciated life to the downstairs lounge area.
But the star of the evening was the performance of Bianca Del Rio! Bianca Del Rio is the funniest and most natural performer I have seen in a Long, Long, Long time! I could have just watched her perform the whole night! Every line was funnier than the next! Feathers should grab this one and hold tight because she is going places. Think of Lisa Lampanelli in a gay bar-a riot! I believe Antonio is posting clips of the night’s event. PRICELESS! A shout out
All in all the night was amazing and shame on you if you weren’t there. Waking up alone this morning made me wonder if I made the right choice and then I got a text from Antonio thanking me for being there and I realized I did make the right choice! Hope to see you all at the Bachelor’s Auction on Friday! Let’s come out for a GREAT cause and make money for a worthy cause! I am also putting myself on the auction block so bring lots of singles..I think I am going for $11.95!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
AMBER DELIVERS
From the moment she stepped out onto the red carpet you knew something extraordinary was about to occur- and it did! AMBER arrived !!! With all the buildup I thought for sure it was just hype and not going to be so great- was I wrong. The event superseded anything I could have imagined. From the moment Antonio Cedeno presented the event and stood on the side like a nervous papa waiting for the birth of his first child, to her finale was the most memorable time I have spent at Feathers in quite a long time. Amber started with “If You Could Read My Mind” and midway through the number had the audience singing along with her. In fact she handed the mike to some of them! Imagine their thrill telling friends that they shared the mike with Amber! After the song the excitement and cheering rose to a new high at Feathers! People were stamping and screaming for more- and they got it…Side story; I used to always call the song “YES” the breast song. I DROVE LADY TITA (who was the DJ and tore the place up before, during and after! 10 thumbs up to her) crazy when it first came out and I wanted to find out the name, even when AMBER was booked I mentioned the “breast song” and everyone had no clue what I was talking about. Well, AMBER, herself, referred to “YES” as the “Breast song” –score for me! Everyone went insane when she sang, what I feel will always be her best and most memorable song! After the “Breast Song” she spoke to the audience and was so eloquent and humble. She stated her love for the gays and how without them there would be no AMBER. She was so appreciated and thankful! She allowed me to get to know her as a person and I liked her. Then it happened – she started to sing a Ballard with a familiar tone. It was pretty and as it went on the tune became clearer and the audience rose to the excitement! It was “SEXUAL” . Well no one expected it and when she picked up the beat the audience went right along with her! EXCELLENT! Great way to close the performance and the audience left satisfied!
But wait- I walk downstairs and what do I see? Amber is there doing a meet and greet. She chatted with all her fans and posed for pictures. It was like meeting the cast of “GLEE”! These guys were hanging all around and posing for pictures with the same grin a child posing with Santa has on their face! She sat down there until everyone was happy and then called an end to the evening- it was after 1am! What a night! Before closing I do want to send out a “shout out” to Feathers security! They were GREAT last night Larry, Rob and the rest ! Excellent job- it was noticed and appreciated! I don’t know how Antonio Cedeno, John Rizzo and Lady Tita is going to top this, but I am betting they will! I hear EVOLUTION Friday is hosting first rate stand up comedians!
But wait- I walk downstairs and what do I see? Amber is there doing a meet and greet. She chatted with all her fans and posed for pictures. It was like meeting the cast of “GLEE”! These guys were hanging all around and posing for pictures with the same grin a child posing with Santa has on their face! She sat down there until everyone was happy and then called an end to the evening- it was after 1am! What a night! Before closing I do want to send out a “shout out” to Feathers security! They were GREAT last night Larry, Rob and the rest ! Excellent job- it was noticed and appreciated! I don’t know how Antonio Cedeno, John Rizzo and Lady Tita is going to top this, but I am betting they will! I hear EVOLUTION Friday is hosting first rate stand up comedians!
Friday, July 9, 2010
EVOLUTION FRIDAY'S -CHANGE IS GOOD!
Evolution is just the change that Feathers needed on Friday night and should I be surprised that Antonio Cedeno was behind such a delightfully entertaining evening. This man is riding a wave that doesn’t seem to want to end. He has produced one hit party after another and is now reconstructing Friday nights and renamed them EVOLUTION- Embrace the past as you step into the future. Antonio promises that each Friday night will hold great entertainment, hot go-go boys and fun surprises. The parties will range from Wet Dream Strip contest to AC Drag Race.
The kick-off party will be next week, but tonight we were invited to a preview and what a preview it was! What the evening lacked in people, it made up is morale! Not only was John Rizzo kicking out one hot song after another, but DJ Julio had the downstairs lounge hotly hopping as well. The added treat was the frozen drink machine and bartender Eddie rose to the high volume occasion and had the drinks ready in record time- including whipped cream!
To introduce EVOLUTION to the public, Antonio single handedly was able to get three of the North Jersey’s finest female illusionist to not only appear on the same stage, but compete is a DRAG RACE ala RUPAUL. Guest judges included: I, Joey P (aka. Ginger Vitis) and Mara Malzone (owner of Karma Salon and Spa in Parsippany- check out the site, you may even get your hair done by Antonio himself!).
Antonio Cedeno, himself, introduced the show and played host. Chyna started the evening with the energetic sensuality that we have come to expect from her performance. She performed Madonna’s “Body of Evidence”- EXCELLENT JOB CHYNA!!!! She worked the walk way and the crowd winning them over before the end of the number. Next up was Tiffany Tiana,she was as gracious as usual with her flair for the dramatics by entering the stage from the audience. We were all pleasantly surprised and entertained. It has been a while since I have seen her perform and a lost smile found its way to my face as I watched her work her magic on the audience. Tiffany's stunning outfit included a dress that revealed a black and white feathery masterpiece. She remains the queen of Feathers Stage- always so poised, professional and proper. Lastly to compete was house favorite Tony Mona dressed as a very over-sized Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz”. He lighten up the evening with his off-color sense of humor, he proceeded to perform a song about a snatch to the tune of a “Wizard of Oz” song. Very entertaining! He used Eric, the hot new dancer, as a prop and NO ONE will forget the moves!
After the performers Antonio surprised them with a mix of songs that the performers we forced to perform. It was priceless to see the nerves take over their faces as they waited to hear what song Antonio was going to select next! The performers rose to the occasion and DJ John Rizzo had the WHOLE club dancing when he played “Dancing Queen”! What a night! Everyone had a GREAT time and next week’s party is being kept under wrap, but I can promise you if you show up you will have a great time!
PS…Tony Mona won the audience choice, but they all hugged and laughed and had a great time playing with the audience!
The kick-off party will be next week, but tonight we were invited to a preview and what a preview it was! What the evening lacked in people, it made up is morale! Not only was John Rizzo kicking out one hot song after another, but DJ Julio had the downstairs lounge hotly hopping as well. The added treat was the frozen drink machine and bartender Eddie rose to the high volume occasion and had the drinks ready in record time- including whipped cream!
To introduce EVOLUTION to the public, Antonio single handedly was able to get three of the North Jersey’s finest female illusionist to not only appear on the same stage, but compete is a DRAG RACE ala RUPAUL. Guest judges included: I, Joey P (aka. Ginger Vitis) and Mara Malzone (owner of Karma Salon and Spa in Parsippany- check out the site, you may even get your hair done by Antonio himself!).
Antonio Cedeno, himself, introduced the show and played host. Chyna started the evening with the energetic sensuality that we have come to expect from her performance. She performed Madonna’s “Body of Evidence”- EXCELLENT JOB CHYNA!!!! She worked the walk way and the crowd winning them over before the end of the number. Next up was Tiffany Tiana,she was as gracious as usual with her flair for the dramatics by entering the stage from the audience. We were all pleasantly surprised and entertained. It has been a while since I have seen her perform and a lost smile found its way to my face as I watched her work her magic on the audience. Tiffany's stunning outfit included a dress that revealed a black and white feathery masterpiece. She remains the queen of Feathers Stage- always so poised, professional and proper. Lastly to compete was house favorite Tony Mona dressed as a very over-sized Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz”. He lighten up the evening with his off-color sense of humor, he proceeded to perform a song about a snatch to the tune of a “Wizard of Oz” song. Very entertaining! He used Eric, the hot new dancer, as a prop and NO ONE will forget the moves!
After the performers Antonio surprised them with a mix of songs that the performers we forced to perform. It was priceless to see the nerves take over their faces as they waited to hear what song Antonio was going to select next! The performers rose to the occasion and DJ John Rizzo had the WHOLE club dancing when he played “Dancing Queen”! What a night! Everyone had a GREAT time and next week’s party is being kept under wrap, but I can promise you if you show up you will have a great time!
PS…Tony Mona won the audience choice, but they all hugged and laughed and had a great time playing with the audience!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
ANTONIO CEDENO PRESENTS CLUB FEATHER'S 32ND ANNIVERSARY
From the moment the party was announced the buzz began. I am mystified by the sky-rocketing success that these parties produced in such a short time! Club Feathers has a few geniuses within their mist and all I can say is “Ride the ride!”
Antonio Cedeno Presents Feathers 32nd Anniversary MOVIN’ UP Party and what a party it was! While most night clubs suffer from summer fever and weak week-ends this was not evident from the crowds that packed into Club Feathers to celebrate it 32nd Anniversary ala Antonio Cedeno style. The first sign of a special night in the making was seeing the Dee Jay AWARD WINNING real life couple John Rizzo and Lady Tita manning the lounge floor music system. Oldies, but goodies played through-out the night and the relaxed atmosphere created made it easy to hear requested songs as well as Dee Jay favorites. While Lady Tita dominated the music box, John Rizzo made himself available to customers and shared laughs and stories with all with-in ear shot. It was a great treat to be able to get to know the people behind the music as well as hear GREAT music! John Rizzo, himself, played an important part in last night’s event by bringing in the magnificent superstar DJ/Producer MIKE CRUZ and the incredible INAYA DAY!
MAGNIFICENT was the word for the night. Everyone performed up to expectations and then some. There was a swarm of people pushing to the front of the stage area during INAYA DAY’S performance. She laughed and told stories of her relationship with both DJ Mike Cruz and John Rizzo (Club Feathers has a diamond in John Rizzo and lately he has been shining at the events.)
Mike Cruz brought his signature style and sound that has made him a legend to Club Feathers dance floor. It was hard to get up the stairs and impossible to make your way to the back bar. Antonio found it hard to make his way around the club himself. “I am always amazed and the volume of people that show up! And everyone is having a GREAT time!” Antonio exclaimed as he worked his way to the go-go dancer’s stage and treated his guest with a show of his own.
Eddie, the manager, decorated the club in subtle yellow and black accessories to tie in with the Official GRINDR launch party also presented at the 32nd Anniversary Party. (Only Eddie could find flowers to match-Sunflowers, who would have thought.)www.GRINDR.com is a new dating service offered to the Gay community- check it out.
While all these new and exciting changes are occurring to Club Feathers it was a treat, and a pat on Antonio Cedeno’s shoulder, when the hostess of the nights festivity was the incomparable and notorious Ms. TONY MONA, who returned after a LONG year long absence. Mona was welcomed with thunderous applause and hit the audience with Pink’s “SO WHAT”. I applaud Antonio for not only bringing the club into the 21st century, but for also remembering the clubs past. I asked Mona how she felt being back, “It’s like I never left! Home is home and that is what Feathers is to a lot of people.” Antonio knows that and is determined to preserve the feeling, but redecorate the set up.
Antonio will begin on JULY 2nd when he takes over the Friday night party scene at Club Feathers and what a night he has planned! EVOLUTION---an Antonio Cedeno production…Evolution is the progression of time and energy. See what time and energy has done to the club scene, from pole dancing burlesque to wet dream jock contest. “I have a long list of hot entertainers that want a platform to present their unique talent. Friday nights will be like no other night because each week you will see a progressive change! Customers can participate or just stand back and enjoy. It’s all about the people.” There will be guest bartenders serving up special drinks and guest DJ’s playing to impress. Antonio, himself, will serve as the host of the evening and welcomes not only comments and suggestions, but friendly conversations with all!
Antonio Cedeno Presents Feathers 32nd Anniversary MOVIN’ UP Party and what a party it was! While most night clubs suffer from summer fever and weak week-ends this was not evident from the crowds that packed into Club Feathers to celebrate it 32nd Anniversary ala Antonio Cedeno style. The first sign of a special night in the making was seeing the Dee Jay AWARD WINNING real life couple John Rizzo and Lady Tita manning the lounge floor music system. Oldies, but goodies played through-out the night and the relaxed atmosphere created made it easy to hear requested songs as well as Dee Jay favorites. While Lady Tita dominated the music box, John Rizzo made himself available to customers and shared laughs and stories with all with-in ear shot. It was a great treat to be able to get to know the people behind the music as well as hear GREAT music! John Rizzo, himself, played an important part in last night’s event by bringing in the magnificent superstar DJ/Producer MIKE CRUZ and the incredible INAYA DAY!
MAGNIFICENT was the word for the night. Everyone performed up to expectations and then some. There was a swarm of people pushing to the front of the stage area during INAYA DAY’S performance. She laughed and told stories of her relationship with both DJ Mike Cruz and John Rizzo (Club Feathers has a diamond in John Rizzo and lately he has been shining at the events.)
Mike Cruz brought his signature style and sound that has made him a legend to Club Feathers dance floor. It was hard to get up the stairs and impossible to make your way to the back bar. Antonio found it hard to make his way around the club himself. “I am always amazed and the volume of people that show up! And everyone is having a GREAT time!” Antonio exclaimed as he worked his way to the go-go dancer’s stage and treated his guest with a show of his own.
Eddie, the manager, decorated the club in subtle yellow and black accessories to tie in with the Official GRINDR launch party also presented at the 32nd Anniversary Party. (Only Eddie could find flowers to match-Sunflowers, who would have thought.)www.GRINDR.com is a new dating service offered to the Gay community- check it out.
While all these new and exciting changes are occurring to Club Feathers it was a treat, and a pat on Antonio Cedeno’s shoulder, when the hostess of the nights festivity was the incomparable and notorious Ms. TONY MONA, who returned after a LONG year long absence. Mona was welcomed with thunderous applause and hit the audience with Pink’s “SO WHAT”. I applaud Antonio for not only bringing the club into the 21st century, but for also remembering the clubs past. I asked Mona how she felt being back, “It’s like I never left! Home is home and that is what Feathers is to a lot of people.” Antonio knows that and is determined to preserve the feeling, but redecorate the set up.
Antonio will begin on JULY 2nd when he takes over the Friday night party scene at Club Feathers and what a night he has planned! EVOLUTION---an Antonio Cedeno production…Evolution is the progression of time and energy. See what time and energy has done to the club scene, from pole dancing burlesque to wet dream jock contest. “I have a long list of hot entertainers that want a platform to present their unique talent. Friday nights will be like no other night because each week you will see a progressive change! Customers can participate or just stand back and enjoy. It’s all about the people.” There will be guest bartenders serving up special drinks and guest DJ’s playing to impress. Antonio, himself, will serve as the host of the evening and welcomes not only comments and suggestions, but friendly conversations with all!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
What I Did For Love
What I Did For Love…(A CHORUS LINE)
Kiss today good-bye, the sweetness and the sorrow.
When I started writing the blog about Feathers history it was my own way of holding on to the past and not allowing anyone else to take it from me. My memories had to be the ultimate memories, my ideas had to be the ones remembered and etched in stone. I did a disservice to anyone who found hope and a home in those broken down four walls.
Look my eyes are dry; the gift was ours to borrow.
Last night I was eating breakfast at 2 AM with an old customer from my bar days. We were chatting in a way that only “tipsy” people can understand, half sentences that at the time make perfect sense, but in the morning you cannot for the life of you remember what the hell you were talking about!
He kept talking about Feathers being a second home and I kept arguing that it’s not! And he kept trying to convince me that it was and I kept trying to convince him that it wasn’t. Then the light went on, three hours after I left him and I realized I have no right to tell people what something should mean to them. If they find comfort in a bar-it’s theirs and not mine to take away.
FLASHBACK…I remember after my mom died I tried to find comfort in the church and I just couldn’t. I hated GOD and wanted everyone to hate him with me! I begged him not to take my mom, but he did. He left me alone…I went into the church and saw these people praying the rosary, young and old; I wanted to scream at them “GOD doesn’t listen to you! You are wasting your time!”
Then I looked closer and saw the calmness in their faces and the silences of their souls, I also saw the reflection of my anger and hate in the gold plated cross and thought to myself, “Who am I to take that peace away from them?” I walked out of the church with my anger and allowed them their peace.
Who am I to take the home away from people who party at a bar? I had my time at the bar and the bar was for me what it was supposed to be…a bridge to take me to the next level of my life. Imagine moving into a house and having the old owners telling you where they put their items and expecting you to do the same. That’s how I feel about memories, they’re a nice place to visit, but you shouldn’t get caught up in them.
Gone, Love is Never Gone. As we travel on- Love’s what we remember.
I may look back and remember Randy, Peter and A.J. as the best Dee- Jay’s in the world and today you have Lady Tita, John Rizzo and Steve Sidewalk . Do they take places, no. They are their own individuals allowed to lay claim to their moments in time and their moments are today!
Our show posters were block letters with dried out markers, not Scott Barrow’s masterpieces! ( I think everyone should encourage him to create a yearly Feathers Calendar! I also think Antonio Cedeno Presents should follow suit)
Back in the day the high-light of a party was a carnation boutonnière, today “Antonio Cedeno Presents” imports celebrities and the top tri-state performances and dancers. Whose memories are better? I have been avoiding Antonio because he wants to discuss the history of Feathers and I think the history in now-today. Feathers isn’t about what it was, but what it is..It’s going to have different meanings to different people. To hold on to the past is denying it a future. The future belongs to the new customers with new ideas and new images.
Kiss today good-bye and point me towards tomorrow…
I hope to see you all at the 32nd Anniversary party (June 19) so we can make new memories and twenty years from now say, “ Remember Feathers 32nd Anniversary Party..Ahhh , that’s when Feathers was hot!”
Won’t forget, can’t regret what I did for love.
PS….I went to the diner last night with an old customer last night, but left with a new friend…This is for you Rico.
Kiss today good-bye, the sweetness and the sorrow.
When I started writing the blog about Feathers history it was my own way of holding on to the past and not allowing anyone else to take it from me. My memories had to be the ultimate memories, my ideas had to be the ones remembered and etched in stone. I did a disservice to anyone who found hope and a home in those broken down four walls.
Look my eyes are dry; the gift was ours to borrow.
Last night I was eating breakfast at 2 AM with an old customer from my bar days. We were chatting in a way that only “tipsy” people can understand, half sentences that at the time make perfect sense, but in the morning you cannot for the life of you remember what the hell you were talking about!
He kept talking about Feathers being a second home and I kept arguing that it’s not! And he kept trying to convince me that it was and I kept trying to convince him that it wasn’t. Then the light went on, three hours after I left him and I realized I have no right to tell people what something should mean to them. If they find comfort in a bar-it’s theirs and not mine to take away.
FLASHBACK…I remember after my mom died I tried to find comfort in the church and I just couldn’t. I hated GOD and wanted everyone to hate him with me! I begged him not to take my mom, but he did. He left me alone…I went into the church and saw these people praying the rosary, young and old; I wanted to scream at them “GOD doesn’t listen to you! You are wasting your time!”
Then I looked closer and saw the calmness in their faces and the silences of their souls, I also saw the reflection of my anger and hate in the gold plated cross and thought to myself, “Who am I to take that peace away from them?” I walked out of the church with my anger and allowed them their peace.
Who am I to take the home away from people who party at a bar? I had my time at the bar and the bar was for me what it was supposed to be…a bridge to take me to the next level of my life. Imagine moving into a house and having the old owners telling you where they put their items and expecting you to do the same. That’s how I feel about memories, they’re a nice place to visit, but you shouldn’t get caught up in them.
Gone, Love is Never Gone. As we travel on- Love’s what we remember.
I may look back and remember Randy, Peter and A.J. as the best Dee- Jay’s in the world and today you have Lady Tita, John Rizzo and Steve Sidewalk . Do they take places, no. They are their own individuals allowed to lay claim to their moments in time and their moments are today!
Our show posters were block letters with dried out markers, not Scott Barrow’s masterpieces! ( I think everyone should encourage him to create a yearly Feathers Calendar! I also think Antonio Cedeno Presents should follow suit)
Back in the day the high-light of a party was a carnation boutonnière, today “Antonio Cedeno Presents” imports celebrities and the top tri-state performances and dancers. Whose memories are better? I have been avoiding Antonio because he wants to discuss the history of Feathers and I think the history in now-today. Feathers isn’t about what it was, but what it is..It’s going to have different meanings to different people. To hold on to the past is denying it a future. The future belongs to the new customers with new ideas and new images.
Kiss today good-bye and point me towards tomorrow…
I hope to see you all at the 32nd Anniversary party (June 19) so we can make new memories and twenty years from now say, “ Remember Feathers 32nd Anniversary Party..Ahhh , that’s when Feathers was hot!”
Won’t forget, can’t regret what I did for love.
PS….I went to the diner last night with an old customer last night, but left with a new friend…This is for you Rico.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
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