The theme for this year’s infamous Black Party in New York has been announced: ‘Un-Holi Rites XXXV: A Ruined Paradise’. Held on the weekend closest to the vernal equinox (March 22nd-23rd), this massive highlight in New York’s gay calendar is famed the world over for its stellar production, incredible atmosphere and majestic scope, and here at QX we wanted to get a bigger bite of the Black Party apple, by speaking to Creative Producer Stephen Pevner.
Tell us a little about yourself and The Saint At Large.
The Saint At Large is a descendant of the legendary gay nightclub The Saint, which was opened in New York’s East Village in 1981. The club really helped revolutionize nightlife by upping the game with a level of production and scale that many say hasn’t been matched before or since. After the closing of The Saint in 1987, its owner Bruce Mailman founded The Saint At Large through which many of its parties – like The Black Party – continue to be produced. I came on board as executive producer in 1995.
Why do you think The Black Party has been so successful?
I’d have to say it’s the level of production established by our forebears at The Saint that’s responsible for the party’s success and reputation. Living in New York we’ve been very lucky to be able to work with some of the best in the business over the years – DJs, lighting designers and performers. But I also think it has to do with when it’s thrown. By tradition the party is held on the Saturday closest to the Vernal Equinox so it’s a spring celebration – a bacchanal. Our use of the term “Rites” refers to Rite Of Spring. By nature, people really want to party and celebrate and let loose after a long winter. Over the years The Black Party has come to serve that purpose for New York’s gay community.
Why have you chosen the Roseland Ballroom as your venue?
Roseland is a landmark in New York. It’s a really magical place. It was built in the 1920s as a roller rink and transformed into a legendary “ballroom” in the 30s. For more than 90 years it’s remained one of the largest in-door venues in the city for concerts, special events and, in our case, dance parties. After the closing of the Saint, The Black Party was held at a few different venues until in 1991 it found a home at Roseland. The party has been there ever since. This is the party’s 24th year there. Needless to say there have been a lot of memories made over the year – as well as some scandalous moments. People in New York are sad to see it close. There’s a lot of anticipation around this year’s party since it’s the last at Roseland. If you’ve never had a chance to experience Roseland or The Black Party, this would certainly be a year to do it.
What kind of music can we expect?
Since the party itself is 18+ hours long, we structure the music along the lines of a 5-act opera. Over the years, our production has been elevated to the point where we are able to create a narrative arc to the party via our theatrics, lighting but, most importantly, the music. The soundtrack transitions between progressive acid arab, techno, tribal, tribal house, deep house, disco and sleaze.
What was your thinking when booking the DJs and acts? Which ones are you personally really excited about?
We had a couple of criteria for picking the DJs this year: since the party will be transitioning to a new home, we wanted to be sure that any names we hired this year, would be appropriate next year. In other words, the music should be relevant looking forward as opposed to nostalgic about the past. We also didn’t want to repeat any of our previous DJs in the same slot that they had played before. I tend to hit the dancefloor around 10am when there’s a bit more room to move and I am typically the last man standing.
And finally, what are you going to be wearing on the night?
A smile, I hope.
• The Black Party is at the Roseland Ballroom, 239 West 52nd Street, New York, USA. From 10pm Saturday 22nd March until the afternoon of Sunday 23rd March. For ticket information contact [email protected]
