Sweetie @ Rare

Review and Photos by Brianna Austin

t was about 1:30 am when I finally arrived at RARE 416 West 14th St NYC, to attend Sweeties newest party scene called "Star Tartare". I was a huge fan of her last party, at Parkside Lounge on East Houston Street, and looked forward to see this new space.

As I walked down the stairs and entered into a good sized bar area, then walked through to the adjoining room with the JD booth and stage, I immediately noticed that RARE had a cool vibe about it. Beyond that room there was also a smaller area were people could engage in conversation, as well as find the restrooms.

Brandon and friend

The dark red walls and zebra patterned stools and couches, gave the place an almost beatnik trendy feel to it. But after about a minute or so I knew I was at a Sweetie party, it's the people. An eclectic group of gay men and women, straight people - yes they still exist - drag queens and tranny's. But more than just the mix of different people is a common mood of live, let live and have fun. There never seems to be any pretense with the crowd that Sweetie draws, which for me, is what makes this party so much fun.

When there is not a performance on stage (usually twice a night), SammyJo is spinning hot dance music. Tonight there was a performance by "potty mouth gangsta rap chicks "AVENUE D, who I only saw the last few seconds of their show, but looked great judging by their energy and the crowds reaction. Sweetie did her lip synch, which she is well known for, and asked everyone in the audience to donate at least $5 for our friend Kelly Webb who lost everything in a fire Thanksgiving night. It was great to drop my money on the stage and turn to see a line of people filing to the stage one by one.

All in all, this is one of the best parties in town to come as you are, be who want to be without anyone questioning why. Gay, straight, trannie, guys, girls whatever, it's all good here.