When we all watched in horror as the economy was going to Hell in a trillion-dollar handbag this October, I wasn’t sure if the Circuit could continue. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure if anything besides basic survival could continue.
But adversity has been with us in the Circuit community for a while, and we have proven that we are made of tougher stuff. Since the economic downturn after 2001, Circuit parties have already streamlined away from the excesses of the 1990s. The scene has been growing steadily stronger, and saw a modest rebirth in 2006 that has continued through 2007.
But it’s tough to go dancing all weekend if one is standing in a breadline after losing one’s home and car.
For most of us, thank God, things have not sunk as low as we had initially feared. Circuit children are still ready to cut the rug even as they cut back on other frills.
We are hearing reports of lively crowds, less messiness and a return to the original spirit of the Circuit: sensuality in the spirit of community unity, and celebration in service to the less fortunate.
2008: Holding Our Own
This doesn’t mean that everything is sweetness and light.
Nevertheless, 2008 had some bright spots. Dallas Purple was bigger than ever. White Party-Miami was well attended, as was Disney One Mighty Weekend and Miami Winter Party. Toronto Prism was fantastic. Among his fabulous Alegria parties, Ric Sena pimped out his Halloween event as a bling-extravagangsta. Even the little bitty Qualia fundraisers in Columbus, Ohio hit record numbers last May.
Hey, push us in a corner, and we never fail to give you fierceness.
Halloween’s In New Orleans had a stunning array of costumes for their 25th anniversary, even more extravagant than in previous years. The electronic music phenomenon known as Winter Music Conference featured a whole slew of Circuit-related events, overshadowed by the massive Straight-oriented parties, but Gay DJs still held their own.
2009: We Just Wanna Fuckin’ Dance
The Circuit community is pulling its own version of Jennifer Holiday/Hudson: And we’re telling you, we’re not going! Away, that is, because we will still go cross-country to work the dance floor.
Three new parties have just popped up, all with the same name. There will be Temptation parties launched by Tempt Magazine in Las Vegas (January 8), San Francisco (March 25), and a completely unrelated party in Eilat in Israel (March 19).
Speaking of international, look for Mighty Asia in Bangkok, Sydney Mardi Gras, Cape Town Gay Pride, Montreal Bal des Boys/Bal en Blanc, Barcelona Circuit Festival and all kinds of parties throughout Europe. Looks like Toronto Prism will be back as well.
Regular parties will return. White Party-Palm Springs, Houston Jungle, Dallas Purple, NYC Black Party, One Mighty Weekend, P-Town Independence, Southern Decadence, Halloween’s New Orleans, and White Party-Miami have all confirmed they will be back. We are still awaiting word from DC Cherry and Montreal Black and Blue.
Bigger Is Better
But the real show-stopper for 2009 will be the Friday night of Miami Winter Party (February 27).
It’s called the Five-Ring Circuit, featuring 11 DJs in 5 rooms from 9 PM-6 AM. Produced by Johnny Chisholm and JustCircuit .com, this event flings a show in the face of the recession with utterly Gay extravagance and an over-the-big-top circus theme.
So, for those of us who sigh about the good old days, looks like the best of times is now.
There are so many reasons to be optimistic since November 4. Together, we can make 2009 the year the Circuit, America and the world get their acts together.
