Gay City Rewind

Robert Maril and Austin Helms
 
It’s no secret that the ’70s are dead, but an obsession with the era’s liberating and attitude-free scene has long since remained. One such example is the team of self-proclaimed party boys Robert Maril, 29, and Austin Helms, 26, co-founders of 21st Century Life, a nightlife promotional company that looks to bring a new wave of throwback parties to a new generation. Working by day as an opera singer and an admissions counselor, respectively, the pair enjoyed recent success at West Village dive Boots & Saddle with Paradise Lost, and are riding their success up to the Ritz with their newest endeavor, Confession. The boys shared their hedonistic vibe and explained how they plan to let you enjoy shirtless men and mimosas.
 
How did 21 Century Life get started?
Austin Helms:  Robert and I have been friends for year [and] we go to the same bars and clubs. One evening, we were talking about nightlife and what we were missing—particularly in the West Village.
Robert Maril: We wanted to throw a banging party at a nearly forgotten West Village bar. 21st Century Life is an umbrella organization that came about after we discovered that we love doing this and wanted to expand.
 
Tell us about Paradise Lost.
RM: Paradise Lost takes its name from the legendary nightclub Paradise Garage, which was located just down the street from Boots & Saddle. It’s intended to be a throwback to the hedonistic ’70s, not just in music but in attitude. There was a sense of camaraderie and sexual freedom that is all but lost today. We want Paradise Lost to be a place you feel comfortable going to in snow boots and stripping down to your underwear—whether or not you have worked-out pecs.
 
But Boots & Saddle?
AH: Boots & Saddle [was] our first choice because it’s the third-oldest gay bar in the city; it’s been around for 35 years. It was on Christopher Street when the West Village was in its heyday and we wanted to honor that history.
 
Why has the party has been so successful?
AH: I feel like people have really latched on to the attitude of inclusiveness we’ve worked to create. I know it sounds silly, but it’s honestly just a good time with no attitude. That’s what we all want, right?
 
Do you think the West Village gets a bum rap?
AH: Totally, it’s a real shame. Everything that gay people in their 20s and 30s know about their culture and history started in the West Village.  We think that Greenwich Village should be a place our community should reclaim as its own. Hopefully, we can bring the attention back to where it all began.
 
Okay, tell us about your new party, Confession.
RM: The idea for Confession was born over brunch—literally! We were sitting with friends bemoaning the fact that we all wanted to go dancing somewhere together right then. Confession is based on the idea of a traditional Tea Dance—you show up at 3pm or 4pm, drink, dance, meet some hot new guys and can still be in bed at a decent hour.
 
How has working with Who’s Next 2010 Dallas DuBois been?
AH: Dallas has been a friend of mine for two years now. She’s mainly there to make sure everybody’s having a good time. She’s an amazing performer and a wonderful person and I think she’s definitely on the front lines of the new drag culture that’s springing up.
 
So with all this love for the Village, how did you end up at The Ritz?
RM: The Ritz was always at top of our list because of what it offers—prime location, gorgeous space, a kicking sound system and a hot staff.    N
 
Join hosts Austin Helms, Robert Maril and Dallas DuBois for the debut of Confession on February 28 at The Ritz (369 W 46th St, 212-333-4177). Visit 21stCenturyLife.biz for more info.