Keeping it Küte

Locations

Joey Israel, Epiphany, DJ Xavier, Matty Maggiacomo & Joey Murray
 
Sunday night in New York is the quintessential party night. It’s the day of the week when the Bridge-and-Tunnelers stay home, the white-collared professionals hole up in their apartments and the true party queens hit the street for drinking, dancing and heavy flirtation. So it is no small accomplishment that producers Franco DiLuzio and Mark Lander’s week-ending offering, Küte, has held strong for two long years, braving the recession, layoffs and bad winters to come out the other end smiling brighter than ever—thanks largely to the party’s signature photo booth. We chatted up three of Küte’s hosts, Matty Maggiacomo, Joey Murray and Epiphany as well as the night’s lone DJ, Xavier, to get the inside scoop on the last two years, the party’s big anniversary celebration and the year to come.
 
First off, what does Küte mean?
Joey Murray: I think Küte is a way of behaving.
Epiphany: It’s basically a mentality of acceptance. A laid-back attitude all while in the company of hotties!
 
What has made Küte so popular amongst other nightlife offerings, especially on Sundays?
E: We combine the beautiful Chelsea boys, Xavier’s funky beats, drag shows and Broadway performances that are very relevant and cultural. You won’t find that diversity anywhere else.
 
But is Küte a party only for the Chelsea crowd?
Matty Maggiacomo: The crowd includes everyone: young professionals, fashionistas, drag queens, Chelsea boys…the list goes on and on. They best thing about Küte is there is not one type that frequents this party. It is really a party for everyone.
 
Why is Sunday night in New York big for parties? It’s a school night!
Xavier: Friday and Saturday are the more touristy nights. Sunday is when the real New York is in swing.
JM: [It] takes the edge off of the week, celebrating the week that has ended and the week yet to come.
 
Is the music an important part of Küte?
X: Absolutely! I do my best every week to make sure that not one person is left without having [shaken their booty] a little to my music.
 
The hosts are an eclectic group of people. How did everyone get involved in the party?
E: The genius team of Franco DiLuzio and Mark Lander sought us all out. Their brilliant vision of diversity shows.
 
Does everyone get along?
JM: We’re family.
E: Our differences are what make it a fun party.
 
What can we except to happen at the two-year anniversary party?
MM: Surprise, surprise, surprise. Just make sure to dress your “kütest”—there will be a lot of photos taken.
 
Speaking of, where did the idea for the photo booth come from?
JM: Franco and Mark wanted to capture the fun and excitement of the event as well as the diversity of the clientele and then use these images to promote the party. Not only are the photos used for advertisements but I have even seen people use photo booth images on their Facebook pages—so it must be working!
 
What does Küte Year 3 have in store?
E: There have been some incredible Broadway performances lately and you can expect more talent, bigger drag numbers and legions of hot guys!    N
 
Küte celebrates its two-year anniversary on January 17 at g Lounge (225 W 19th St, 212-929-1085). Visit www.gLounge.com for more info.