Labor of Love

Day ’N’ Nite - Matinée’s debut during Gay Pride had boys partying under the sun and the moon
 
When 26-year-old Boston import Jake Resnicow first met mega-club owner Tommy Marinelli, he knew he wanted to work with him. After several pitches for parties and events, Resnicow suggested they bring the decadent mixed dance party Matinée—a phenomenon in Europe—to New York. Marinelli was into the idea, and after a whirlwind of work they pulled off Matinée’s debut on Governors Island during Gay Pride Weekend. The party was a hit, with over 4,000 revelers in attendance.
 
Now with a contract for five more New York Matinée parties, Resnicow and Marinelli, along with superstar promoter Rob Fernandez, are ready to prove Matinée can change the look, sound and feel of New York nightlife with their Fashion White Party (La Leche Festival) on Labor Day weekend. We chatted with the team about what we can expect from the second Matinée.
 
You made it happen! Matinée debuted in New York! What has been the response to the party been like?
Jake Resnicow: The event surpassed [my] expectations. I wanted to bring something new and refreshing to New York nightlife—to raise the bar and make it a total experience. We’re just getting started.
 
Okay, then let’s talk about this new Matinée party. What will be different on Labor Day weekend from the Pride weekend party?
JR: Matinée Pride was a preview of sorts. The Fashion White Party promises a tighter, more lavish production and even more spectacular shows. We’re pulling out all the stops with an unparalleled array of DJs, visuals, décor, performers and fierce fashion.
Tommy Marinelli: There are going to be several “wow” moments that are going to [have] you talking for weeks.
 
So there will be a fashion element?
RF: Our event is just one week before New York Fashion Week and we’re going to give you a fashion event. It’s also your last chance to wear white before Labor Day so you better make it count.
 
Explain the white party element to it?   
RF: La Leche—meaning “milk” in Spanish—is Matinée’s famous White Party from Barcelona and Ibiza.
 
You are returning to Governors Island. What makes that location so unique?
JR: The Beach at Governors Island is the most spectacular venue in New York. As the sun goes down, get ready for a full-tilt aural and visual experience, with the spectacular New York City skyline looking on.
 
And who will be spinning?
TM: Our Matinée New York Resident DJ Theresa will be back to kick off the night. She’s like no other DJ—the way she plays live percussion while she spins. Then, DJ J.Louis will make his New York debut. He’s released more than 15 albums for the Matinée Group [the owners of the Matinée party brand] and is considered the pioneer of the Matinée sound.
 
Matinée parties are known around the world for their performances. Rumor has it Mary J. Bilge was suppose to show at Pride. What happened?
TM: In the end, it proved to be a blessing in disguise. Andrea Carnell performed her hit “Open Up Your Heart” and her performance flowed seamlessly. The party was about Matinée’s debut in New York City.
 
And this time?
TM: We do have a very big surprise in the works. We are committed to bringing truly cutting-edge talent.
 
Big dance parties have been failing for years. What makes Matinée different?
JR: We are keeping prices reasonable. You can’t beat a $44 advance ticket for a mega-production on Governors Island. [The time slot] is also a new model. Not everyone wants to party into the morning. Finally, the Matinée formula is about high-production values and a cool, sexy sound.
 
Do you think pleasing New York crowds is easier or harder than pleasing European crowds?
JR: New Yorkers represent the best of the best from all around the world. [They] expect more. And we’ve been working around the clock to give you an experience on September 5 that will blow your mind.     N
 
Matinée presents the Fashion White Party (LaLeche Festival) on Sunday, September 5 from 6pm–midnight on Governors Island. Visit MatineeNewYork.com for more info.