Nubian Dreams Lounge Sails Off

They always say that the first one is the hardest. Well this was no exception. The weather forecast for the weekend was dire. Snow, rain, and hail. That's the way the news played it up, like it was going to be the blizzard of the year. Well, thank God over 150 special people threw caution to the wind and braved the elements to not only attend the launch of the Nubian Dreams Lounge but also to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Nubian Dreams co-founder, James Saunders.

The evening began with music/video wall showing images of the Carnival Miracle Ship as well as events that James and Laurence have produced over the years. It showed the audience what they could expect onboard the upcoming Nubian Dreams Cruise, which will depart New York City on October 8-16, 2008. It was followed by entertainment hosted by ButtaFlySoul, an amazing talent. Next up followed a full show by the legendary comedienne, Tammy Peay. Although Butta and Tammy met for the first time that night they performed magic together. So much so that they are putting together a special routine for the next Nubian Dreams lounge which is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2008, at the Taj Lounge - 48 W. 21st Street in NYC. More about that later.

The music pumped, first by the secret sounds of DJ Calvin Smith, who in my opinion is one of the most under-rated DJ's in NYC. He was followed by DJ Poison Ivy, who kicked too. She will be back next month as our special guest DJ for the evening. Bringing an end to the 5pm - 10pm party was the legendary DJ Fred Pierce, the longtime partner and friend of James.

Wow...I could write for hours, but I can't right now. In the next few days we will be bring you pictures and videos of the event. Mark your calendars for the next Nubian Dreams Lounge on Sunday, January 27.

Special thanks go out to so many people, but I will just name a few here. To my girl Alexis, our promoter partner, who came out, even though she had so many other personal obligations that she sacrificed to be there. My boy, Greg, who walked in the freezing cold to take care of an emergency for us. Our traveling partner, Jerry T., who picked up some slack and give out the Nubian Dreams promotional material. The staff of Taj Lounge, who welcomed us with open arms. I have worked many venues all over the world and never have I been treated better...not even at Caesars Palace. Next Magazine, for sending their photographer to document this special evening. The event would not have been a success without the audience showing up with a great attitude, wearing the name tags and being open to networking. The women came out in force, too. They especially appreciated the special "Go Magazine" lounge, located on the mezzanine of this wonderful space.

We had long ago decided that we wanted to make the opening event something special and to be free to guests, however we also thought it would be great to offer an opportunity for our guests to give to a worthy organization in need. On Friday evening before the event we thought about MCCNY Homeless Shelter. They do wonderful work housing the homeless teens who have nowhere else to go. We got in touch with the Executive Director. Within one hour they graciously accepted our offer of support and committed to send two volunteers down to collect donations. That night our guests gave generously to the tune of $586.00!!!!!.

As a token of appreciation with the help of two wonderful people, photographer Ripp Bowman, who donated two lovely photo posters from his collection, and the skillful massage art of Mkuno, who donated a 15-minute massage to those who donated $15.00 of more. Thanks guys for caring.Look forward to our upcoming posts with pictures and more commentary.

Nubian Dreams is produced by: JS Marketing Group, LLC Sponsored by:Home Box Office, Next Magazine, Clik Magazine Bleu Magazine, Go Magazine, BGM NewsAffiliates: Sizzle Miami 08, Sizzle Miami Her 08, Gay Happenings, Chocolate City Fest, LGBT Bahia GuideWith our promoter partners around the world.